It's been too long since I posted. Sorry about that readers.
First, let me say that I have been quite busy what with school and hanging out with new found friends and seeing the sites. Everything is so amazing and magical here. I've found such inspiration.
Now to the update. Last Friday I had to go shopping. Yes, I had to. I had nothing to wear to go clubbing with my friends! I had things I might wear to church, but those are NOT the same thing. I got a nice top and a cute dress in the hours that we spent roaming Prince's Street which is the main street for shopping.
Saturday, I, along with eleven others, took a train up to Stirling. It's tiny. The entire town pretty much sits on a single hill. At the top of the hill is the castle. There's a valley of sorts and then another hill where the William Wallace Monument is located. Guess what I did. First, I walked up from the train station to the castle. Then I walked down with a group of six, across town, and up the hill to the monument. Before I finish, however, only two of that six made it up the hill.
All in all, I had a good time in Stirling. It was quite beautiful even given the dreary conditions. I was very proud of myself for making it up to the monument as well. We left around 2pm and came back to our flat.
That night we decided to go out for dinner to a pub called The Chanter. Very good pasta. I did nothing on Sunday. Absolutely nothing. I had class once more on Monday and Tuesday, but Tuesday, we went out clubbing. I got to wear my new dress! Let me clarify that I never get excited over shopping or over getting dressed up to go out, but this was a ton of fun.
And so the number of... ahem... kilts checked rises.
Kilts checked to date... 20
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Sunday, January 17, 2010
My Absence...
I apologize for my recent absence from posting. I've had a bit of a cold and there's really not much to tell of my first week. You see, I was made to attend things like induction meetings, matriculation sessions, etc.
Also, for those friends and family on Facebook, I am, sadly, without a camera. I cannot recall if I said so in one of the earlier posts, but just before beginning that three-hour walking tour last weekend, my camera took one picture and then decided to stop working. It just stopped taking actual pictures. It was on. I can still turn the camera on, but the screen is black and so are the pictures taken. Therefore, I have one picture and have ordered a camcorder/digital camera combo to be delivered to a nearby store. I should receive it in the next couple of days.
For those of you studying abroad or planning to do so, I already have some tips for you from personal experience.
1. I was under the impression all last semester that I had to write down the classes I wanted and send them to the university I would be attending here so that they could sign me up. Not the case. I had been expecting a paper in the mail for this, but it never came. I found out when I got here that I was to sign up for classes the week before classes began. Yes, the week before. Now, this may seem convenient, right? That means I'm close to campus, I have met my academic adviser here, etc. Not so convenient. I found out that three of the four classes I had gotten pre approved for transfer credit were unavailable. One was a post-grad class and therefore unsuitable (also about 3 times the price) and the other two were not offered this trimester... What did I do? I had to e-mail my adviser back home and try to figure out other classes that would fit and that could be approved. Thanks to my wonderful adviser, this was done.
2. If staying in university housing, bring things with you. I had no towel, no sheets, no blanket, and no pillow the first night in my flat. I had to use my backpack for a pillow, my two coats, a travel blanket, three pairs of socks, and the usual sweatshirt, etc. I was still cold. Bring whatever you think you'll need the first night if there is any doubt that you cannot get it before the stores close. I had no idea that most stores closed around 6pm here... they do.
3. Bring a taste of home. Whether it's pictures, food, drink, games, music, movies, etc. You're going to want something. I'm already somewhat homesick, but I've got ways of connecting with my family which brings me to my next tip.
4. GET SKYPE! Or some other form of video chat, etc. It's free to set up and, unless calling to an actual phoneline, it will stay free. I have talked with my parents just before they left for a cruise, I've talked with my aunt in Reno, with my grandparents and sister in Kansas and with friends from school in Arkansas. It's such a great thing because it definitely staves off the homesickness which is inevitable when you can't go home for four months.
I believe that is all for now in terms of the big tips. I just thought I'd update you all on my situation. I begin classes tomorrow! Yay! Oh and did I mention that, if all works out with the tutorials, I'll have five-day weekends the rest of the semester? Yeah, that's right. FIVE DAYS. Well, I must be off now.
