The drapes in my room were thick tapestries. I awoke in the morning, but couldn't tell the time, so I dozed off back to sleep. Around 8:30am I finally got up. Almost instantly, Chris, my host, had a hot breakfast prepared. An egg, potatoes, bacon (of course, they raise pigs), tomatoes, and toast, all served with Brown Sauce (like A1) and homemade rhubarb/ginger jam.

I checked my email and showered; then Chris was extra-kind enough to take me into town. We drove by Sorbie Tower (built by my ancestors - Clan Hannay), and then on to Wigtown. I spent a few hours looking through books about Hanna, Hannah and Hannay ancient records and microfilm. Then I walked about town to take some photos. I noticed an information center and decided to check it out.

A really nice lady was sitting at a desk and helped me figure out bus schedules. I mentioned I was there to discover more about my ancestry. She smiled and told me her name was Chris Hannah! I had even contacted her husband before coming since he is known as the local Hannay (root family name) expert and tour guide. But he was going to be out of town.

She told me about a shop in Garlieston that has Clan Hannay tartan and books, etc. I planned to go in the morning the next day. We hugged goodbye and I set off on foot toward the Bladnoch Distillery. The air was crisp but the sun was shining. The green rolling hills were dotted with sheep and cows. I was quite comfortable because Chris (at the B&B) had fitted me with two layers of warm coats.

I got to the distillery around 4pm and caught the last tour. I learned that a cask is the name for the wood container for the liquor, and the words Barrel, Hog's Head and Butt are sizes. I also learned that the single malt whiskey becomes sherry if they let it age longer. When I got to taste samples at the end of the tour, I liked the sherry because it's a bit sweeter.

After the tour I must have spent a half hour chatting with the owners. They were a jolly couple full of jokes and laughter! Then I called Chris to come pick me up (very kind to do so - above and beyond the call of duty). Back at home, Poppet the cat was waiting for me on the couch. Well, in truth I would have to say it's her couch and she tolerates me squeezing in next to her!

I turned on my computer to check email and before it was finished booting up, Chris was bringing out a plate of taglatini pasta with carbonara sauce and a bowl of yogurt with a jelly-filled donut. It was all so good but I had to give up on finishing the pasta in order to save some room for dessert.

Chris kept the fire going as long as I stayed on the couch using the computer. My daughter-in-law, Sakura, came online so we chatted a bit. Sephy, my grandson, is getting so big. My daughter, Jasmine, had posted some photos on Facebook. It was still light at 10pm. I closed the drapes and crawled into my hot-water-bottle-warmed bed.

NOTE: http://www.whithornlodge.co.uk/

Mariam Arthur
CEO
Kmy Films
+855 (0)12 54 30 74
http://www.kmyfilms.com/
http://www.filmcambodia.org/