Highlands Part 2

Chapter 2: Whitewater rafting. In a word, amazing. This was definitely one of the highlights thus far on our trip. Fortunately or unfortunately, there are no exciting stories to relay from our expedition... no crashes, injuries, drownings, and only 3 fell out of their rafts. All this extreme sports business over the last few days has left me contemplating 2 things: 1) Why have I not encountered these things earlier in life? and 2) I have discovered what it is to be a "true" tourist. Let me explain. It was nice in Edinburgh, where we were responsible for at least some things, like our daily schedule, what we were going to eat... things like that. But here, we are totally and utterly dependent on our "wilderness guides." I mean, really now, what could be more "touristy" than paying hundreds of dollars to stay at a lodge, trek around in a very large group around the Scottish wilderness, and be shipped down a river with a few rapids here and there? My goodness. I realize this is purely my opinion, but I do like having my freedom and responsibility for myself. These are not complaints... merely observations. I feel like I have no right to complain about anything at any time during this who semester. However, I am very thankful for those stretches of time I can split away from our 20-person group and at least try to feel not so...touristy. Try. Usually failing miserably, but I'd rather fail miserably by myself than with my whole gaggle of Americans. Or, perhaps I should just embrace my naivete and fulfill all stereotypes possible. Cheers!