We're Moving: The Mahans' European Vacation Adventure

"Clark, you're on the wrong side of the road."
"Yes I know, honey, I'm also on the wrong side of the car."
The Griswolds - National Lampoon's European Vacation

Ryan and I received the official word this last week that we are moving to Aberdeen, Scotland! Ryan was offered a promotion to Area Manager of Europe and Southern Africa (he is currently Country Manager of Singapore). Though we will miss Singapore, we are looking forward to our new adventure in the United Kingdom.

Aberdeen is in the NE part of Scotland

I have always wanted to travel Europe and what better way than to live there! The weather will be the biggest adjustment. Living on the equator in Singapore where the average high is 88*F all year round, compared to Aberdeen where the average high is 65*F for the summer months and ranges from 40-50*F the rest of the year! Even though you don't get many warm days the lows only average around 34*F in the winter months. That obviously doesn't take into account for the wind and the rain which is a huge factor as Aberdeen gets about 2 inches of rain per month. Luckily, we are making a trip to the US for Thanksgiving and will be able to stock up on rain gear and thermals.

Ryan on a work trip to Aberdeen in 2007.

You'll rarely never go without long sleeves and pants. I've been told there is one day of summer that it will reach 72*F in which we'll probably have to pull out our shorts and tank tops. Ha!

Scotland is a great place for outdoor adventures. We (especially Ryan because of limited activities in Singapore) are looking forward to fishing, golfing, hiking, and stalking deer. As you might remember, we took a trip to New Zealand earlier this for Ryan to hunt Red Stag and Fallow which originally came from Scotland. 

Since Aberdeen is only about a 9 hour flight from Texas, we are hoping to have more visitors than we have had in Singapore. Scotland has lots of history, beautiful countryside and castles to explore; so those of you needing a vacation, the Mahan Manor is now taking reservations.

 

Above photos courtesy of Ryan, circa 2007

We are looking forward to embarking on our new adventure and sharing our experience. We will be changing the name of our blog since we'll no longer be in the Far East but of course we'll let everyone know the new blog address. Hopefully, Ryan will be able to come up with another clever name. Our official move date has not been set but we are projecting we'll be there by the first of January. So, stay tuned for updates on our newest adventure.

"Oh, it's good Scottish weather, madam. The rain is falling straight down. Well, slightly to the side like."  - William Wallace, Braveheart