Very often in life we forget how romantic we can be. The opportunity is presented to us often: will we run back and tell them that one more thing? Will we share one more kiss? Will we do something we're afraid of simply because we know it would hurt more not to take the chance? Here's something i've learned recently: Romance is an universal law. Like gravity, romance is everywhere. You watch that opening scene from Love Actually and you realize right away that every bit of it is true. Affection is all around us. Sometimes, we avoid it like some bad song. Sometimes we cower from it. And sometimes we just take the leap.
As human beings, it's easy to forget just how beautiful the world is. In a world that is racing by every single day, how often do you literally stop and smell the roses? How often do you look up and say "Hey, thanks for that" to the universe or whatever else is up there? While in Scotland, i've gotten into the healthy habit of doing it at least once a day. And everytime I do, I know that i'm doing exactly what I should've. Boom. The universe and I have lined up. Suddenly. And without warning.
So here's an updated list, just to keep it fresh:
-Thank God for the universality of musical-theatre geeks
-Suddenly, Seymour
-Sometimes, good things do happen after 2AM
-Scottish weather reminds me of New England weather; always bring a raincoat
-Wind is a reminder that the world is still moving
-DUBLIN in like a week. Hell yeah to getting my traveling started
-The future doesn't need to be sorted now. You'll get there eventually, right?
-American History abroad has a much different taste. I can't call it bitterness. But there's definitely a difference in understanding. Whose fault is that?
-With so little regulations and restrictions on authority and leadership (mainly in academics), how does anybody get anything done around this place?
-A musical put up in 24 hours feels a little insane. But holy Jesus, is it worth it.
-If the mind and the body are so distinct, Descartes, why does it make me want to punch a wall everytime I have to walk to philosophy class?
-Scottish people put a lot of faith in an out-of-town American who sang a little ditty and tripped over his own feet. Thanks Cecilians, for that.
-There's a old, polish man back home who'd I'd like to grab by the shirt collar and ask if he still thinks i'm not "leading man material".
-I could get used to being a part of "Kake"
Until later,
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Scotland: Timing
I have been thinking about my time here thus far as merely a vacation, when today it hit me: I have much more time here. I kept thinking that i'm running out of time. As if I NEEDED to get comfortable immediately. I have time to grow into this place, to make this experience count. I like that feeling. There's power in the words "there's still time for that".
The mindset of this experience as a vacation suggests that it was like an escape. Isn't that the point of a vacation? To escape? Like the exotic nature of the new location will wipe away whatever past dirt-stains i've received or whatever blood i've got on my hands. And maybe that was the way I was thinking before, as if going off to a foreign land would make me a new person, with no outside influence, and as if I could come back home different from how I left. And maybe that's still an expectation that I have, but i've realized something: This isn't escape. I didn't go abroad to run from anything, and I think i've limited myself thus far to thinking about Scotland that way. There's more to this semester than to get away from myself.
I suppose most people like to think that there's answers that we search for in life. Going abroad, I realize that there is no answer that i'm looking for over here. I'm not trying to find myself among the castles, beer, and thick accents. The only thing that i'm looking for is what I know is already here, what I already have, but haven't fully explored yet.
Maybe it's time to go out and see a bit more.
Until later,
The mindset of this experience as a vacation suggests that it was like an escape. Isn't that the point of a vacation? To escape? Like the exotic nature of the new location will wipe away whatever past dirt-stains i've received or whatever blood i've got on my hands. And maybe that was the way I was thinking before, as if going off to a foreign land would make me a new person, with no outside influence, and as if I could come back home different from how I left. And maybe that's still an expectation that I have, but i've realized something: This isn't escape. I didn't go abroad to run from anything, and I think i've limited myself thus far to thinking about Scotland that way. There's more to this semester than to get away from myself.
I suppose most people like to think that there's answers that we search for in life. Going abroad, I realize that there is no answer that i'm looking for over here. I'm not trying to find myself among the castles, beer, and thick accents. The only thing that i'm looking for is what I know is already here, what I already have, but haven't fully explored yet.
Maybe it's time to go out and see a bit more.
Until later,
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Scotland: the people
Have you ever thought about the moment when we meet someone new? Isn't it a fascinating idea, becoming acquaintances with someone new, an event that sets up the basis for which an entire relationship is built upon, whether it is healthy or not. What questions do we ask? What pieces of information do we gather from each other? In this social-interview, what do require from the other person? What do try to gain from that interaction?
