How remiss I have been! It's been close to two weeks now that I've left a post and I couldn't believe how much time had passed. The fact that I'm running out of time here must be infecting the rest of my life, my blog included. No fear, though. I have not forgotten (yet) where my priorities lay. I know how much dad hates it when he doesn't know what I'm doing, so one must retain appearances.
The last couple of weeks have been a lot like second helpings. The kind of second helpings where you can't wait to go back for more and keep an eye out for when everyone has been served. Mom used to tell that when I was little, I wouldn't even wait for that to happen. I'd be cleaning off other people's plates when they weren't looking. Not much has changed. On that note, this last weekend I was able to make a second trip to the town of St. Andrews. I had been there once with my friends Alicia, Sam and Justine, but this time there was a different group of us going. My friend Grace was up to see me and she was really keen on seeing the place so herself, Lisa, Alicia, and myself hopped on a bus Saturday morning. The day before I had taken Grace to Glasgow so that she could see the city (aka the shopping) so Saturday was really about seeing the sights (not the shops). The night before we left, we also decided to have a single girls night out at the pubs. What a blast it was. Dressed to the nines in our heels, fancy tops, and coiffed hair, we had a great many laughs in the bars and pubs we made it to. It was only by constantly reminding each other that we had to be out of the house the next morning at 8:30 a.m. that allowed us to get home before 2 in the morning. It was all worth it in the end :)
We were so lucky on Saturday. The skies were clear, the sun was out (you could actually FEEL it as well), and I was even able to produce a pair of sunglasses. I haven't had to wear those since before I left the states. Instead of taking a train this time, we decided to use a bus--it took about the same amount of time, but there was more to see on the journey and it was much cheaper. The drive there was breathtaking. It was only around nine in the morning and mist still sat low on the fields. The sun was already out and as the bus took curve after curve (oftentimes at a speed that greatly worried me), Scotland slowly came awake. The mist melted away to reveal the type of green landscapes I've only ever seen in Scotland. With the blue sky reflecting up above, my ipod crooning 80's melodies (that's right, I said 80's melodies--power ballads if you're specific) in my ears, I was in Utopia. Once we pulled into St. Andrews, the weather decided to continue to behave and we made our way into the city centre.
After taking Grace to see the old cathedral and castle ruins--we weren't able to climb St. Rule's tower as it was closed--we went down to the beach for awhile. It was hard to believe that despite the sunshine, the waters of the North Sea could be anywhere near warm, yet we witnessed people climbing into swim. People in bikinis and white, pale skin. Only in Scotland I've decided. Unlike the last time I was in St. Andrews, we were also able to take a stroll down a stone walk that looked out over the North Sea. It reminded me of the scene in Persuasion where Wentworth is taunting Anne by flirting with another woman while walking alongside the sea. Oh, Jane Austen--you just can't escape her! You'll hear Grace chanting Wentworth's name in one of my videos, so my explanation should explain that. Alicia also captured quite a few videos, and I've posted them alongside the ones I took under the video links. In one of them (Return to the Kingdom of Fife) you'll hear us discussing my reclaiming of my crown. The last time we were in St. Andrews my friend Sam and I decided we were the Queen and King of the Kingdom of Fife. With him being gone now, I had to reclaim the title myself. Elizabeth could use the competition after all.
Also during our walks about the city, we discovered the St. Andrews Botanical Garden, known as the "hidden gem" of St. Andrews. We got there right before four o'clock, which is when the gates close, so we weren't able to actually go inside. The car park, though (if it can be called that) had a statue of St. Andrews and lots of flora and fauna to admire. From my research, I found out the the Garden has over 8,000 kinds of plant species and takes up about 18 landscaped acres. Now that's the type of garden nana would go crazy over. Just as long as she didn't have to pick the weeds out of it, that is. Needless to say, Grace and all the girls had a blast checking out the city. By getting there so early we were able to do lots of walking around, before we caught a bus back to Stirling around five in the afternoon.
