I know Masha was expecting more then just landscape photos, but what can I say. I'm a foreigner in a country that gives me too many opportunities to photograph basic, everyday things. So, unfortunately for Mom :), here are the photos I've taken from my trip up to the William Wallace Monument. Seeing it in person at last was unbelievable.
Here's the link: http://picasaweb.google.com/ttharrison1/WilliamWallaceMonument?authkey=iUVBJ7QB3wI#
P.S. Don't worry Masha, your photos will come sooner or later :)
Monday, September 29, 2008
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Breaking the Rules; sort of
As I sit down to compose this newest post, I find that before I can begin I have a small mistake to rectify. It recently came to my attention a couple of days ago that I not only misspelled my flatmate's name but also said he was from Edinburgh, which he isn't. Now I tried to explain to him that I wrote that before I'd met him, but I have the feeling I'm going to have clarify anyhow (if only because he might read this again:) So: Alan (spelled with only one "L" not two) is from near Glasgow (Clydebank to be specific) and NOT Edinburgh. If I happen to spell his name with two "L's" again---well, sh*t happens as he likes to say.
Now, as for the other on-goings in Scotland, the most recent would be the cold I've come down with. My first Scottish cold you could say. I don't think it matters what country you're in though, because I still hate it as much as I would back home. Nonetheless, there is plenty of tea and cold medicine at the ready here so it should pass in time. Dad might raise the question of whether I got it from late nights out at the pub, but I don't think he'll have to worry--it wasn't ONLY from that.
On another note, I'm also learning that breaking the rules here in Scotland isn't really like breaking the rules at all. That's to say, climbing over people's fences into random fields to see the sunset is quite acceptable. Just the other day, a couple of my flatmates, some other friends, and myself decided to go on a walk and did just that. At first I was hesitant in climbing over the fence--I mean, it had barbed wire; surely that meant "stay out"--but my flatmate Stuart assured me that property laws are different here. As long as you don't go about stealing things, damaging things, etc, there's no harm in climbing over the fences. So of course we all climbed over. What I wasn't expecting was the grass to be as soft as it was. Every time I took a step, my feet would sink a couple of inches and I never knew when I might step on a rock that was hiding underneath or anything else I couldn't identify. I have to say, though, the view we saw was certainly worth it. At the end of this post, I'll leave the link for the photos I took.
Now this next topic might be a bit random, but writing about our hiking/walking expedition reminded me of something. While we were all walking along the path that day, my flatmate Lisa mentioned that it was a good day for a barbecue. One of main reasons we wanted to have one was so that we could introduce s'mores to Alan and Stuart. They'd never heard of s'mores before and of course that meant we had to show them what they were missing out on. Last weekend, we were going to have a barbecue and do just that, but it turns out we needed an actual barbecue (there aren't any available from the residences any longer). We had already bought the chocolate, marshmallows, and as close an equivalent for graham crackers that we could find, so we improvised and made them in our oven. They turned out pretty good, but the marshmallows didn't roast exactly the same. Therefore, we're still planning on making s'mores properly, with a barbecue outside, when the weather allows for it.
I know I haven't written very much this time, but like I said, the cold I have is making me more lethargic then usual. I'll be back with more later. Until then, click on the link below to take a look at the photos.
Cheers!
http://picasaweb.google.com/ttharrison1/HikingExpeditionInScotland?authkey=KLNQ0xYXBcc#
Now, as for the other on-goings in Scotland, the most recent would be the cold I've come down with. My first Scottish cold you could say. I don't think it matters what country you're in though, because I still hate it as much as I would back home. Nonetheless, there is plenty of tea and cold medicine at the ready here so it should pass in time. Dad might raise the question of whether I got it from late nights out at the pub, but I don't think he'll have to worry--it wasn't ONLY from that.