Kilts checked to date... 16
Also, for those friends and family on Facebook, I am, sadly, without a camera. I cannot recall if I said so in one of the earlier posts, but just before beginning that three-hour walking tour last weekend, my camera took one picture and then decided to stop working. It just stopped taking actual pictures. It was on. I can still turn the camera on, but the screen is black and so are the pictures taken. Therefore, I have one picture and have ordered a camcorder/digital camera combo to be delivered to a nearby store. I should receive it in the next couple of days.
For those of you studying abroad or planning to do so, I already have some tips for you from personal experience.
1. I was under the impression all last semester that I had to write down the classes I wanted and send them to the university I would be attending here so that they could sign me up. Not the case. I had been expecting a paper in the mail for this, but it never came. I found out when I got here that I was to sign up for classes the week before classes began. Yes, the week before. Now, this may seem convenient, right? That means I'm close to campus, I have met my academic adviser here, etc. Not so convenient. I found out that three of the four classes I had gotten pre approved for transfer credit were unavailable. One was a post-grad class and therefore unsuitable (also about 3 times the price) and the other two were not offered this trimester... What did I do? I had to e-mail my adviser back home and try to figure out other classes that would fit and that could be approved. Thanks to my wonderful adviser, this was done.
2. If staying in university housing, bring things with you. I had no towel, no sheets, no blanket, and no pillow the first night in my flat. I had to use my backpack for a pillow, my two coats, a travel blanket, three pairs of socks, and the usual sweatshirt, etc. I was still cold. Bring whatever you think you'll need the first night if there is any doubt that you cannot get it before the stores close. I had no idea that most stores closed around 6pm here... they do.
3. Bring a taste of home. Whether it's pictures, food, drink, games, music, movies, etc. You're going to want something. I'm already somewhat homesick, but I've got ways of connecting with my family which brings me to my next tip.
4. GET SKYPE! Or some other form of video chat, etc. It's free to set up and, unless calling to an actual phoneline, it will stay free. I have talked with my parents just before they left for a cruise, I've talked with my aunt in Reno, with my grandparents and sister in Kansas and with friends from school in Arkansas. It's such a great thing because it definitely staves off the homesickness which is inevitable when you can't go home for four months.
I believe that is all for now in terms of the big tips. I just thought I'd update you all on my situation. I begin classes tomorrow! Yay! Oh and did I mention that, if all works out with the tutorials, I'll have five-day weekends the rest of the semester? Yeah, that's right. FIVE DAYS. Well, I must be off now.
Kilts checked to date... 16
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Sore Feet, Frozen Body, Happy Mind
I know this post comes so quickly after the last, but I do have a bit to say and I'm afraid I'll forget if I don't tell you now.
First, I finally got a phone here. Yay! I feel somewhat better having it in case of emergencies.
Second, my flatmate and I went on a great walking tour of the city today. And it wasn't even the whole city. Three hours and we barely even covered a few square blocks. This place is so magical with its history and more. The feeling of it alone just tells me I'm going to have an amazing time (and I already am).
This tour was a free tour done by a group called New Europe. They're known for their free tours, but what I didn't know about them is that their tour guides (at least the one today) are wonderful. Our tour guide, Ronnie, was cracking jokes left and right, making history interesting even for those who usually couldn't care less. I'm not one of those people, but trust me, there was probably someone who didn't want to be there, but Ronnie made it fun. So, if you're ever in Edinburgh and want a free tour, look them up and see if Ronnie is still working there.
I was frozen at the end and my nose was running like crazy, but I'd had a good time and the men and women of the tour group work only on tips, so tip them well if you go along because it's got to be a hard job. Ronnie got really into his speeches about everything. It was great.
I got to see so many things like Edinburgh Castle (though we did not go in), The Elephant House (where JK Rowling first dreamed up Harry Potter), the cemetery where the aforementioned author got some names for her series, and even the school that she first pictured as Hogwarts. I know, I got a little obsessed with Harry Potter. Trust me, there was much more than that. We learned about William Wallace, Robert the Bruce, and the only person to ever steal the Stone of Destiny from Westminster Abbey in London, Ian Hamilton. He got away with it too, though if that's so, I don't know how they know his name. I should have asked.
