Exploring Lewis

Hey everyone!

I've added photos to yesterday's blog so scroll down to it to see. Today's photos are on this post. 

This morning Lexi and I walked to the supermarket and got some lunch and then got ready. 

We set off at 9.30 to explore the Lewis half of the isle of Lewis. The isle of Lewis is part of the Hebrides, a group of over 100 islands. Lewis comes from a Gaelic word meaning 'marshy'. The island has a population of 20,000 and is the third largest island in the British isles after Britain and Ireland. 

Our first stop was at the Callanish standing stones. A little like Stonehenge, but free admission and about 2% of the amount of tourists around. It was cold and grey at this point and I was starting to regret my choice of outfit. But never mind! They were really interesting. Jamie told us they date back over 4000 years. There are 50 stones all together and the largest weighs 5.5 tonnes. Apparently 1/3 of the stone's height is how far underground it goes. We took some photos and then had a coffee in the cafe. 

Next we went to Doune Broch, an old house from the Neolithic period made of stones. The weather really cleared up here and we were treated to some stunning views! It was used as recently as the 1500s apparently. 

We then went to the Gearannon black house village. This is a village of houses made of rocks with thatched roofs to replicate how people used to live around here thousands of years ago. One of the buildings has been turned into a hostel and one a small house that people lived in until the 70s! We wandered down near the nearby beach and then me, Lexi, Cordelia, Eunice, Shane, Andrea, Monique and Libby climbed up a hill for a nice view. I gave mum and dad a call here as they were evacuated from their apartment in Bergen this morning due to a fire. Thankfully they're ok!!

We then went to a demonstration of how Harris Tweed is made. Only half the group could go at once though so my half went to a nice beach nearby first. I enjoyed meandering through the cemetery overlooking the beach. I found four Donald MacDonalds!

Then we went to the tweed demonstration. Harris Tweed is the only textile in the world to be trademarked. We watched the man making it using his loom. A few of the girls bought scarves but they were £25 and too itchy for me!

Jamie then gave us an explanation of the clan system, but my body clock decided this was another good time for a nap. Basically a long time ago people were part of a clan to belong, to live and to socialise. Over time there was hostility between the Norse people (Vikings) and clans until the treaty of Perth was signed in 1266. We'll find out more as the trip progresses! (Unless I take more naps!)

Our last stop for the day was to the Butt of Lewis lighthouse. We had fun spotting a couple of seals off the cliffs!

Jamie told us on the way back that this is a very religious place and literally nothing is open on a Sunday. Which is hilarious because we are driving around in a huge yellow Haggis Adventures bus with 'wild and sexy' written on the side. No wonder people keep giving us funny looks!!

Had a sneaky ice cream on the way back and now I'm heading out for Thai with Lexi, Monique, Libby, Eunice, Cordelia, Andrea, Shane and Tim. 

Love to all
Claire
Xoxox