A weekend of workshops in the Isle of Arran. This was my second time on the little Scottish island, and it was and early start with me leaving Edinburgh at 8am, to get there for midday. A rocky ferry ride of approx an hour, nearly made me sick, so I took it easy for the rest of the day.

On arrival I was greeted by the organiser Mandy Simsek. Who would have thought bellydancing was big in Arran, but it is popular and its growing. I relaxed for the rest of the day after checking into my hotel. I saw went for a walk and saw one of the dance students in her place of work, a chocolate shop.  Hand made chocs…wow I was in the shop all afternoon… tasting, sniffing and even drooling over chocolate.

Thank goodness the workshops were on the Sunday, as the weather was great on the Saturday and my mum and I went for a long walk along the beach and round the golf course. We also found a nice restaurant to eat in that night, as she joined me on this trip, we then had to get to the hafla on time also, so we then got ready for that, and made it to the venue on the other side of the island juts in time.. The halfa was attended by some local people, as well as dancers, and people outwith the dance scene. I performed along with a few others. Pictures can be seen below…..

Sunday morning came and off to teach I went, while my mum went to the castle. The first workshops was early and started at 10am. Everyone was on time, and it was a good class, thou my stomach was still full from my cooked breakfast at 9am hahaha.The Second workshop started soon afterwards and was well attended. Though I was a even fuller after eating my lunch in between classes... naughty me! Just as well I worked the class hard to shift some of my calories...

I will be back in Arran in Feb 2010, so keep your eyes posted for more workshops.

Well that’s another pleasant trip to the Isle of Arran, hope to see all the lovely ladies again sometime soon…