Neolithic Orkney plus so much more.

What an amazing day!  Josephine picked me up at 9am and off we went to tour Mainland Orkney.  I saw the standing stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar, very impressive.  Our weather fluctuated between blue skies and pelting rain but the rain didn’t last very long and before I knew it the skies were blue again, such is the weather here on Orkney.  Then it was on to see the world famous Neolithic settlement at Skara Brae. It is the most complete set of Neolithic dwellings anywhere in the world.  They were revealed after a severe storm in 1850 to the amazement of scholars.  Josephine was a wealth of knowledge and endlessly entertaining.  I’m so glad I booked this private tour.  We also stopped at the beautiful Italian Chapel build by Italian prisoners of war during World War II. (Extra) The trompe l’oeil painting on ceiling and walls is so impressive.  Finally, we visited Happy Valley, a woodland and wild garden planted by a gentleman 70 years ago. (Extra). If you are ever on Orkney when the bluebells are blooming, you must see it.  My final extra is a view of an approaching storm across the bay.  A much less active day today.  I need it.