So many great stories from that and so many great places to use in my own writings.
Now, in these posts, you'll notice that I give you a number of kilts checked at the end. Do I really mean that I'm checking under random kilts of the locals? Or do I mean something else? Well the number went up, so you'll have to decide for yourself what I mean. Could be a trick question too.
Kilts checked to date... 16
First, I finally got a phone here. Yay! I feel somewhat better having it in case of emergencies.
Second, my flatmate and I went on a great walking tour of the city today. And it wasn't even the whole city. Three hours and we barely even covered a few square blocks. This place is so magical with its history and more. The feeling of it alone just tells me I'm going to have an amazing time (and I already am).
This tour was a free tour done by a group called New Europe. They're known for their free tours, but what I didn't know about them is that their tour guides (at least the one today) are wonderful. Our tour guide, Ronnie, was cracking jokes left and right, making history interesting even for those who usually couldn't care less. I'm not one of those people, but trust me, there was probably someone who didn't want to be there, but Ronnie made it fun. So, if you're ever in Edinburgh and want a free tour, look them up and see if Ronnie is still working there.
I was frozen at the end and my nose was running like crazy, but I'd had a good time and the men and women of the tour group work only on tips, so tip them well if you go along because it's got to be a hard job. Ronnie got really into his speeches about everything. It was great.
I got to see so many things like Edinburgh Castle (though we did not go in), The Elephant House (where JK Rowling first dreamed up Harry Potter), the cemetery where the aforementioned author got some names for her series, and even the school that she first pictured as Hogwarts. I know, I got a little obsessed with Harry Potter. Trust me, there was much more than that. We learned about William Wallace, Robert the Bruce, and the only person to ever steal the Stone of Destiny from Westminster Abbey in London, Ian Hamilton. He got away with it too, though if that's so, I don't know how they know his name. I should have asked.
So many great stories from that and so many great places to use in my own writings.
Now, in these posts, you'll notice that I give you a number of kilts checked at the end. Do I really mean that I'm checking under random kilts of the locals? Or do I mean something else? Well the number went up, so you'll have to decide for yourself what I mean. Could be a trick question too.
Kilts checked to date... 16
Friday, January 8, 2010
Thank Goodness for Maps and Friendly Natives
Hey all...
So I am now sitting in my university flat where I have three flatmates, one of whom is from Minnesota. I didn't expect another international tenant, but it's good to have someone else here.
There's something call inter-semester week (I think) which begins Monday and I guess certain exams are taken, but most students opt to stay at home for that time, so without the aforementioned flatmate, I might be alone for a week. Do you know how insane that would make me? Granted, I'm insane already... But I digress.
I stayed in a hostel for the first time last night. I have to admit, I was a little nervous since I was on my own in a city more than 3,000 miles from home, but it was fine. To those who've never been abroad, whether with friends/family or by yourself, trust me: you'll be fine. So far, I've run into only friendly people, beginning with the people from the student welcome center at the airport, continuing with the cab driver, then a waitress, an 82-year-old lady at the bus stop, and my flat mate, to say the least.
Anyone would have given me directions if I'd asked. And believe me, I had to ask more than once. This morning, I caught a bus going in the opposite direction of where I needed to go, but the bus driver calmly and kindly explained that, though he was at the last stop, he would be leaving in 5 minutes and it would take about 30 to reach me intended destination.
But, I'm dumb. I couldn't find my destination. Want to know why? 219 Colinton Road is not a house like they try to make you think. It's the main building for Craiglockhart campus of Edinburgh Napier University. It's a huge building on the OPPOSITE side of the street that I expected. So what do I do? I walk around in the cold for 30 minutes before I decide to try lugging my near 50-pound suitcase up the hill. And when I say pound, I don't mean money, people.