Being abroad has made me realize that we have a lot of power when it comes to how we present ourselves. Will we choose to close ourselves off, or will we choose to put ourselves out there? And if we're putting ourselves out there, how much of ourselves are we throwing out there? I could choose to spend all day long in my room, never see much of Scotland, and not meet any of the locals or any of my flatmates. i have the power to make my self unavailable to these people, and most of the time, it would be the easy choice. thus far, something i've learned about myself is that I don't like the feeling of being alone. I am not comfortable in my own mind. To be left alone with my thoughts is one of my greatest fears. And frankly, I need to get comfortable with that.
A great friend helped me realize (over a pint of Stella...which by the way tastes so much better in Europe for whatever reason) that I am doing this for me. This experience is not for anyone else to have, just me. And so the choice to put myself out there (rather than close myself off) is one that holds a bit more gravity than it did before. Will I introduce myself to whomever I can? Will I make lasting friendships despite the fact that I am only here for 3 months? What am I willing to do (or give out) to make this experience count for something, for myself?
So you do the usual dance. The Introduction: My name. My country or origin. My plans in Scotland. What i'm studying (Three courses, and the best schedule ever). How I'm liking the country so far.
And I ask them about themselves. Something I've never been good at. Because they are part of what makes this experience count.
I'm getting good at the dance, and the people i've met are awesome.
So here's the condensed version of the semester so far:
1. Edinburgh is beautiful. And the Queen has a beautiful boat, and thankfully, she is willing to share it with the public every once in awhile.
2. I'm part of the MacDonald Clan. Giddy-up.
3. Seeing people who comfort you is a wonderful feeling. Like a breath of fresh air when your flat smells like baking soda.
4. UK mail takes as long as the waitresses take to give you your check over here.
5. You can survive on 5 quid a day
6. Money matters when you have no other options.
7. Clubs are NOT my scene, and they're terrifying.
8. There's a difference between great strangers and strangers who have ulterior motives(like an interest in the girls at the pub with you). Know the difference.
9. Words that are meant to hurt when shared from back home hurt more while abroad.
10. Sunglasses in Scotland can make you look like an asshole. But you get past it.
11. You can't always escape the things you've left behind. Don't assume it's that easy.
12. My flatmates are the typical first-years: full of hope and desire to make an impression. I hope they know that they're making an impression on me.
Until later,
Being abroad has made me realize that we have a lot of power when it comes to how we present ourselves. Will we choose to close ourselves off, or will we choose to put ourselves out there? And if we're putting ourselves out there, how much of ourselves are we throwing out there? I could choose to spend all day long in my room, never see much of Scotland, and not meet any of the locals or any of my flatmates. i have the power to make my self unavailable to these people, and most of the time, it would be the easy choice. thus far, something i've learned about myself is that I don't like the feeling of being alone. I am not comfortable in my own mind. To be left alone with my thoughts is one of my greatest fears. And frankly, I need to get comfortable with that.
A great friend helped me realize (over a pint of Stella...which by the way tastes so much better in Europe for whatever reason) that I am doing this for me. This experience is not for anyone else to have, just me. And so the choice to put myself out there (rather than close myself off) is one that holds a bit more gravity than it did before. Will I introduce myself to whomever I can? Will I make lasting friendships despite the fact that I am only here for 3 months? What am I willing to do (or give out) to make this experience count for something, for myself?
So you do the usual dance. The Introduction: My name. My country or origin. My plans in Scotland. What i'm studying (Three courses, and the best schedule ever). How I'm liking the country so far.
And I ask them about themselves. Something I've never been good at. Because they are part of what makes this experience count.
I'm getting good at the dance, and the people i've met are awesome.
So here's the condensed version of the semester so far:
1. Edinburgh is beautiful. And the Queen has a beautiful boat, and thankfully, she is willing to share it with the public every once in awhile.
2. I'm part of the MacDonald Clan. Giddy-up.
3. Seeing people who comfort you is a wonderful feeling. Like a breath of fresh air when your flat smells like baking soda.
4. UK mail takes as long as the waitresses take to give you your check over here.
5. You can survive on 5 quid a day
6. Money matters when you have no other options.
7. Clubs are NOT my scene, and they're terrifying.
8. There's a difference between great strangers and strangers who have ulterior motives(like an interest in the girls at the pub with you). Know the difference.
9. Words that are meant to hurt when shared from back home hurt more while abroad.
10. Sunglasses in Scotland can make you look like an asshole. But you get past it.
11. You can't always escape the things you've left behind. Don't assume it's that easy.
12. My flatmates are the typical first-years: full of hope and desire to make an impression. I hope they know that they're making an impression on me.
