Something I really appreciate about New England in autumn is the temperature change. During the day, you have these crisp, but sunny and warm-ish hours, which slowly fade into brisk, windy nights. You start to be able to see your breath when you walk outside. You grab hot cider and wrap a scarf around your neck. And I love it so much. And when I went abroad, I was honestly really upset that i'd miss that time.
Now Scotland did have a bit of fall. I walked up the path to my flat one day and looked at the trees on either side of the concrete: they were fantastic colors and blazing like flames in the afternoon sun. Then we were hit with several rainstorms day-after-day, and those leaves all fell. And it got cold. Fast.
Scotland has a tremendous change in temperature when it comes to fall into winter. And I never appreciated that for what it was. Think about all the things in your life that you've seen go from hot and blazing to cold and smoking. Like when you dump pool-water on a bonfire. All at once, the light goes out. You can't see so clearly anymore. the Shadows disappear. The darkness moves in.
You have to learn to accept that moment when your senses must adjust. It may hurt, and it may be scary. Light makes things clear, makes it easier. but the darkness doesn't have to be scary.The fall turning into winter doesn't have to be so cold. If you're bundled up enough, you can get through it.
I'm learning to bundle myself better in Scotland. You have to. No point in wishing the leaves would go back to the tops of the trees. You have to learn to appreciate being able to see your breath again. You have to kick up the crunching leaves, and zip up the jacket a little tighter.
Be okay with being alone. Be okay with knowing how to move forward. Be okay with being alone with your thoughts.
Here's the breakdown:
-Scottish folks really know how to put on a party
-A fancy dinner means you wear a suit.
-You have to be okay with asking your flatmate to borrow his suit
-A bowtie can make you look so much more formal. Plus, it's classy.
-You can't run away from your past. Even if there's an ocean between you.
-I have learned to greatly appreciate a routine. There is so much comfort in the habitual.
-60 years. Wow.
-Thank god the Cecilian Society exists.
Until later,
Friday, November 2, 2012
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Scotland: A Study in Poetry
You see, American films abroad can do two things: 1. They serve as pieces of nostalgia from the memories back home 2. They allow you to get a slightly different perspective on them.
Now, i've found that it's fairly easy to express yourself in journal entries (or blog posts like these); but I never considered the amount of impact that words can have.
Think about the last thing you said to the person who you love most. Did you weigh your words carefully? Did you analyze how the sentence structure was going to sound? Did you consider how much your inflection impacted the meaning of that sentence? Probably not. Most people don't. But our words seem to be the one thing that can preserve ourselves: "The powerful play goes on, and you get to contribute a verse. What will your verse be?"
So here's moments, experiences, emotions, and all that other shit in words. Words ordered specifically and meaningfully (as much as I can get) to fit the right moment. Read, peruse, think or slander them. They're out here to be heard, and hopefully, show a little something.
What you thought
That it'd be hard (it is)
That running back would change things (the outcome)
That you were afraid (could you do it?)
That you'd cry everyday
That you wouldn't be missed
That Seymour was impossible
That a musical in 24 hours couldn't be done (you were wrong)
That you were trying to prove something to everyone else
That it would be life changing (it is, everyday)
That you convince her that Kake was a the best idea
That she didn't actually like you (she does)
That she wouldn't miss you (she does)
That it'd be a bigger culture shock
That travelling wasn't who you were (Fuck dat shit)
That you wouldn't figure out military time
That it'd still be unsettling
That the Scots were all bruts (Jury's out on that one)
That it wouldn't feel as good as it does
Like Clouds Resting
Like clouds resting on foreign mountaintops
I seem to hover above this thing,
this time,
The extreme "out-of-body" experience
And it's you I keep coming back to
like Turbulence that won't go away
But the good kind.
That kind that makes your stomach go into your throat
Flying
Your Smile.
I've got to get grounded
What It is
Sitting in the Airport, waiting to board a flight
She holds his seat with her coat
He gets her a coffee
-forgets how she takes it, goes back 3 times to get it right
He carries her coat, toates her suitcase
She carries nothing
Standing in line, waiting to have your passport checked
He cries, because she won't play with him
She is organizing their travel documents, stops to pretend to eat his fingers
-She can't bear to hear him whimper when she puts him down
She picks him up; he's still hers before any girls steals his heart
For now; she'll take what she can get
Boarding the plane, smiling at the flight attendent
He has talked security into allowing him to escort her to the plane
-She is crying
They stop 3 times, to kiss and hug; like it's their last time (maybe it is)
He whispers words of affection, encouragement
His hand is the last she feels as she ascends the stairs to the plane
Sitting in a chair, hovering above the Alps
Daydreaming about you
Thinking about how crazy I am; how many days since i've talked to you?
Thinking I wasn't prepared for you (for what you could be)
Remembering your eyes, the smell of your hair (and how it lingered)
-the feeling of you breathing as I lay there next to you
It's capable of all these things
And yet;
Why can't we describe it except with moments like these?
I guess, and i'm no expert
It is, what it is.
Hopefully those work on some level.
Here's the breakdown:
-Drunk Disney is the greatest idea anyone has ever had.
