highlights

Loch Lomond’s mythic tranquility

Fischer, Diana
I can feel the sun prickling on the bridge of my nose. I wasn’t expecting this warmth. There is a slight breeze going through my hair. The silence is perfect, except for the clicking noises produced by the countless cameras. Am I still in the year 2009? Our captain’s voice condenses centuries’ worth of knowledge - about life and about nature. Raspy, genuine and wise. We are floating on Loch Lomond, Scotland's most famous lake and reservoir. It is comprised of clearest water and countless myths. At times I don’t know whether the water surface reflects the azure sky or whether they are one. I look around me and watch my fellow sailors being absorbed into this surreal tranquility of the moment. This is the most relaxed I’ve been in weeks - no term papers, internships or group projects distract my mind from Loch Lomond’s beauty. Fifty people are lost in reverie, being lulled into a meditative state by the boat’s movement and our captain’s comforting voice.

You'll take the high road and I'll take the low road
And I'll be in Scotland before you
Where me and my true love will never meet again
On the bonnie bonnie banks of Loch Lomond

I am going to take the high road to see Loch Lomond again. Maybe Rob Roy will take the low road, come out of his cave and we will sit on the enchanting bonnie banks together.