No worries. I made it to my induction meeting, got the key to my flat, got a taxi and settled in... sort of. I'm not unpacked yet, but that's for later.
Here's something I didn't at all expect, but it's the latitude that does it. Did you know that right now it's dark here at about 4pm and the sun isn't really up until maybe 9:30? Crazy, huh?
It's really an odd thing to think that, while it's 9:15pm here, it's only about 3:15pm back home in the midwest. So my little sister just got out of school 30 minutes ago or so.
Again, I digress. My first stop tomorrow? Errands. I have a lot to do and little time to do it with shop hours. Things close at 6pm around here. I was unable to get sheets or a pillow so I have to rough it once more for the night. Maybe I should find another hostel... Nah. I also need a cell phone because I haven't spoken to my family since before 10am on Wednesday morning. And I need food and dishes, etc. Oh gracious, I have a lot to do.
Well, I'm off to a tavern with my flatmate for something to do with international students, which I now am. Catch ya later!
Kilts checked to date... Still... Zero
So I am now sitting in my university flat where I have three flatmates, one of whom is from Minnesota. I didn't expect another international tenant, but it's good to have someone else here.
There's something call inter-semester week (I think) which begins Monday and I guess certain exams are taken, but most students opt to stay at home for that time, so without the aforementioned flatmate, I might be alone for a week. Do you know how insane that would make me? Granted, I'm insane already... But I digress.
I stayed in a hostel for the first time last night. I have to admit, I was a little nervous since I was on my own in a city more than 3,000 miles from home, but it was fine. To those who've never been abroad, whether with friends/family or by yourself, trust me: you'll be fine. So far, I've run into only friendly people, beginning with the people from the student welcome center at the airport, continuing with the cab driver, then a waitress, an 82-year-old lady at the bus stop, and my flat mate, to say the least.
Anyone would have given me directions if I'd asked. And believe me, I had to ask more than once. This morning, I caught a bus going in the opposite direction of where I needed to go, but the bus driver calmly and kindly explained that, though he was at the last stop, he would be leaving in 5 minutes and it would take about 30 to reach me intended destination.
But, I'm dumb. I couldn't find my destination. Want to know why? 219 Colinton Road is not a house like they try to make you think. It's the main building for Craiglockhart campus of Edinburgh Napier University. It's a huge building on the OPPOSITE side of the street that I expected. So what do I do? I walk around in the cold for 30 minutes before I decide to try lugging my near 50-pound suitcase up the hill. And when I say pound, I don't mean money, people.
No worries. I made it to my induction meeting, got the key to my flat, got a taxi and settled in... sort of. I'm not unpacked yet, but that's for later.
Here's something I didn't at all expect, but it's the latitude that does it. Did you know that right now it's dark here at about 4pm and the sun isn't really up until maybe 9:30? Crazy, huh?
It's really an odd thing to think that, while it's 9:15pm here, it's only about 3:15pm back home in the midwest. So my little sister just got out of school 30 minutes ago or so.
Again, I digress. My first stop tomorrow? Errands. I have a lot to do and little time to do it with shop hours. Things close at 6pm around here. I was unable to get sheets or a pillow so I have to rough it once more for the night. Maybe I should find another hostel... Nah. I also need a cell phone because I haven't spoken to my family since before 10am on Wednesday morning. And I need food and dishes, etc. Oh gracious, I have a lot to do.
Well, I'm off to a tavern with my flatmate for something to do with international students, which I now am. Catch ya later!
Kilts checked to date... Still... Zero
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Battling the Beast
I'm sitting in Heathrow Airport in London, wondering how I can possibly be in a city more than 3,000 miles from home. I look at the time on my pre-paid internet access and I have just under 9 minutes left. Enough time to blog? I think so!
My first flight out of Kansas City and into Newark was short. I slept for the most part, having only gotten about 5 hours the night before. Then I got to wait for more than four hours in Newark (where I definitely ate something that did not agree with me) before boarding the plane that would take me to London. About 6 1/2 hours later, we landed. Throughout the long flight, I'd had a headache, a stomach ache, thrown up (apparently I don't do well on long flights over water) and thus had no solid food in my stomach since the slice of pizza in Newark. Food? That was my first thought.
