I’ve been in bonnie Scotland a scant two days now, and I’m just getting so I recognize the native language as English. I frequently find myself listening to the locals speak and relishing the sound of the delicious thick accents – only to realize that I have no bloody clue as to what they are saying. Still, it’s great to listen to.

I’ve also discovered that this is not an inexpensive place to be. Despite the pound trading at about $1.85, prices here would be typical of an even exchange rate. So you’re paying almost twice as much for everything. Thank goodness for expense accounts.

And in case you’re interested, Scotland does follow my global rule of beer. That is, you can only get a decent brew in a country where it’s cold. Despite how good a cold beer tastes on a hot day, more tropical climes just can’t seem to pull off a palatable bucket of suds. It’s cold here. And keeping to form, there are many good beers, ales, and lagers to sample. And since some of the beers here qualify as a self-standing meal, you can write those off on your expense account as well – I hope…