Surprising. That’s the word to describe my weekend in Scotland. Surprisingly beautiful. Surprisingly peaceful. Surprisingly delicious.
During a road trip from Edinburgh to Fife with two friends, I didn’t read the guidebook, I didn’t review the map, I wasn’t responsible for a single decision. I simply went along for the ride. My travels have taught me that adventure, like love and happiness, is fragile. When clutched too tightly, the spirit of adventure is destroyed. When set free, it takes flight. As much as I can be an A-type, list-maker, contingency-maker, control-freak at times I find that travel transforms me into a free spirit. There is something magical about simply allowing the journey to unfold. In fact, one of my favourite parts of travelling is the unexpected experience, the unplanned discovery.
If I hadn’t let adventure sweep me away, I might never have looked out at the stark, desolate beauty of the Highlands and stared into the faces of a herd of shaggy Highland Cattle. I might never have walked among the 500 year old graves that surround St. Andrews’ Cathedral and heard a traditional bagpipe melody floating on the breeze. I might never have stopped at the seaside town of Anstruther and enjoyed a picnic of world famous fish and chips.
The allure of the fish and chips from Anstruthers Fish Bar for some people might be their Best In Britain award or the fact that they are loved by none other than Prince Charles and Camilla. For me, the real draw was the restaurant’s commitment to the local economy, the local environment and the local culinary traditions. I loved that they listed the catch of the day along with which local fisherman sold it and how it had been sustainably caught.
The haddock I ate was caught by Crystal River Fishermen that very morning and I enjoyed it while overlooking the harbour where the fishermen moored their boats. As I sat there, I suddenly realized that this meal perfectly captured what I wanted Global Locavore to be all about – my quest to eat locally sourced, traditional foods while travelling the globe.
Discovering a sustainable seafood restaurant on the road to Fife was certainly surprising. Eating a picnic of freshly caught fish & chips was completely unplanned. My love for a restaurant that supports the local economy and environment was entirely unsurprising.
Where have your unexpected travel adventures led you?
Now It’s Your Turn! If you are a seafood lover, it is worth investing in quality, sustainable seafood. It is better for your own health and the health of the planet. The Marine Stewardship Council has easy to understand, up to date shopping guides that can help you choose the most sustainable seafood in your area. Just look for the blue MSC logo on the products you buy!
beautiful photos! I’d like to go somewhere without planning for a thing:) #monday escapes
Tanja (the Red phone box travels) recently posted…Wandering around London in 72 hours (part III)
Definitely! It’s nice to take a break from planning and just go with the flow. However, it’s much easier to do so when travelling with friends or family than when you are travelling solo!
Mmmmh, that looks tasty! We are house sitting on the other side of Scotland at the moment but will be going to Inverness in a weeks time. Will see how the fish and chips is there!
Ooo! Yes! I took a look at your photos of Scotland and it completely took me back. So beautiful! I hope you find some yummy (and sustainable!) fish and chips. 🙂
I love your photos! I’m going to Scotland in a few weeks, but sadly I don’t think I’ll make it to Fife, even though I’m a huge seafood lover. I’ll keep it in mind for next time though 😀 #MondayEscapes
Vlad recently posted…A Foodie’s Guide To Eating In Malta
Hi Vlad. Thanks for stopping by. I’m jealous you will be in Scotland soon! My time there was all too short, but I’m hoping to make it back again one day. I hope you find some delicious seafood in the area you are visiting. 🙂
Fish&Chips and Scotland are two of my favourite things, seriously! 😉
Van @ Snow in Tromso recently posted…Little Storm on the Coast // Riddu Riddu 2016
Me too! I need to get myself back to Scotland soon!
Little bit homesick now…! I absolutely love seafood and I think it’s so sad in Scotland that a lot of it gets exported elsewhere rather that stays in the country, so glad you found somewhere to try it locally. Fife is a great place to explore too, with all the little fishing villages!
Wow. Your pictures are incredible! And I agree, as much as I love planning, it is better to go with the flow sometimes 🙂
Isabel recently posted…Summer Weekends in Slovenia
I wish I loved planning sometimes, I really do! I am at risk of missing out when I don’t plan, but luckily I sometimes travel with friends who enjoy that kind of thing. Thanks for commenting Isabel!
There’s nothing quite like fish and chips at the British seaside! I just wanted to say how much I love your second paragraph and agree with every word. I’m a planner too but would completely agree that it’s when I’m getting lost and having travel adventures that I have the most remarkable experiences.
Thank you so much Clare! That means a lot to me. I’m pleased to know other travellers find joy in the unplanned moments as well (and that not everyone relies on TripAdvisor to tell them where to have fun!)
I often get caught up with planning as well, afraid that I’ll miss out on something special or end up in a crap restaurant not having done my research. But sometimes you just have to go with the flow, and see where you end up! This sounds like the ultimate fish and chips experience and really does seem to capture exactly the ideals of your blog! I always love reading about your food stories 😀 Keep em cominggggg
Lauren recently posted…Santiago Weekend Trips: Cajon del Maipo Part 1
I have the opposite problem. I do end up in crap restaurants and miss out on cool sights due to lack of research. Oops! I guess there is risk either way. Thanks so much for the encouragement!! It means so much to me. 🙂