A (Quiet) Week in Aberdeen
August 2, 2026 A (Quiet) Week in Aberdeen
My life here seems divided into two parts. There’s Beverly the tourist, happily exploring whatever is interesting — and I’ve certainly done that, with trips to Edinburgh and Balmoral. But this week, I spent more time as Beverly the resident, tending to everyday situations, each with its own Highland twist.
I ordered groceries for delivery, which meant first funding my debit card — no trouble there. Ordering the groceries was simple too. The delivery, however, was a new experience. Instead of bags, my groceries arrived in several crates. I had to let the delivery man into the apartment so he could unload everything and take the crates back to the store. They’re definitely more environmentally aware here, but it still felt unusual. I’ve learned that I must be home for deliveries; they can’t leave anything at the door, and I have to let the driver into the building.
I needed stamps, so I checked online for the nearest post office. Several were listed as permanently closed — including the ones downtown I could have easily found. I couldn’t figure out where I was supposed to buy stamps. During a walking tour of Aberdeen (more on that later), I asked the tour guide. His directions suggested the post office was in the basement of a store, which sounded odd, but I went as directed. When I reached the shopping center, I had to ask again, but eventually I found it — indeed in the basement of a store.
When I questioned it, I was told this is the main Royal Mail post office for Aberdeen. Apparently, the city once had a big, beautiful post office, but budget cuts forced changes. At least now I know where to go. You never know what’s going to trip you up when you move to a new place.
I’m finding the Scots to be wonderfully friendly. One day the buses were running very
late, and I started chatting with the group waiting with me. Nothing important — just comments like, “I wonder why the buses are so late.” People quickly realized I “talk funny” and asked where I was from. Conversations blossomed. When the bus finally arrived, several of us boarded together. One lady, Frieda, continued talking with me and even gave me her phone number in case I needed anything. I don’t plan to call her, but it was such a kind gesture.
A lady from Sheddocksley Baptist Church offered to take me to the beach one evening. I
gladly accepted, and at 7 o’clock Tuesday night, off we went — her 19‑year‑old son and their dog joining us. The beach is surprisingly close to the city; I can even take the
number 13 bus there. I’m slowly learning the bus system.
The beach was peaceful, and the sunset was beautiful. Since the sun sets so late this far north, we had lots of time at the beach. Mostly, I enjoyed the company. Carol is a delightful woman. She works for a Christian ministry called Ellel, which offers courses to equip Christians for God’s work. It’s primarily a UK ministry but does offer courses in the USA.
We stopped for ice cream — which seems to be a regional pastime. Almost every night in Hungary, our group went out for ice cream. Now in Scotland, I go out with someone and… we have ice cream. Perhaps the weather explains it. It was hot in Hungary, and Aberdeen has been hot lately too. Last week the temperature reached 80°F (my apologies to Texas).
I was a tourist one day and took a walking tour of Aberdeen. I dislike walking tours — I walk slowly and struggle to keep up — but they are a good way to learn a city, and I probably should take one anywhere I live.
Aberdeen’s history is fascinating. Prehistoric peoples arrived around 6000 BC, followed
by Celtic groups around 400 BC. In the first century AD, the Romans invaded but didn’t stay long. Eventually, the Scots fought the English again and again and again. I’ve quickly learned that Robert the Bruce, King of Scotland (the true Braveheart) and William Wallace, a knight not a king (the cinematic Braveheart) are the two main names to remember from this period. The Scots are still trying to gain independence from the English.
Aberdeen has been a center for fishing, logging, commerce, and oil at different times in its history. Now it’s trying to grow its tourist economy as the oil industry declines due to environmental pressures.
Much of downtown is being renovated to make it more welcoming. The late Queen Mother loved Aberdeen and donated money to preserve historic buildings and improve the city center. Aberdeen has long been on the royal radar — before helicopters, the royal family had to pass through Aberdeen on their way to Balmoral.
I also visited the Logos Hope, the ship that’s spending a few weeks in Aberdeen. Logos Hope is essentially a floating book fair, with most of the titles being Christian books. I enjoyed browsing the shelves, but I didn’t buy anything — carrying books back to the USA would be a challenge.
As for getting there, locals with cars tend to misjudge distances. I was told the ship was “just a short walk down the pier” from the bus stop. In reality, it was a good 30‑minute walk in the heat, past ship after ship, until I finally spotted Logos Hope. At least I discovered the ferry to the Orkney and Shetland Islands along the way — maybe a future adventure.
It was a quiet week in Aberdeen, but I accomplished things, learned things, and met people. All in all, a very good week.
Aberdeen Weather:
Sunny
High: 65 F (18 C), Low: 55 F (13 C)
Sunrise: 5:08 Sunset: 9:19 (21:19)
Hours of Daylight: 16 hours and 11 minutes
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