But first I had to go through checkpoints and change terminals and make sure I knew where I was going and such. No big deal, right? Wrong. London's Heathrow Airport is a beast to navigate. More than once I had to ask for directions and I definitely felt like people thought I was just another stupid American. Probably just a feeling. No worries.
Even the uncomfortable flight over the Atlantic (which was also complicated with turbulance) has not really marred my first few hours abroad. It's truly an adventure just being in a new country. What I really can't wait for is to take a nap. I've only had about 5 hours of sleep in the last 55 or so hours total. Not exactly helping the headache, is it?
Wow, I'm complaining. Sorry all for that.
I'm trying my best not to look like a tourist, but I know I do. I've only got about 3 minutes left, so I'll wrap this up. Newark = boring. London = super cool even with the headache and tired eyes. Edinburgh = who knows? We shall see soon enough.
Have questions? Want to give me a list of places to visit all over Europe? Comment on the blog!
Kilts checked to date... Zero.
My first flight out of Kansas City and into Newark was short. I slept for the most part, having only gotten about 5 hours the night before. Then I got to wait for more than four hours in Newark (where I definitely ate something that did not agree with me) before boarding the plane that would take me to London. About 6 1/2 hours later, we landed. Throughout the long flight, I'd had a headache, a stomach ache, thrown up (apparently I don't do well on long flights over water) and thus had no solid food in my stomach since the slice of pizza in Newark. Food? That was my first thought.
But first I had to go through checkpoints and change terminals and make sure I knew where I was going and such. No big deal, right? Wrong. London's Heathrow Airport is a beast to navigate. More than once I had to ask for directions and I definitely felt like people thought I was just another stupid American. Probably just a feeling. No worries.
Even the uncomfortable flight over the Atlantic (which was also complicated with turbulance) has not really marred my first few hours abroad. It's truly an adventure just being in a new country. What I really can't wait for is to take a nap. I've only had about 5 hours of sleep in the last 55 or so hours total. Not exactly helping the headache, is it?
Wow, I'm complaining. Sorry all for that.
I'm trying my best not to look like a tourist, but I know I do. I've only got about 3 minutes left, so I'll wrap this up. Newark = boring. London = super cool even with the headache and tired eyes. Edinburgh = who knows? We shall see soon enough.
Have questions? Want to give me a list of places to visit all over Europe? Comment on the blog!
Kilts checked to date... Zero.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Four days out...
As the title suggest, I'm now four days out from my departure. I leave Wednesday, January, 6 at 10:38am local time (Kansas City, MO) and arrive Thursday, January 7, at 1:40pm local time. It's three flights with a stop in Newark and a second one in London before reaching my final destination of Edinburgh, Scotland.
I actually did a little shopping yesterday and today. I'll hold for applause. I am working on lists, checklists, shopping lists, to-do lists, etc. It's difficult. I'm such a procrastinator and having a television in my room while I'm home is really not helping. In the comments box, suggestions would be helpful. Hint, hint.
But I've done a few things to get ready. I have the right luggage, some adapters for my electronic appliances, and all that jazz. I also have a Skype account and a new web cam with which to use Skype.
Yeah, I know, this blog may be getting boring, but trust me, I'll have a great post a couple days after I arrive. Just stay tuned. Give me a chance. It'll get better.
Kilts checked to date... Zero.
I actually did a little shopping yesterday and today. I'll hold for applause. I am working on lists, checklists, shopping lists, to-do lists, etc. It's difficult. I'm such a procrastinator and having a television in my room while I'm home is really not helping. In the comments box, suggestions would be helpful. Hint, hint.
But I've done a few things to get ready. I have the right luggage, some adapters for my electronic appliances, and all that jazz. I also have a Skype account and a new web cam with which to use Skype.
Yeah, I know, this blog may be getting boring, but trust me, I'll have a great post a couple days after I arrive. Just stay tuned. Give me a chance. It'll get better.
Kilts checked to date... Zero.
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