Here's me looking like the proverbial salty dog seeing two of my ol' mates off the island. It's the jumper that does it really, isn't it? It's attracted much attention here, mainly amongst the chaps, I have to admit, but you have to take compliments where you can get them at my age - and even more impressed they are when I tell them it cost me two pounds at a charity shop in Hebden Bridge - AND it's Timberland!
Anyway, this is Lisa and Eva about to set foot down the jetty and hop onto the Sallyforth - the teeny motorboat that serves as the ferry between the island and Arran - on their respective journeys away from the Holy Isle. I hope very much to hear from both of them again - this is truly a place where friendships are quickly formed with folk from all over the world who turn up at this unique community for all sorts of reasons, and who stay for varying lengths of time, invariably with the intention of returning before too long. I can see how this place gets into your blood very quickly.
Anyway, this is Lisa and Eva about to set foot down the jetty and hop onto the Sallyforth - the teeny motorboat that serves as the ferry between the island and Arran - on their respective journeys away from the Holy Isle. I hope very much to hear from both of them again - this is truly a place where friendships are quickly formed with folk from all over the world who turn up at this unique community for all sorts of reasons, and who stay for varying lengths of time, invariably with the intention of returning before too long. I can see how this place gets into your blood very quickly.
With the t'ai chi course having finished yesterday, several of the full-time volunteers took the opportunity to go over to Arran today for a quick fix of things that come to feel like utter luxuries as they're not available on the island - meat, fish, ciggies, alcohol... (not sure if any of them overdid it and paid the price on the slightly choppy boat ride back, mind!). That left a handful of us still here to enjoy the most delicious pizza I've ever had, as well as, for me and Marian and two of the full-timers, Claire and David, a wonderfully convivial chat with Ani Sharab, the Buddhist nun who is in charge of the community on the island. With only two days to go before Marian and I head back to the mainland, this felt like a real privilege, and amongst other things, Ani Sharab told us about the significance of the many strands of beads she wears wrapped around her wrist. They have a similar function to the Catholic rosary beads, being used in chanting to count the number of repetitions. They're also the height of fashion, of course!
Marian and I will be staying in Glasgow for two nights before heading back down south on Monday, and, never one to waste an opportunity, I will be taking my li'l guitar to a couple of bars there where I've found out they have acoustic sessions. Right now though, as I gaze out across the peaceful stretch of water separating the two islands, with the lights of Lamlash sparkling in the distance, it's hard to imagine coping with the hustle and bustle of city life. But I'm sure we will - just as I'm sure I'll quickly remember how to knock back a gin and tonic or two again without too much problem... ;-)
Marian and I will be staying in Glasgow for two nights before heading back down south on Monday, and, never one to waste an opportunity, I will be taking my li'l guitar to a couple of bars there where I've found out they have acoustic sessions. Right now though, as I gaze out across the peaceful stretch of water separating the two islands, with the lights of Lamlash sparkling in the distance, it's hard to imagine coping with the hustle and bustle of city life. But I'm sure we will - just as I'm sure I'll quickly remember how to knock back a gin and tonic or two again without too much problem... ;-)
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