The following Sunday I took Grace up to see the William Wallace monument. She captured some photographs on her camera and once she posts them, I'll incorporate them into the photo album I've put up called "St. Andrews photos from Friends" Until then, I've posted my own photos of Grace's stay under "St. Andrews Round 2". Like Saturday, we were blessed with some good weather on Sunday, albeit with some heavier winds. After climbing up the 246 stairs of the Wallace Monument, we only stayed a few minutes because the wind was so heavy. I wasn't quite ready to become Mary Poppins. On the way back down towards home, Grace and I took a side journey through some trails behind the monument. I had no idea they were back there and I'm glad we found them. Despite most of the trees not being in bloom yet, the sheer greenery of the place was overwhelming. Magpies flirted with each other from the trees and the smell of wet dirt became our companion. A few streams trickled alongside the stone walls that are so common here, and there were bright, yellow daffodils cropping up wherever they saw fit. At one point Grace mentioned that you'd never think we were in the 21st century in a place like that. She was quite right. Until we could see the cars out on the street, being out on those trails was like taking a step back in time. It's also nice not having to worry about large animals in the forests here. Unless the rabbits have become man-eating carnivores and the sheep developed rabies, there aren't many worries in the wilds of Scotland.
Grace departed on Monday afternoon back down to Hull and the rest of this week I've been putting the finishing touches on my essays. I turned in one yesterday and my last one is due this next Monday. After that it's Spring Break! Lisa and I will be sitting down to finalize our hostel bookings, and I'm so eager to get things rolling. I've been waiting to head up to the highlands for ages, so I'm really going to soak up my time there. Amy has already told me I have to take lots of photographs to make up for her not being there, so I'll post those as soon as I get back. That is, unless I'm sucked back in time and can't post any photographs. Life works like that sometimes, you know?
On one last note, I've made plans to attend the Beltane Fire Festival in Edinburgh at the end of April. The festival welcomes the summer season and over 12,000 people show up to take part in the celebrations. I've assured my mother there will be no naked dancing under the moonlight (despite her protests), but like my flatmate Alan always tells me..."When in Scotland."
Until next time, lots of love
xxoo
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Friday, March 13, 2009
5..6..7..8.. Boom Boom Dynamite!
I'm feeling a bit out of sorts today. I just returned from my Jane Austen class about an hour ago and it had me floundering. After rounding up our week two discussion of Pride and Prejudice, most of my fellow classmates had come to the conclusion that Darcy was far from being Hero-material (he was actually an a**hole who had been idealized by romantics) and that Elizabeth Bennett herself showed signs of hypocrisy, selfishness, and only married Darcy after seeing his amazing property at Pemberley. Now for someone like myself, who tends to ENJOY the idealized preconceptions of the novel, this came as somewhat of a blow. I do love being able to break down Austen's novels and analyze new things, but it has come to my attention that most of my class is filled with 21st century cynics. It makes for an interesting class every week, albeit a rather pessimistic one. I've decided after listening to the lecture this week, that I will not give up my romantic notions. Yes, Jane was decidedly ironic and sarcastic in her novels, but the romance is still there. And on that note, I'm signing up for the Darcy cheer team. He's going to need all the support he can get from here on out.
Now that I've gotten that out of my system, I have to say that the rest of this week went rather nicely. It comprised the celebration of two different birthdays. The first fell on Wednesday March 11th, where my younger sisters turned 19 and the following day my grandfather celebrated his own birthday. I was disappointed not to be there for either occasion, but all three will soon be receiving a birthday delight in the post, so at least I can be there in spirit. On Wednesday, I also came across a few pictures of my three younger sisters and I've posted them here. I took them about three years ago, and I just adore how well they capture each of the girls' personality. I've learned from Courtney personally that she abhors how silly she looks, but I disagree.
In other news this week, Lisa and I decided to put together a flatmate dinner on Wednesday evening and invited over some other friends of ours. Especially good about that night--I made green bean casserole again and didn't break the pan!!! For those that don't remember, the last time I made green bean casserole it was Thanksgiving and I broke the whole dish when I went to get it out of the oven. Thus, no one was able to try it (unless they wanted casserole a la glass). In addition to the casserole, we got Alan to cook up some steaks, homemade garlic bread, and Lisa and I completed the dinner with an Apple/Raspberry/Blueberry pie. It was a great night with great friends and everyone went to bed with full stomachs.
