From our June 19th edition

I write to you from foreign parts.

It is brilliant to be able to explore new places, especially one so rich in history. The natural beauty is also breathtaking. I love the sound of the local lingo and it’s always good to get an insight into how others live and view life.

We have been here once before but it was a very quick visit. This time we have a couple of days. Still not long enough but better than nothing.

Where are we?

Just a boat trip away, being shown round by "locals".

We are on the Orkney mainland! The minister in the wee church in Stromness has been there for two years and is about to leave and wanted us to come and visit before she goes. Two years doesn’t sound a long time, but Magdalena originally came for one, so it’s twice as long as planned! She has fallen in love with the island and couldn’t believe that living so close we had never explored it.

I should mention that Magdalena, her husband Kamil and their three children are Czech.

I have been to Prague a few times and explored one or two other parts of the Czech Republic, but Orkney is new territory and sitting round the kitchen table two Sutherland Scots were given an enthusiastic trip through the history and geography of Orkney by two Czechs. Brilliant!

It’s got me thinking of how much there is around us that

we take for granted and not just when it comes to places. Are

there people we overlook? Are there things to do we have never noticed? Sometimes because things are not different or exotic or exciting, they don’t

really register with us. The loss is ours.

I wonder what, right on your doorstep, you haven’t noticed? The old neighbour who, if you chatted to them, would fascinate you with their tales of past adventures. The new folk who have come from elsewhere and given the chance, would be fun to spend time with.

Then all the local places you have never been even though you have lived here all your life!

Your mission for this week, should you choose to accept it, is this. Open your eyes and ears to what is around you. You’ll be blown away.

Thanks to Magdalena for helping me to see that and we wish you every blessing as you take a little bit of Scotland home with you in your heart... And in the new arrival due in September!

– Susan Brown.

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