Until later,
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Scotland: A study in pubs and growing up
So here's the thing: I should be using this blog for my study abroad experience, and thus far, I haven't done a great job of doing so.
So here's a break down of every day since i've been here:
Day 1- Jetlagged and very tired, I went out with Christine and her mother, which was a blast. We got some dinner, then went to a local bar and got some drinks. Getting back home was a hike unfortunately, and I have a feeling there will be no easy way to do it. We found some pubs in this nice back alley called Ashton Lane, a cobble-stoned street with street musicians. I dropped a two-pence coin some guys guitar case, my first coin given to Scotland.The flat was lonely and kind of scary, and i'm still unsure if someone was actually living here (I keep hearing some creaking and I can't tell if it's an opening door or not...i'm scared to check). I'm also not sure if i'm living with freshers (first years) or international students. I'm really hoping it's international students. I also missed breakfast with Christine and her mom today because my phone is an hour behind what the time actually is (I don't know why), and so my alarm didn't go off. I did figure out that the desk chair in my room spins really fast and can roll across the room....not that i've tried it.
Day 2- Had my first experience on the Glasgow "Underground" today. There's also a subway station in that area to downtown Glasgow, which I took today. It is so easy to get around, considering the track is a giant loop, which is awesome. Buchanan Street is like the time's Square of Glasgow. It's a pedestrianized, cobble-stone street (A staple of Scottish streets, evidently) with lots of shops, museums, and theatres. Downtown is a wonderful area, full of beautiful architecture and tremendous music and people. I heard at least 17 different accents walking through. I got the phone I wanted, and a very simple plan that will only be about ten pounds a month (BOOM). Also,they have like 14 digits in their phone numbers, which seems excessive to me. Also the phones don't ring here? It's just a long beeping sound....what the hell is going on here? I also bought some groceries today (for 14 pounds I get milk, bread, some plastic cups and silverware, peanut butter, water and apples....I AM THE MASTER OF LIVING ON MY OWN).
Day 3- Checked with the main desk right now to see if I can expect any of my roommates today. Apparently someone should be living with me already.....where are they? I didn't go out last night, so it was very quiet. Spent most of the night journaling, reading, or watching illegal online versions of shows. I walked around Byres Road a bit during the day, which is the main street in the West End of Glasgow. It's full of life and business. the whole driving-on-the-left-side-of-the-road thing still has not fully registered with me yet. It's pretty insane that people can jay-walk when cars come whipping around the corner. The cars are significantly smaller, but i'm convinced one would throw me at least 40 feet. Also, i accidentally put all of my groceries in the freezer instead of the fridge, and my milk and water froze. My apples are all of varying shapes, and squishy following the defrosting. Maybe I need to get a little better at this surviving on my own stuff.
Less than an hour later- I have one flatmate! Her name is Qiao (pronounced Chow, but she said I could call her Georgia...thank god), and she's from China. She's very tired, but at least i'm not lonely anymore. My phone was acting up pretty terribly (apparently Orange (the company) gave told me the wrong number, which is great), but the problem seems to be relatively "fixed" after hours calling the phone company and bitching to others. I wandered around campus a bit today....it's absolutely huge. I have no idea what are academic buildings and which are offices...so the 17th should be fun. All of it looks like something that Dracula should be haunting (which is coincidentally a term they use for "visited frequently", see: "It's a popular haunt in these areas".) Or even Hogwarts. The Union (giant tower) is taller than Gasson, and even older. All of it is incredibly intimidating. Christine and I went out with her roommate, Rachel, and another girl that Rachel knew, named Frida. Both are really awesome. We went out to his nice restaurant (on Ashton Lane) that used to be a theatre and now is a pub and eatery. Really awesome beer (Tennents, mmmmm), and great music selection. They do live music too, and i'm really looking forward to hearing some Scottish bands in pubs soon. Stole a cloth napkin for a dish towel, because why not express my kleptomania over here too? I'm meeting a lot of people over here that remind of folks back home, but maybe i'm just looking for comparisons.