I have one of my first essays due this upcoming Monday, so there won't be any time for travelling this weekend. Maybe some digital travelling as Lisa and I plan out our Highland Tour for our Mid-term break, but that about sums it up. On the note of the Highlands, though, I think we've finally gotten a rough layout of our travel plans. Thus far, we've decided to make it Inverness, the Isles of Lewis and Skye, and Fort William (near Ben Nevis and Glencoe) before making our way back to Stirling. I've been waiting for this trip all year, so it's going to be a real treat when we depart. I'll keep everyone posted on the details. Until next time, I hope everyone has a great weekend. And if you can, let everyone know that sign ups for the Darcy Cheer Team will be proceeding in the near future; have to start practicing those cheer calls ahead of schedule :)
Lots of love,
xxoo
Now that I've gotten that out of my system, I have to say that the rest of this week went rather nicely. It comprised the celebration of two different birthdays. The first fell on Wednesday March 11th, where my younger sisters turned 19 and the following day my grandfather celebrated his own birthday. I was disappointed not to be there for either occasion, but all three will soon be receiving a birthday delight in the post, so at least I can be there in spirit. On Wednesday, I also came across a few pictures of my three younger sisters and I've posted them here. I took them about three years ago, and I just adore how well they capture each of the girls' personality. I've learned from Courtney personally that she abhors how silly she looks, but I disagree.
In other news this week, Lisa and I decided to put together a flatmate dinner on Wednesday evening and invited over some other friends of ours. Especially good about that night--I made green bean casserole again and didn't break the pan!!! For those that don't remember, the last time I made green bean casserole it was Thanksgiving and I broke the whole dish when I went to get it out of the oven. Thus, no one was able to try it (unless they wanted casserole a la glass). In addition to the casserole, we got Alan to cook up some steaks, homemade garlic bread, and Lisa and I completed the dinner with an Apple/Raspberry/Blueberry pie. It was a great night with great friends and everyone went to bed with full stomachs.I have one of my first essays due this upcoming Monday, so there won't be any time for travelling this weekend. Maybe some digital travelling as Lisa and I plan out our Highland Tour for our Mid-term break, but that about sums it up. On the note of the Highlands, though, I think we've finally gotten a rough layout of our travel plans. Thus far, we've decided to make it Inverness, the Isles of Lewis and Skye, and Fort William (near Ben Nevis and Glencoe) before making our way back to Stirling. I've been waiting for this trip all year, so it's going to be a real treat when we depart. I'll keep everyone posted on the details. Until next time, I hope everyone has a great weekend. And if you can, let everyone know that sign ups for the Darcy Cheer Team will be proceeding in the near future; have to start practicing those cheer calls ahead of schedule :)
Lots of love,
xxoo
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Pronunciation is Key
This is something I've learned in the course of this weekend. Of course I knew beforehand that this fact was significant, but it was only after repeatedly mispronouncing the name of the town I was in that things became clear. As I mentioned a few days ago, my friend Alicia and I decided to head out to explore this weekend to a place called 'Dunfermline' [dun-FIRM-lin for those that need it]. Once you watch the videos I posted, you'll see what I mean about not saying the name of it correctly. Alicia had to correct me numerous times and I STILL couldn't get it right.
It was decided we would set off from Stirling around 9 in the morning via the bus so we would have ample time in the town. It was only a little after 10 when we arrived in time to greet the cold weather and amazing architecture of Dunfermline. Luckily, it only misted rain now and then throughout the day, so we didn't have to contend with that as well. Instead, wrapped in our layers of clothing, we were able to walk all throughout the streets, checking things out that caught our eye. Our first stop was the main attraction of the town --the Abbey Church and Palace. There weren't many people around and it was a treat to explore what was left of the ruins. Alicia and I also got creative in our photography, which you'll be able to see in the photos I posted. I have no idea if it's illegal to climb/perch on ancient stones, so it's good thing there was no one about ;)
Because of the gray skies, the sheer greenery of this place was reflected tenfold. I'd say I wish it was as damp in California, but that might take away from the uniqueness of Scotland so I'll refrain. Still, the landscape in this country is one of a kind, and Dunfermline didn't disappoint. No matter how many buildings are built or car parks that are put in, there is still an appreciation in this country for history and the beauty of the environment. On one corner you might see Carnegie Music Hall and Museum [which we did], yet all you have to do is walk down a hill, across a bridge, and there you find a view that robs you of breath. Rolling hills are interspersed with rocky peaks and the wind stirs the clouds above in lazy movement. There's nothing I can think of to compare it to. I find it fascinating to observe the people in these places as well. Everyone has somewhere to go, something to be doing, and its reflected in each face you come across. In a lot of ways, people can be quite different, yet we are also so very much the same. On that note, let me just say that I'm glad Scotland favors playgrounds as much as we do back home....
