On my day off on Thursday finally I've seen the town of Ullapool. It always fascinated me, because I really like this name: Ullapool. Try to say it aloud, it's nice.

I didn't know before but it is a small town, small enough to see the white houses and the harbour in two hours. It is on the west coast of Scotland, and from its harbour you can reach Stornoway by ferry.

I joined one of the coaches, it takes about an hour to reach Ullapool. On the way there I was completely amazed by the scenery. Never in my life had I seen something like that. The winding road led among softly shaped brownish hills, and all around grey stones were scattered as if a giant had been playing there long time ago. It really looked like being on another planet. Could've been Mars, I suppose (just because of the colour). It was beautiful, and I was wondering about the slow process with which Scotland, especially the Highland has "invaded" me. I have to admit - and it doesn't mean that I'm disloyal to my beloved Portugal - that in a sense, I've fallen in love with this country. Well, especially with the scenery and nature.

It does have something special about it. Something magical, which, once you have learned to admire it, doesn't let you go...

I finished in the meantime another book by Salley Vickers. Instances of the Number 3. The writer has become now one of my favourites. I mentioned her once already. Very subtle, psychological, gentle, and takes you to ponder about life's and death's questions. I took the third book yesterday from the library...