Day 4- Orientation. We heard about how to register for courses and the process of getting everything finalized as far as academics go. The Study Abroad and Exchange Office does a lot for us, which is really nice. I'm in the process of checking with my adviser to see how I go about carrying over credits and so on. I might take a Exploring Scottish Culture class, which would be really cool. It's set up similarly to American Studies, in that in covers the History and the Literature of Scotland throughout time and how culture shaped the country, rather than the other way around. There's this really amazing event happening in Scottish Parliament right now, where for two years (it's been going on for a year) the people have the opportunity to vote on whether Scotland will receive it's independence from the UK. Apparently that is all supposed to be decided by April. It would be incredible, seeing as for years Scotland has gone back and forth on the idea of not being ruled by Great Britain, and seeking it's freedom. The woman (one of the Study Abroad Advisers, Collette McGowan) explained it that you can ask any Scottish citizen, and on any given day they will give you a different answer to the question "should Scotland by free?". The Scottish Culture course would cover this idea, and focus on it's impact on the country. We met the rest of the BC students who are here (there's 5 of us total) and planned with the BC liason several trips. Her name is Rhona and she's wonderful. Plus, BC covers all of the expenses, and frankly, what the hell else could you want out of this abroad experience? So we're going out to dinner with her next week, then to a futbol game, then a weekend trip to the Highlands (and to Loch Ness........fuck yeah Nessie). the other students from BC are really awesome. I actually went on Kairos with one of the girls (Michele). I was talking to the other boy with me (Sean) and he was also trying to figure out the whole Bank of America-getting money issue. He said that he was told that Barclay would maybe give him a debit card which would work with his BOA account. So we walked (like a 45 minute walk) into the East-end of the city to the nearest Barclay chain. When we got there, they said we'd have to open an account with them, and we couldn't do that if we were only here for one semester. Apparently that's an issue with most banks in the UK. Also had some of the best fish and chips i've ever. Scottish pubs are the freakin' best. Went grocery shopping last night, and walked over 50 pounds of groceries two miles back to my flat in the rain. Scotland has me as her Bitch.
Which brings us to Today, Day 5- Went on my walking tour today of Glasgow, and took lots of pictures. Finally saw the majority of the University, which is overwhelmingly huge. But the tour guide was helpful. There are competing Student Unions here, so I'll be joining one of those. It feels like fall over here, but every night it rains. I keep thinking "and at night, the rain comes..." in a really ominous voice. Also, apparently it's not appropriate to sing to yourself around here? And I thought the streets were going to be filled with that. Right now, I am drinking my first legally-purchased beer from a grocery store. Stella tastes so much better in Europe, and I don't know why.
So that's Scotland so far in a nutshell. It's wonderful, and scary, and nothing like I expected. Thank God for that.
Until later,
So here's a break down of every day since i've been here:
Day 1- Jetlagged and very tired, I went out with Christine and her mother, which was a blast. We got some dinner, then went to a local bar and got some drinks. Getting back home was a hike unfortunately, and I have a feeling there will be no easy way to do it. We found some pubs in this nice back alley called Ashton Lane, a cobble-stoned street with street musicians. I dropped a two-pence coin some guys guitar case, my first coin given to Scotland.The flat was lonely and kind of scary, and i'm still unsure if someone was actually living here (I keep hearing some creaking and I can't tell if it's an opening door or not...i'm scared to check). I'm also not sure if i'm living with freshers (first years) or international students. I'm really hoping it's international students. I also missed breakfast with Christine and her mom today because my phone is an hour behind what the time actually is (I don't know why), and so my alarm didn't go off. I did figure out that the desk chair in my room spins really fast and can roll across the room....not that i've tried it.
Day 2- Had my first experience on the Glasgow "Underground" today. There's also a subway station in that area to downtown Glasgow, which I took today. It is so easy to get around, considering the track is a giant loop, which is awesome. Buchanan Street is like the time's Square of Glasgow. It's a pedestrianized, cobble-stone street (A staple of Scottish streets, evidently) with lots of shops, museums, and theatres. Downtown is a wonderful area, full of beautiful architecture and tremendous music and people. I heard at least 17 different accents walking through. I got the phone I wanted, and a very simple plan that will only be about ten pounds a month (BOOM). Also,they have like 14 digits in their phone numbers, which seems excessive to me. Also the phones don't ring here? It's just a long beeping sound....what the hell is going on here? I also bought some groceries today (for 14 pounds I get milk, bread, some plastic cups and silverware, peanut butter, water and apples....I AM THE MASTER OF LIVING ON MY OWN).
