Scotland: A Lass must go home.

Alas it was time to go home.  Now, just like heading into Scotland, we had to take a pre departure COVID test before entering the USA.  We found ourselves a free testing site in Inverness and were all verified and checked out before we got to the airport.......at least thats what we thought.

We said goodbye to Edinburgh, and drove into the airport.  We successfully turned in our rental and headed to the check in line.  Even though the airport is small, I had us arrive 2.5 hours before our flight....Thank the good Lord.

We got to the front and handed the agent our test results only to be told, "I'm sorry, but the US does not accept test results from our National Health System.  You have to have a lateral flow rapid test."  Um what now?  I honestly was quite calm and my exact word to her were, "Okay, our flight leaves in 2.15 hours how do I solve this problem?"  She pointed out the door to the airport facility's rapid testing center and sent us on our merry way.

We rushed to the site to find out we had to pre register through a involved and lengthy process, get an email confirmation, then head in for a test.  Bob and I put our phones to brilliant use and worked hard for 20 minutes to get through the forms.  We even helped some other very anxious and upset travellers  get their work done.  We finally both had our confirmations.

5 minutes later we got the test.  How long??  "Usually 40 minutes."  We raced back to the check in counter to ask the agent when the last moment we could check in  was (you see we had to check bags because of gifts).  She told us 10:40......It was 9:57. OY.  So we waited.

We ran through all scenarios including dumping all of our liquid gifts and high tailing it through security with all of our bags.....to having to change flights to the next day......and honestly we both were just ready to go home.

The time crept forward.

10:37.......emails arrived and we both were negative!  We checked in and made it to our gate with 30 min to spare.  Whew!  

Our flights back home were perfect and a lovely way to close out the trip.    Unfortunately Bob ended up with a massive migraine, but between an amazing onboard pharmacy and a flight attendant who doubles as a light and color therapist (its a thing) we kept him from vomitting, and he arrived in one piece and only slightly traumatized.

I had 2 glasses of champagne because I could, and we enjoyed our flight home in our business class seats.  The layout headed home was a bit different and not as private as our outgoing plane but luxury none the less!

Scotland was epic.  It was an adventure to write home about and both Bob and I came home ready and excited to plan our next trip.  So many things to do and places to see!

And if you ever have needed a sign to go and do big things, this is your sign.  Do the thing you have wanted to do, press the button on the tickets.  Do IT!  Life is long, but time is short!

and jet lag was only a minor set back........