After Alicia and I stopped for a mini-lunch break in a red and black trimmed cafe called "Ohh La" we continued walking around until we came across an entertaining diversion in Carnegie Park. At first we only glanced at the playground, but after a closer look at the one of a kind teeter totter and jungle gym within, we were hooked. It was a good thing no young children were about, because Alicia and I created quite a stir bouncing around on the jungle gym and swinging in hazardous circles on the teeter totter. We were laughing so hard, we were lucky we didn't fall off either contraption. I've posted a couple of photos here of the playground shots. You can see them, along with all the others in the photo albums I put up. To top off the day, we stopped at a pub called 'Somewhere Else' to grab a coffee while we waited for our bus. It was intially the name of the place that drew us in, and while I didn't find myself in a magical Disney-creature fairyland, the coffee was still very good. A girl can only dream after all :)
Needless to say, it was a very entertaining day, filled with new sights and lots of play. It's the kind of combination that reminds me how amazing travelling can be. No wonder the travel bug can't be stopped once it's infected your system. I can understand why. As for the pronunciation part of travelling.....well, I'm still working on that. It's an ongoing effort, I figure is going to take a lifetime to achieve correctly. For now, it's back to the studies and anticipating the next jungle gym I can get my hands on.
On one last note, I wanted to mention the film The Young Victoria that I had the pleasure of seeing on Friday evening. I know it's not out in the states yet, but when it is, I advise in making haste to the theater!! Filled with a brilliant cast, wonderfully decadent costumes, and music that pulls at the heart, it was the type of film that had me ready to watch it again as soon as it ended. If you enjoy period pieces, Queen Victoria, and a good love story, don't be late for it. Father, this does not include you. I already know what you're going to say, so DON'T. :) Besides, everyone all ready knows your a big softie...... :)
Until next time, lots of love
xxoo
It was decided we would set off from Stirling around 9 in the morning via the bus so we would have ample time in the town. It was only a little after 10 when we arrived in time to greet the cold weather and amazing architecture of Dunfermline. Luckily, it only misted rain now and then throughout the day, so we didn't have to contend with that as well. Instead, wrapped in our layers of clothing, we were able to walk all throughout the streets, checking things out that caught our eye. Our first stop was the main attraction of the town --the Abbey Church and Palace. There weren't many people around and it was a treat to explore what was left of the ruins. Alicia and I also got creative in our photography, which you'll be able to see in the photos I posted. I have no idea if it's illegal to climb/perch on ancient stones, so it's good thing there was no one about ;)
Because of the gray skies, the sheer greenery of this place was reflected tenfold. I'd say I wish it was as damp in California, but that might take away from the uniqueness of Scotland so I'll refrain. Still, the landscape in this country is one of a kind, and Dunfermline didn't disappoint. No matter how many buildings are built or car parks that are put in, there is still an appreciation in this country for history and the beauty of the environment. On one corner you might see Carnegie Music Hall and Museum [which we did], yet all you have to do is walk down a hill, across a bridge, and there you find a view that robs you of breath. Rolling hills are interspersed with rocky peaks and the wind stirs the clouds above in lazy movement. There's nothing I can think of to compare it to. I find it fascinating to observe the people in these places as well. Everyone has somewhere to go, something to be doing, and its reflected in each face you come across. In a lot of ways, people can be quite different, yet we are also so very much the same. On that note, let me just say that I'm glad Scotland favors playgrounds as much as we do back home....
