Dundee, Scotland

Dundee (in Scottish Gaelic Dùn Dèagh) is the fourth largest city in Scotland. It lies on the north bank of the River Tay (Firth of Tay, on the east coast of Scotland, the North Sea).

The city's history dates back to the beginnings of the Iron Age and is connected with the people of the Picts. In the Middle Ages it was the site of many events of historical importance. During the Industrial Revolution, the jute industry developed. Dundee also became famous for journalism orange marmolade produced here on an industrial scale. Thanks gained the nickname of the city of jute, jam and journalism.

The Granite City of Aberdeen

I'm currently in Aberdeen, which looks great in the snow. Later on I'll be travelling thoughout Aberdeenshire, I hope the roads are not completely snowed in!

Aberdeen is located at the mouth of the rivers Don and Dee in Scotland. It is the seat of the county Aberdeenshire, and the administrative centre of the Grampian region. It is a large fishing port (mainly herring and salmon), a service center for oil rigs and pipelines in the North Sea, shipbuilding, machinery, chemicals, and granite quarries. The town's development is linked to the exploitation of crude oil from the bed of the North Sea.

The major part of the older buildings in Aberdeen is built of granite, which is why it is called the Granite City. The most important landmarks include the old buildings of the university (est. 1494) and the early-gothic granite cathedral  of St. Machar (XIV century). The historic chapel and buildings of the King's College and Marishall College date back to the XVI century.

The Scottish Highlands

The Scottish Highlands (A 'Ghàidhealtachd) is a mountainous region of northern Scotland, including the Caledonian and Grampian Mountines.

The region located on the northwest coast of Scotland, is one of the least densely populated in Europe. The Highlands are diverisfied by many lakes (lochs), so differnt to the Lowlands in the South. The nearby islands are also part of the Highlands.

In the late Middle Ages the dominant language in the Highlands was Celtic Gaelic, unlike in the south of Scotland, where the predominant language was Lowland Scots or German Lallans.

Inverness, Scotland

So here I am in Inverness, the gateway to the Scottish Highlands. The weather is getting rough, so I hope I'll be able to travel around the Highlands safely. But for now I'm in Inerness, staying at a decent backpackers hostel.

Inverness is a lovely city, situated on the river Ness and obviously just by the famous lake Loch Ness. I'll spend the next few days in the area of Loch Ness and visit Fort Augustus. Inverness looks like a miniature of Edinburgh to me. Similar style of the buildings and nice athmosphere. You can barely feel that you are much more north. The Scottish accent is different from the Edinburgh accent though and as I've heard it gets softer as you go north.

Edinburgh, Scotland

I decided to extend my trip to Scotland, so here am I - just about to leave Edinburgh and head to the north. Edinburgh is an amazing city, I would consider living here after the university. Well, maybe the weather isn't perfect, but you just can't have everything!

In the very centre of the city there is this amazingly dramatic Castle. It sits on a huge rock and can be visible from many places around Edinburgh. The Old Town is basically the Royal Mile street which is beautiful and historic. Then you have the New Town which is very tasteful and the apartments are just what you've seen in "The Shallow Grave" Movie.

The nightlife is pretty good, not as hectic as in London and you don't have to stand in long lines to get into a club. All in all a great city!

Long expected visit

Great news! My good friend Teodoro just arrived in London! He's going to spend a few days here as a start of his trip around Europe. On Monday we're heading to Scotland for a week and then he's heading to Ireland and me back to London.

Happy times, its' great to travel around with a fellow blogger. You can check out his blog at Teodoro Travel Blog. We'll try not to write the same stuff during our trip:)

Facebook Pages in Portuguese

So its all set! I mean nothing is set, but I have decided to travel to Brasil this winter. We're at the stage of looking at flights, which are of course not cheap. But it's defiantely worth it, as we're going to Brasil for the whole month. And around the Carnival season! Wooohoooo!!

I've decided to practise my non-existent Portuguese. Bought a phrase book, but just can't get to it. And since I'm a Facebook maniac I decided to look for some Facebook Pages in Portuguese. At least I can "like" them and receive some updates in Portuguese from time to time. I found a great website, which gave me an overview of the best Facebook Pages in Portuguese. It's called FanPageRanking.com and their Portuguese ranking is here. Really very useful, especially because I don't really know (yet!) what those pages are really about:)

Brasil

A friend of mine has decided to go to Brasil during the Carnival of 2011. I could come along as long as I can aford it. That would be really awesome. Peter, this friend of mine, is going to spend 3 weeks just travelling around Brasil. He's flying to Sao Paulo and finishing off in Rio de Janeiro. I'm really tempted to join him on this trip. As a student I don't really have to worry about taking the time off. I mean, I work part time, but that won't be a problem. I could probbaly save up enough money to go to Brasil. Well, I suppose if I cut down on partying and actaully focus on my studies, that wouldn't do me any harm! Well, I have to think about it... or actually I have already made up my mind!