We usually spent the late afternoon relaxing in the hotel room, as we needed to recharge our batteries for the next item on the agenda. Dinner always consisted of five (!) mouth-watering courses. It was served at two long tables, where all the guests sat in rows. The guests came from all over. Of course some came from Great Britain, but others were from America, Canada, Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Spain, etc. This contrast had its very own charm, because we could enjoy the most beautiful landscapes during the day all on our own and were happy with the peacefulness, tranquility and calm these landscapes transmitted. And in the evenings we could meet so many people from so many nations, could discuss all kinds of topics, exchange thoughts and experiences, all in good humour, and with lots of chuckling. It literally buzzed and hummed in this guest house like in a bee hive. Unlike us, most of the other guests only stayed for a few days, as "island hopping" seems to be popular with some tourists. That way, although we stayed "put", we always kept meeting lots of new people and new topics, and it never got boring.

In the United Kingdom, dogs are not allowed in restaurants. So Ayla and Merlin waited patiently in our hotel room while we were having dinner. After the coffee had been served, all the guests were asked to leave the room so that it could be prepared for breakfast. There were several other rooms to cater for all kinds of wishes, such as watching television, playing games with other guests or simply sitting and talking. On clear and mild nights many of the guests went outside and now all the four-legged companions could join in again. We were very impressed how well behaved our Eurasiers dealt with this situation. Our Eurasiers were never unfriendly, but they preferred to keep a certain distance to the people they did not know. Skillfully and very clever they sidestepped any straightforward approach by strangers. For us it was highly interesting to watch which guests our Eurasiers did actually choose for a careful encounter and which guests they tried to avoid by all means. Only those people who respected the reserved behaviour of our Eurasiers could hope to be included in such a gentle encounter.

We were very lucky with the weather. During the first week of our stay, it was quite warm for the Isle of Lewis, between 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. During the second week, we preferred to wear pullovers and anoraks, but at least it was mostly dry. We wondered how the winters would possibly be on the Isle of  Lewis and we should soon find out. There was a terrible storm on the day before our departure: Rivers flooded the roads, the wind blew everything away that was not fixed. This is how we imagined the winters would be here, only much colder and much darker. 

We were very happy that the famous Scottish Highland Midges (teensy-weensy, bloodthirsty, tiny, beastly flies) were rather kind with us as we did not have to struggle too much with them, only on two days… but that was then quite a struggle!

We drove home the way we had come. We stayed at the same hotels again, which had the advantage that we already knew the best ways for "walkies". Back "at home" in Surrey, we were greeted by a still very hot summer. Both Ayla and Merlin were grateful for each bath in the nearby lake. They spent most of the day in their coolest spots in the house and garden. And, just as we did, they also most likely dreamed of the green hills, the blooming heather, the blue sea and the many lovely sandy beaches on the Isle of Lewis.

The Isle of Lewis, for us a childhood dream come true

with crystal clear waters in all shades of blue.

We have had two lovely weeks and mostly good weather,

walking the peaty hills through blooming heather.

Finding so many sandy beaches to explore and to rest,

we could not possibly say which part of the Island we liked best!

How to plan a trip to Great Britain