-Getting video messages while abroad really makes you miss home. And R. Kelly covers make that feeling soooo much better.
-Italy is the greatest, especially on bikes and bookended with gelato
-Parma Pizza; try it
-A solid friendship can withstand any amount of time that has passed
-Things do look better from above; I understand that now
-Good advice comes from many different places: you just have to know where to listen and when
-Home has changed meaning for me now; i'm still trying to decide if that's a good thing or not.
-Comfort is a beautiful thing
-Sometimes you don't know you need to relax until you actually start to do so.
-Sometimes, saying that thing that won't change things permanently but will temporarily do so, is enough
-Happiness is made from those people who choose to see it everyday, and not by those who think it's something the universe grants.
Until later,
Now, i've found that it's fairly easy to express yourself in journal entries (or blog posts like these); but I never considered the amount of impact that words can have.
Think about the last thing you said to the person who you love most. Did you weigh your words carefully? Did you analyze how the sentence structure was going to sound? Did you consider how much your inflection impacted the meaning of that sentence? Probably not. Most people don't. But our words seem to be the one thing that can preserve ourselves: "The powerful play goes on, and you get to contribute a verse. What will your verse be?"
So here's moments, experiences, emotions, and all that other shit in words. Words ordered specifically and meaningfully (as much as I can get) to fit the right moment. Read, peruse, think or slander them. They're out here to be heard, and hopefully, show a little something.
What you thought
That it'd be hard (it is)
That running back would change things (the outcome)
That you were afraid (could you do it?)
That you'd cry everyday
That you wouldn't be missed
That Seymour was impossible
That a musical in 24 hours couldn't be done (you were wrong)
That you were trying to prove something to everyone else
That it would be life changing (it is, everyday)
That you convince her that Kake was a the best idea
That she didn't actually like you (she does)
That she wouldn't miss you (she does)
That it'd be a bigger culture shock
That travelling wasn't who you were (Fuck dat shit)
That you wouldn't figure out military time
That it'd still be unsettling
That the Scots were all bruts (Jury's out on that one)
That it wouldn't feel as good as it does
Like Clouds Resting
Like clouds resting on foreign mountaintops
I seem to hover above this thing,
this time,
The extreme "out-of-body" experience
And it's you I keep coming back to
like Turbulence that won't go away
But the good kind.
That kind that makes your stomach go into your throat
Flying
Your Smile.
I've got to get grounded
What It is
Sitting in the Airport, waiting to board a flight
She holds his seat with her coat
He gets her a coffee
-forgets how she takes it, goes back 3 times to get it right
He carries her coat, toates her suitcase
She carries nothing
Standing in line, waiting to have your passport checked
He cries, because she won't play with him
She is organizing their travel documents, stops to pretend to eat his fingers
-She can't bear to hear him whimper when she puts him down
She picks him up; he's still hers before any girls steals his heart
For now; she'll take what she can get
Boarding the plane, smiling at the flight attendent
He has talked security into allowing him to escort her to the plane
-She is crying
They stop 3 times, to kiss and hug; like it's their last time (maybe it is)
He whispers words of affection, encouragement
His hand is the last she feels as she ascends the stairs to the plane
Sitting in a chair, hovering above the Alps
Daydreaming about you
Thinking about how crazy I am; how many days since i've talked to you?
Thinking I wasn't prepared for you (for what you could be)
Remembering your eyes, the smell of your hair (and how it lingered)
-the feeling of you breathing as I lay there next to you
It's capable of all these things
And yet;
Why can't we describe it except with moments like these?
I guess, and i'm no expert
It is, what it is.
Hopefully those work on some level.
Here's the breakdown:
-Drunk Disney is the greatest idea anyone has ever had.
-Getting video messages while abroad really makes you miss home. And R. Kelly covers make that feeling soooo much better.
-Italy is the greatest, especially on bikes and bookended with gelato
-Parma Pizza; try it
-A solid friendship can withstand any amount of time that has passed
-Things do look better from above; I understand that now
-Good advice comes from many different places: you just have to know where to listen and when
-Home has changed meaning for me now; i'm still trying to decide if that's a good thing or not.
-Comfort is a beautiful thing
-Sometimes you don't know you need to relax until you actually start to do so.
-Sometimes, saying that thing that won't change things permanently but will temporarily do so, is enough
-Happiness is made from those people who choose to see it everyday, and not by those who think it's something the universe grants.
Until later,
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Scotland: Natural Wonders
Here's a tip: if you get the opportunity to drive to the Highlands of Scotland, do it. Drive. Don't hire a bus. Drive, and let yourself be engulfed by the beauty that is Glen Coe, Inverness, and Loch Ness. the mountains literally take you away from it all, and suddenly it's just terrain and sky.
And so you think, can you get closer to peace? Can you feel more in touch with your natural side than at this moment, where the car is bouncing (literally) down the narrow streets and your stomach is dropping every fifteen seconds? Or when the boat sails past Urquhart Castle, and you're reminded of the fact that these things have been here for more than 800 years? And the easy response would be to feel either really insignificant, really small, or to push yourself away from feeling any bit of connection to these moments. But I chose the road less taken (again, literally). I let myself experience the natural connection I had to these moments. And it occurred to me that this is something I don't let myself do very often.
