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I didn’t expect to find Scotland was my favourite country. Outside of the UK, I’ve only been to France, Spain, Italy and Portugal, and inside had only previously been to England and France. So far, I only have a small number of countries under my belt, but I am young and there is always time to explore. I hadn’t had any expectations either way: I simply had that itch to explore. And I was blown away by how great it was. I travelled from my hometown of Nuneaton by train to Gretna Green, on the edge of Scotland, from the very end of January into the start of February. For centuries, this village has been a popular wedding location, and it remains one today. Despite being here on my own, though, I felt welcome everywhere I went. The Gables Hotel was affordable; however, I was willing to shell out extra for breakfast. The hotel was definitely the best hotel I had ever stayed at. That already made it a good trip by itself. I had a huge, soft double bed, fast WiFi, a huge TV, shower gel already for the bath; it was like every little thing where hotels had one or two missing had all come together perfectly. There was not a single downside to it. I had a full Scottish breakfast complete with tattie scones on two mornings, and a lighter breakfast of cereal on the first. The food left me feeling like Dick Whittington discovering London for the first time. I was astonished that one of my favourite foods, a full English breakfast, had something better than it readily available in Scotland. I failed to locate a haggis during my three-day trip, despite my best efforts. I did, however, find a lovely farmer’s market that is run right by the train station in Dumfries on Sunday afternoons. I found mutton pies especially addictive. The food was great. Perhaps it’s a personal preference: I don’t eat much spicy food, and I enjoy fried and rich foods. I certainly wouldn’t eat like that all the time. But regardless of your preferences, the quality of the food available was incredible. Other than the food, the people were extremely welcoming everywhere I went. Gretna Green is a village where you can leave your doors unlocked, something that was unthinkable in some areas I had visited. Up at Dumfries on Sunday, everyone was friendly that I came across: staff, fellow train passengers, fellow pub-goers. I had never felt more welcome in a new environment. The atmosphere, too, was very relaxed and stable. Regardless of whether it was day or night, by myself or with others, everywhere felt safe and calm. Finally, there was the scenery. The scenery in Dumfries and Galloway may not be the greatest or most famous in Scotland, but it was beautiful regardless. Every field for sheep and horses was somehow wild, untamed. The sky looked huge, regardless of whether I was in a rural or urban area, and regardless of whether it was day or night. The sky was always massive, yawning down over the semi-wild landscape. Thunderstorms must look fantastic in such conditions. In conclusion, I thoroughly enjoyed visiting Scotland. I would highly recommend Dumfries and Galloway and Gretna Green to the curious traveller, whether within the UK or from further afield. It was a thoroughly rewarding visit, and is a safe, picturesque and welcoming area; with fantastic food!