After Alicia and I stopped for a mini-lunch break in a red and black trimmed cafe called "Ohh La" we continued walking around until we came across an entertaining diversion in Carnegie Park. At first we only glanced at the playground, but after a closer look at the one of a kind teeter totter and jungle gym within, we were hooked. It was a good thing no young children were about, because Alicia and I created quite a stir bouncing around on the jungle gym and swinging in hazardous circles on the teeter totter. We were laughing so hard, we were lucky we didn't fall off either contraption. I've posted a couple of photos here of the playground shots. You can see them, along with all the others in the photo albums I put up. To top off the day, we stopped at a pub called 'Somewhere Else' to grab a coffee while we waited for our bus. It was intially the name of the place that drew us in, and while I didn't find myself in a magical Disney-creature fairyland, the coffee was still very good. A girl can only dream after all :)
Needless to say, it was a very entertaining day, filled with new sights and lots of play. It's the kind of combination that reminds me how amazing travelling can be. No wonder the travel bug can't be stopped once it's infected your system. I can understand why. As for the pronunciation part of travelling.....well, I'm still working on that. It's an ongoing effort, I figure is going to take a lifetime to achieve correctly. For now, it's back to the studies and anticipating the next jungle gym I can get my hands on.
On one last note, I wanted to mention the film The Young Victoria that I had the pleasure of seeing on Friday evening. I know it's not out in the states yet, but when it is, I advise in making haste to the theater!! Filled with a brilliant cast, wonderfully decadent costumes, and music that pulls at the heart, it was the type of film that had me ready to watch it again as soon as it ended. If you enjoy period pieces, Queen Victoria, and a good love story, don't be late for it. Father, this does not include you. I already know what you're going to say, so DON'T. :) Besides, everyone all ready knows your a big softie...... :)
Until next time, lots of love
xxoo
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Second Star to the Right...
And straight on till morning, Peter Pan says. The boy who never grows up certainly got something right with that description. I often think that being in Scotland is like being in Never Never Land where all it takes is pixie dust and some happy thoughts for your feet to leave the ground. Up, up and away I go!! That being said, I was finally able to take a break from my readings to have some fun with Lisa this week. I've also made sure to get caught up on my readings, so that this weekend Alicia and I will be going somewhere new to explore.
With my schedule this term, I have Wednesdays free from class so Lisa and I took advantage by heading down into Glasgow yesterday evening for a night of lovely free-for-all and dancing. While we were down there I had the opportunity to meet one of Lisa's good friends from home, a first-generation Greek-Canadian named Panos. He was a lot of fun and introduced Lisa and I to a bunch of new people, since it was a big International Student night. Czech Republic, Switzerland, Georgia, France, Greece--the sheer multitude of accents I came across still makes my ears tingle. I've posted a couple of pictures here from last night as well. They were taken at Panos' flat at the University of Strathclyde, where Lisa and I crashed for the night. As you can see, Panos was trying to blow up the air mattress Lisa and I were going to sleep on with a hair dryer. If you look at Lisa's face, you can also see how hilarious we found the process. The best part was when Panos blew the fuse in the hair dryer and looked extremely confused as to why something like that would happen. It took awhile before I could stop cracking jokes involving hair dryers at him. Fortunately, he found another hair dryer (one that he didn't break at least) and we got the air mattress blown up.
As for this weekend, Alicia and I are taking our Historic Scotland passes and heading out to a place called Dunfermline, a small town we've yet to explore that houses an abbey, palace, and some shops I've heard good things about. My camera will be tagging along for the ride, so I'm sure to return with many new photos in tow. They'll be posted accordingly. I'm really looking forward to the trip. It's been awhile since I've been able to go somewhere new, which is quite strange since Lisa and I were doing that for two and half weeks during our Eurotrip. It's a good thing we're rectifying that situation now--I won't be in Scotland forever, so I have to take advantage of what time I do have. In a few weeks time, Grace (my old flatmate from Chico) will be coming up to Stirling again, where we will venture with Lisa to St. Andrews. I've been there once before, but I'm looking forward to going again, this time with an unbroken camera!
In other news, Scotland's unpredictable weather has again lived up to its reputation within the last couple of days. Just the other night (after a day of gorgeous sunshine and unmarked blue skies) it started to heavily rain while Lisa, Alan and I were playing card games. No sooner had we noticed how fast the rain was coming down before we saw those unmistakable fluffy flakes start to coat the grass outside. And just like that it, it was snowing in March. By morning, most of it had melted off, almost as if it had never been there. Last night's freezing temperatures should've cued me in to the fact that the snow hadn't gone away completely. While Lisa and I were making our way back to Stirling in the early morning hours, the gray cloud cover let loose a spitting of wet snowdrops. We made it back to our chalets before the worst of it started coming down, but only a few hours later, it had stopped completely and the sun was out once again--bright as ever. I swear to goodness, the weather gods/goddesses here just can't make up their minds. Indecisive maybe? And I thought I had mood swings. For now, I'm keeping my umbrella and hat on the ready. Once the bear has been poked, it's best to be prepared.