I'm the kind of guy runs back to say that thing one more time. I'm the kind of guy who likes to surprise people, and maybe once surprise myself. And after the week i've had, I have learned a very valuable lesson about being abroad and having this experience: not every day is going to be amazing. In fact, most days might just plain suck. And i'm starting to think that the graph we were shown at pre-orientation is completely accurate: i'm slowly falling into the lull of it. But you keep your head up, and you say to yourself "it gets better". Running back won't always help. That's just part of the experience. And it would be incredibly easy for you to let that ruin it for you. You could let all of that stuff bog you down as you pass my the mountains, the Loch, the pubs. (HINT: don't pass by the pubs).
But I didn't. I lived in the Natural Wonder and relationship that formed. And it hit me; i've only recently felt that a relationship could be so natural. I look back on the types of relationships i've had, and very few came without struggle. Very few came without complications. Very few came peacefully. And i know that we naturally fight for what we want most in life, but I can count on one hand (minus 2 fingers) the number of relationships that just WERE. They say if you want to be happy, you have to just be. And I like that, and I think it applies here as well. If you want the relationship to work, if it's something worth fighting for, you won't have to fight at all. Just be in the relationship. And let the natural wonder of it rush over you. It's pretty incredible.
So keep driving on. Breathe in the mountain air, take another look for Nessie, and be present.
More things about Scotland:
-Weekend trips, while exciting and amazing, are exhausting.
-I can now sleep on any mode of transportation
-Highland Cooooooos are the best. But they pick their nose with their tongue.
-BC Eagles are really good at pub quizzes.
-The MacDonald Clan was a ruthless, heartless bunch. Hoping I didn't get too much of that heritage in my blood.
-Castles are beautiful, but impractical. Very little insulation.
-Don't be stupid at a Pub Crawl. Just don't be stupid.
-Running back isn't always the best option.
-Try to be the person you'd be if you were going into an audition. That way there's no difference between the guy who makes the first impression and the guy who rehearses.
-If given the information that the Bomb will cost the same amount as the Shot, always go with the Bomb.
-The Loch Ness monster is real. No matter who tells you what.
-There's something to be said for believing.
Until later,
And so you think, can you get closer to peace? Can you feel more in touch with your natural side than at this moment, where the car is bouncing (literally) down the narrow streets and your stomach is dropping every fifteen seconds? Or when the boat sails past Urquhart Castle, and you're reminded of the fact that these things have been here for more than 800 years? And the easy response would be to feel either really insignificant, really small, or to push yourself away from feeling any bit of connection to these moments. But I chose the road less taken (again, literally). I let myself experience the natural connection I had to these moments. And it occurred to me that this is something I don't let myself do very often.
I'm the kind of guy runs back to say that thing one more time. I'm the kind of guy who likes to surprise people, and maybe once surprise myself. And after the week i've had, I have learned a very valuable lesson about being abroad and having this experience: not every day is going to be amazing. In fact, most days might just plain suck. And i'm starting to think that the graph we were shown at pre-orientation is completely accurate: i'm slowly falling into the lull of it. But you keep your head up, and you say to yourself "it gets better". Running back won't always help. That's just part of the experience. And it would be incredibly easy for you to let that ruin it for you. You could let all of that stuff bog you down as you pass my the mountains, the Loch, the pubs. (HINT: don't pass by the pubs).
But I didn't. I lived in the Natural Wonder and relationship that formed. And it hit me; i've only recently felt that a relationship could be so natural. I look back on the types of relationships i've had, and very few came without struggle. Very few came without complications. Very few came peacefully. And i know that we naturally fight for what we want most in life, but I can count on one hand (minus 2 fingers) the number of relationships that just WERE. They say if you want to be happy, you have to just be. And I like that, and I think it applies here as well. If you want the relationship to work, if it's something worth fighting for, you won't have to fight at all. Just be in the relationship. And let the natural wonder of it rush over you. It's pretty incredible.
So keep driving on. Breathe in the mountain air, take another look for Nessie, and be present.
More things about Scotland:
-Weekend trips, while exciting and amazing, are exhausting.
-I can now sleep on any mode of transportation
-Highland Cooooooos are the best. But they pick their nose with their tongue.
-BC Eagles are really good at pub quizzes.
-The MacDonald Clan was a ruthless, heartless bunch. Hoping I didn't get too much of that heritage in my blood.
-Castles are beautiful, but impractical. Very little insulation.
-Don't be stupid at a Pub Crawl. Just don't be stupid.
-Running back isn't always the best option.
-Try to be the person you'd be if you were going into an audition. That way there's no difference between the guy who makes the first impression and the guy who rehearses.
-If given the information that the Bomb will cost the same amount as the Shot, always go with the Bomb.
-The Loch Ness monster is real. No matter who tells you what.
-There's something to be said for believing.
Until later,
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Scotland: kicking ass and taking chances
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,
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,
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,
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