Day 3- Checked with the main desk right now to see if I can expect any of my roommates today. Apparently someone should be living with me already.....where are they? I didn't go out last night, so it was very quiet. Spent most of the night journaling, reading, or watching illegal online versions of shows. I walked around Byres Road a bit during the day, which is the main street in the West End of Glasgow. It's full of life and business. the whole driving-on-the-left-side-of-the-road thing still has not fully registered with me yet. It's pretty insane that people can jay-walk when cars come whipping around the corner. The cars are significantly smaller, but i'm convinced one would throw me at least 40 feet. Also, i accidentally put all of my groceries in the freezer instead of the fridge, and my milk and water froze. My apples are all of varying shapes, and squishy following the defrosting. Maybe I need to get a little better at this surviving on my own stuff.
Less than an hour later- I have one flatmate! Her name is Qiao (pronounced Chow, but she said I could call her Georgia...thank god), and she's from China. She's very tired, but at least i'm not lonely anymore. My phone was acting up pretty terribly (apparently Orange (the company) gave told me the wrong number, which is great), but the problem seems to be relatively "fixed" after hours calling the phone company and bitching to others. I wandered around campus a bit today....it's absolutely huge. I have no idea what are academic buildings and which are offices...so the 17th should be fun. All of it looks like something that Dracula should be haunting (which is coincidentally a term they use for "visited frequently", see: "It's a popular haunt in these areas".) Or even Hogwarts. The Union (giant tower) is taller than Gasson, and even older. All of it is incredibly intimidating. Christine and I went out with her roommate, Rachel, and another girl that Rachel knew, named Frida. Both are really awesome. We went out to his nice restaurant (on Ashton Lane) that used to be a theatre and now is a pub and eatery. Really awesome beer (Tennents, mmmmm), and great music selection. They do live music too, and i'm really looking forward to hearing some Scottish bands in pubs soon. Stole a cloth napkin for a dish towel, because why not express my kleptomania over here too? I'm meeting a lot of people over here that remind of folks back home, but maybe i'm just looking for comparisons.
Day 4- Orientation. We heard about how to register for courses and the process of getting everything finalized as far as academics go. The Study Abroad and Exchange Office does a lot for us, which is really nice. I'm in the process of checking with my adviser to see how I go about carrying over credits and so on. I might take a Exploring Scottish Culture class, which would be really cool. It's set up similarly to American Studies, in that in covers the History and the Literature of Scotland throughout time and how culture shaped the country, rather than the other way around. There's this really amazing event happening in Scottish Parliament right now, where for two years (it's been going on for a year) the people have the opportunity to vote on whether Scotland will receive it's independence from the UK. Apparently that is all supposed to be decided by April. It would be incredible, seeing as for years Scotland has gone back and forth on the idea of not being ruled by Great Britain, and seeking it's freedom. The woman (one of the Study Abroad Advisers, Collette McGowan) explained it that you can ask any Scottish citizen, and on any given day they will give you a different answer to the question "should Scotland by free?". The Scottish Culture course would cover this idea, and focus on it's impact on the country. We met the rest of the BC students who are here (there's 5 of us total) and planned with the BC liason several trips. Her name is Rhona and she's wonderful. Plus, BC covers all of the expenses, and frankly, what the hell else could you want out of this abroad experience? So we're going out to dinner with her next week, then to a futbol game, then a weekend trip to the Highlands (and to Loch Ness........fuck yeah Nessie). the other students from BC are really awesome. I actually went on Kairos with one of the girls (Michele). I was talking to the other boy with me (Sean) and he was also trying to figure out the whole Bank of America-getting money issue. He said that he was told that Barclay would maybe give him a debit card which would work with his BOA account. So we walked (like a 45 minute walk) into the East-end of the city to the nearest Barclay chain. When we got there, they said we'd have to open an account with them, and we couldn't do that if we were only here for one semester. Apparently that's an issue with most banks in the UK. Also had some of the best fish and chips i've ever. Scottish pubs are the freakin' best. Went grocery shopping last night, and walked over 50 pounds of groceries two miles back to my flat in the rain. Scotland has me as her Bitch.
Which brings us to Today, Day 5- Went on my walking tour today of Glasgow, and took lots of pictures. Finally saw the majority of the University, which is overwhelmingly huge. But the tour guide was helpful. There are competing Student Unions here, so I'll be joining one of those. It feels like fall over here, but every night it rains. I keep thinking "and at night, the rain comes..." in a really ominous voice. Also, apparently it's not appropriate to sing to yourself around here? And I thought the streets were going to be filled with that. Right now, I am drinking my first legally-purchased beer from a grocery store. Stella tastes so much better in Europe, and I don't know why.