One other exciting note-- tomorrow I will finally get to go see The Young Victoria, the film starring Emily Blunt as Queen Victoria which I have been anticipating for months. I'm bringing chocolate, tissues, and overly extended romantic sensibilities (just call me Marianne Dashwood) so I already know it's going to be an amazing night. I hope everyone has a lovely Friday themselves and a less-chaotic weekend of weather than we've been having here. I'll keep everyone noted if it comes to the point where sacrificial virgins are being lined up to appease the higher powers----now wouldn't that be interesting to hear about on the five o'clock news??
Sending lots of love
xxxooo
With my schedule this term, I have Wednesdays free from class so Lisa and I took advantage by heading down into Glasgow yesterday evening for a night of lovely free-for-all and dancing. While we were down there I had the opportunity to meet one of Lisa's good friends from home, a first-generation Greek-Canadian named Panos. He was a lot of fun and introduced Lisa and I to a bunch of new people, since it was a big International Student night. Czech Republic, Switzerland, Georgia, France, Greece--the sheer multitude of accents I came across still makes my ears tingle. I've posted a couple of pictures here from last night as well. They were taken at Panos' flat at the University of Strathclyde, where Lisa and I crashed for the night. As you can see, Panos was trying to blow up the air mattress Lisa and I were going to sleep on with a hair dryer. If you look at Lisa's face, you can also see how hilarious we found the process. The best part was when Panos blew the fuse in the hair dryer and looked extremely confused as to why something like that would happen. It took awhile before I could stop cracking jokes involving hair dryers at him. Fortunately, he found another hair dryer (one that he didn't break at least) and we got the air mattress blown up.
As for this weekend, Alicia and I are taking our Historic Scotland passes and heading out to a place called Dunfermline, a small town we've yet to explore that houses an abbey, palace, and some shops I've heard good things about. My camera will be tagging along for the ride, so I'm sure to return with many new photos in tow. They'll be posted accordingly. I'm really looking forward to the trip. It's been awhile since I've been able to go somewhere new, which is quite strange since Lisa and I were doing that for two and half weeks during our Eurotrip. It's a good thing we're rectifying that situation now--I won't be in Scotland forever, so I have to take advantage of what time I do have. In a few weeks time, Grace (my old flatmate from Chico) will be coming up to Stirling again, where we will venture with Lisa to St. Andrews. I've been there once before, but I'm looking forward to going again, this time with an unbroken camera!
In other news, Scotland's unpredictable weather has again lived up to its reputation within the last couple of days. Just the other night (after a day of gorgeous sunshine and unmarked blue skies) it started to heavily rain while Lisa, Alan and I were playing card games. No sooner had we noticed how fast the rain was coming down before we saw those unmistakable fluffy flakes start to coat the grass outside. And just like that it, it was snowing in March. By morning, most of it had melted off, almost as if it had never been there. Last night's freezing temperatures should've cued me in to the fact that the snow hadn't gone away completely. While Lisa and I were making our way back to Stirling in the early morning hours, the gray cloud cover let loose a spitting of wet snowdrops. We made it back to our chalets before the worst of it started coming down, but only a few hours later, it had stopped completely and the sun was out once again--bright as ever. I swear to goodness, the weather gods/goddesses here just can't make up their minds. Indecisive maybe? And I thought I had mood swings. For now, I'm keeping my umbrella and hat on the ready. Once the bear has been poked, it's best to be prepared.
One other exciting note-- tomorrow I will finally get to go see The Young Victoria, the film starring Emily Blunt as Queen Victoria which I have been anticipating for months. I'm bringing chocolate, tissues, and overly extended romantic sensibilities (just call me Marianne Dashwood) so I already know it's going to be an amazing night. I hope everyone has a lovely Friday themselves and a less-chaotic weekend of weather than we've been having here. I'll keep everyone noted if it comes to the point where sacrificial virgins are being lined up to appease the higher powers----now wouldn't that be interesting to hear about on the five o'clock news??
Sending lots of love
xxxooo
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