Where in the World is Dakota?

Intro: 

They say Scotland’s weather has a mind of its own — and on October 4, it decided to rewrite my plans entirely. No Highlands, no castles, no Harry Potter bridge… but somehow, the day still found its own kind of magic.

October 4 — A Day of Cancellations, Cash-Only Chaos, and Culinary Redemption

October 4 was supposed to be my grand Highlands adventure — twelve full hours of Scottish magic. We were going to drive through sweeping glens, visit castles where Outlander and Game of Thrones filmed, spot some adorable Highland cows, and even see the famous bridge where the Harry Potter train crosses. I was practically buzzing with excitement.

But about 30 minutes outside Edinburgh, our guide got the call: every tour was canceled due to the weather. Storm Amy had officially taken over Scotland.

I understood, of course — safety first — but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t seriously disappointed. I’d been looking forward to this day since before I even boarded the plane to Scotland. Instead of misty mountains and lochs, I found myself back at square one in the city with an unexpectedly open day.

💅 Pivoting the Plan

Trying to make the best of it, I decided to turn my travel day into a self-care day. A little “treat yourself” moment to make up for the letdown. I booked a mani-pedi appointment nearby, bundled up against the still-gloomy weather, and walked over.

After waiting about twenty minutes, I was finally called up — only to be told they only take cash. 💸
No mention of that online. No heads-up during booking. Just… surprise!

At that point, I could practically feel my blood sugar dropping, my mood following close behind. The disappointment from the tour plus the frustration from the salon had officially made me hangry.

🥩 The Redemption: A Brazilian Steakhouse Feast

I decided food was the only logical solution. And not just any food — something hearty, satisfying, and worthy of rescuing the day. So, I treated myself to a Brazilian steakhouse for a late lunch/early dinner.

It was exactly what I needed. Perfectly grilled meats, fresh sides, and a glass (or two) of something to toast my new plan-free day. Sometimes, a good meal really can reset your whole outlook.

👗 A Quiet Evening In

After lunch, I headed back early to my lodging — partly to dry off, partly because I needed to steam and iron my dress for the next day’s plans. It wasn’t the day I’d imagined, but it became a gentle reminder that travel isn’t just about the highlights — it’s also about how we handle the detours.

Even without the castles and the Highland cows, I still ended the day full (literally and figuratively), cozy, and ready for whatever Scotland had in store next.