So that's Scotland so far in a nutshell. It's wonderful, and scary, and nothing like I expected. Thank God for that.
Until later,
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Scotland: a-broad
Today I sit in the big city of Glasgow, Scotland. After 16 hours of travel, a rain storm (I've been told by my friends here before me that I brought the rain....sorry guys), a cheap cell phone purchase, a flat all by myself, and the first sweater of September (say whatttt?) I am finally abroad.
I had a lot of expectations about going abroad. Mostly the negative ones, which are just as unhealthy as the good expectations we hold. I had expectations of missing a flight, not being able to communicate with anyone, getting lost, being in the wrong place at the wrong time, and so on. I tried to keep an open mind, but it's hard to when you feel like there's some many things to take care of and there's only one of you. The stress kept me up most nights, and that includes when I finally got here. Loneliness, and a feeling like you can't communicate with anyone you actually want to talk to, can do that to you.And while I swore last night that I wasn't ready for this experience, i'm starting to understand something. The thing is, I was not meant to be ready for this experience. No one else is, so why should I be?
Experience is only as important as you make it. My expectations (regardless of how real or ridiculous they may have been) may have soiled this experience if I hadn't realized that part of going abroad is getting lost a bit. You have to not know what to do. Living on your own may be hard, but that's the point. And now it has me asking: What else could I have expected?
So here's some highlights/thoughts from the experience thus far:
-Sat next to a wonderful Brit, named Amanda, on the flight over to London. She was heading home after 12 and half years, to say goodbye to her sister who had died. Still she was one of the most cheerful people I had met thus far. She was just so happy to going home. I hope I feel that way when I am coming back the states.
-The differences between TSA and the airport personnel in Great Britain is kindness. the Heathrow airport staff was so wonderful with all of my questions. Logan airport staff yelled at me.
-I wish I had brought an umbrella.
-Glasgow has some of the most beautiful architecture I have ever seen. I can't wait to visit more of Scotland to what else there is here.
-While I felt really lonely and lost at this time yesterday, I realized that a cell phone has made me feel that much more comfortable. I don't know if that's sad or if that's just the future. Probably both.
-Loneliness takes over when you realize that it's just you and your thoughts. And when those thoughts scare you, that's the worst. But perhaps that's just to show the importance of company.
-If the walk to campus wasn't such a bitch, i'd feel much better about my residence.
-I could used to this place. And I will.
And with that, I have only more expectation: To have a good time, to enjoy it. While it lasts.
Until later,
I had a lot of expectations about going abroad. Mostly the negative ones, which are just as unhealthy as the good expectations we hold. I had expectations of missing a flight, not being able to communicate with anyone, getting lost, being in the wrong place at the wrong time, and so on. I tried to keep an open mind, but it's hard to when you feel like there's some many things to take care of and there's only one of you. The stress kept me up most nights, and that includes when I finally got here. Loneliness, and a feeling like you can't communicate with anyone you actually want to talk to, can do that to you.And while I swore last night that I wasn't ready for this experience, i'm starting to understand something. The thing is, I was not meant to be ready for this experience. No one else is, so why should I be?
Experience is only as important as you make it. My expectations (regardless of how real or ridiculous they may have been) may have soiled this experience if I hadn't realized that part of going abroad is getting lost a bit. You have to not know what to do. Living on your own may be hard, but that's the point. And now it has me asking: What else could I have expected?
So here's some highlights/thoughts from the experience thus far:
-Sat next to a wonderful Brit, named Amanda, on the flight over to London. She was heading home after 12 and half years, to say goodbye to her sister who had died. Still she was one of the most cheerful people I had met thus far. She was just so happy to going home. I hope I feel that way when I am coming back the states.
-The differences between TSA and the airport personnel in Great Britain is kindness. the Heathrow airport staff was so wonderful with all of my questions. Logan airport staff yelled at me.
-I wish I had brought an umbrella.
-Glasgow has some of the most beautiful architecture I have ever seen. I can't wait to visit more of Scotland to what else there is here.
-While I felt really lonely and lost at this time yesterday, I realized that a cell phone has made me feel that much more comfortable. I don't know if that's sad or if that's just the future. Probably both.
-Loneliness takes over when you realize that it's just you and your thoughts. And when those thoughts scare you, that's the worst. But perhaps that's just to show the importance of company.
-If the walk to campus wasn't such a bitch, i'd feel much better about my residence.
-I could used to this place. And I will.
And with that, I have only more expectation: To have a good time, to enjoy it. While it lasts.
Until later,
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