NEW YEAR IN HALKIRK

I was given a choice of travelling to any part of the United Kingdom. However, I knew right from the start that I wanted to travel to Scotland even before I arrived in Britain. I was told there were very few hosts in Scotland but that did not deter me. Eventually, HOST found me a ‘super host’ in a village in Caithness, on the Northern coast of Scotland.
My host had been expecting three of us, Ju from China, Shanta from India and myself. What a thrill it was to know upon our arrival at Thurso rail station that we had been travelling on the same train all the way from Edinburgh.

She made our stay such a remarkable experience. Her good nature and generosity made our stay an unforgettable adventure. I believe she gave us a taste of true Scottish hospitality. In truth, it was for me a home away from home.

I am glad to say that my previous misgivings about British folk were pleasantly changed. Perhaps having the opportunity to live with a British in her home gave me a better understanding of British folk.

During our stay, we had the wonderful opportunity to meet some lovely friends of our host on New Years Eve. Over dinner, we were told a lot of stories. For instance it was very interesting to learn about traditional peat cutting in the North and the skill and caution it required. Peat has been used for warmth and cooking for hundreds of years. Even though it is not normally in use in these days, we were very privileged to see a few. It was also very delightful to see men in kilts, doing traditional Scottish dancing to some lovely Scottish tunes.

I dare say that should you consider coming to Britain, a great deal of experience awaits you, not to mention that having a HOST visit certainly adds to ones overall experience.

I am glad I seized the opportunity and now have very wonderful friends in Scotland.

By Alexander Komashie (Chevening Scholar)
Department of Design and Systems Engineering
Brunel University, London.
Country of origin – Ghana.

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