Scotland - The Second

Prologue:

After a successful test last year to see if Scotland was even something for us, we decided in December '17 that we wanted to get to know this country in all its facets. And how better to do that than with a car and tent, touring the country?

Having said that, we spent the last six months planning this, our most exciting and family-oriented vacation in the far north.

Three weeks in the Scottish Highlands with a sleeping bag, tent, and vacuum-packed meals!

Part 1:

... does the stress level really increase before a holiday, or does the tolerance for stress simply decrease? The fact is, we have all long exceeded our limits. The workload at work continues to increase, the adjustment to daycare on the side, the hot weather has been really tough on us in the past weeks (if anyone still denies the climate change with the hot May, they must have spent the last weeks in the basement), and in the evening, instead of peace and quiet, we were greeted by construction noise in front of the house, including catchy music blasting from the ghettoblaster and children's screams from the neighbors behind the house. The kids are usually sent outside after 8:00 pm when the parents want a little peace and quiet. It wouldn't be so bad if the kids born in the 2010s didn't play with real firecrackers instead of tin soldiers and with air rifles instead of soap bubbles. A tribute to modern education.
Even Ida was in need of a vacation and was gradually turning into a little angry citizen. A day without whining is currently being celebrated by us. It's high time to finally hit the road.

Thanks to months of preparation, the grand packing skills of my mom, and my husband's newly acquired patience, we set off surprisingly well on Friday (except for leaving the front door wide open and remembering numerous things we forgot on the way to Düsseldorf). The break in Düsseldorf was good - we had a cozy conversation, Ida got refreshed, and batteries and provisions were replenished.

Punctual and in a good mood, we headed to the ferry in Amsterdam, completed the journey without any noteworthy incidents, and checked in and boarded soon after arrival. We were a little nervous because of parking on the ship - in hindsight, it was totally easy. We hurried through the ship's open mouth, chose the right lane, stopped behind the car in front, and got out with all our stuff.

The cabin is, let's say, functional and in terms of size, it's about the same as a shoebox for size 24. But that's why we're even more excited about our spacious deluxe tent! If you know Harry Potter, you might remember the Weasley tent. Our palace for the next three weeks will look something like that!

The DFDS line definitely knows what overworked parents need: a Starbucks on board, right next to the generous ball pit! A dream!

So we are waiting with coffee, games, and fun for the departure, which we want to enjoy from the upper deck! Feel like Siegfried Rauch on the MS Deutschland for once. And in the background, the dream ship music playing!