On another note, I'm also learning that breaking the rules here in Scotland isn't really like breaking the rules at all. That's to say, climbing over people's fences into random fields to see the sunset is quite acceptable. Just the other day, a couple of my flatmates, some other friends, and myself decided to go on a walk and did just that. At first I was hesitant in climbing over the fence--I mean, it had barbed wire; surely that meant "stay out"--but my flatmate Stuart assured me that property laws are different here. As long as you don't go about stealing things, damaging things, etc, there's no harm in climbing over the fences. So of course we all climbed over. What I wasn't expecting was the grass to be as soft as it was. Every time I took a step, my feet would sink a couple of inches and I never knew when I might step on a rock that was hiding underneath or anything else I couldn't identify. I have to say, though, the view we saw was certainly worth it. At the end of this post, I'll leave the link for the photos I took.
Now this next topic might be a bit random, but writing about our hiking/walking expedition reminded me of something. While we were all walking along the path that day, my flatmate Lisa mentioned that it was a good day for a barbecue. One of main reasons we wanted to have one was so that we could introduce s'mores to Alan and Stuart. They'd never heard of s'mores before and of course that meant we had to show them what they were missing out on. Last weekend, we were going to have a barbecue and do just that, but it turns out we needed an actual barbecue (there aren't any available from the residences any longer). We had already bought the chocolate, marshmallows, and as close an equivalent for graham crackers that we could find, so we improvised and made them in our oven. They turned out pretty good, but the marshmallows didn't roast exactly the same. Therefore, we're still planning on making s'mores properly, with a barbecue outside, when the weather allows for it.
I know I haven't written very much this time, but like I said, the cold I have is making me more lethargic then usual. I'll be back with more later. Until then, click on the link below to take a look at the photos.
Cheers!
http://picasaweb.google.com/ttharrison1/HikingExpeditionInScotland?authkey=KLNQ0xYXBcc#
Monday, September 22, 2008
Phinally Photos!!
Hey everyone!!! I was finally able to figure out how to upload some photos of my stay so far in Scotland. Just click on this link below and it should allow you to see what I've taken. :)
http://picasaweb.google.com/ttharrison1/WeekOneInScotland?authkey=Kfh4j_SxfvY#
Cheers!!
Love, Tiff
P.S. For some reason, my USB didn't copy all my photos so I'll be back with more--specifically of the William Wallace Monument.
http://picasaweb.google.com/ttharrison1/WeekOneInScotland?authkey=Kfh4j_SxfvY#
Cheers!!
Love, Tiff
P.S. For some reason, my USB didn't copy all my photos so I'll be back with more--specifically of the William Wallace Monument.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Nob Ends, Nightclubs, and Rain oh my!!!!
Well here we are once again!!! I've once again made it to a computer lab ( A few more days before Internet comes knocking at my chalet!!) in order to update this. Today is the 20th, which makes it officially one week since I've been here in Scotland. To say a lot has happened is like saying it rains a lot in Scotland. Most redundant. But I'll try to phrase my thoughts in a coherent manner.
Of the most exciting things to happen, I was able to go to my first nightclub called "Dusk" on Tuesday night. It was so crazy and an experience I'll not soon forget. Because going to clubs and bars is quite illegal for anyone under 21 in the states, it has been surreal being given the opportunity to do so over here. Needless to say, I was a little overwhelmed by the blasting music, gyrating bodies, and frequent consumption of alcohol. I owe a lot to my flatmates, though, for making it an easier transition. My flatmate Lisa, from Canada, is already 21 so she had no problem initiating me to the dancing that takes place at nightclubs. My other flatmates Stuart and Alan were also a lot of fun to dance with. As for the alcohol consumption......all I'm going to say is that it's legal in this country. Any more details, and it might mar the reputation I've established back home. Let's just leave it at that :) Well, except for one more thing---I haven't been sick once yet; I'm making sure to be smart about those kind of decisions here.
School also started this week on Thursday, and it was interesting to see the differences in the European school system as compared to North America. The lectures I attended on Thursday and Friday were quite reminiscent of those back at Chico State, but unlike Chico, I really had to pay attention to the words coming out of my professor's mouths--the reason being that their accents made some words indecipherable. Classes will start more regularly on Monday, so I'm also looking forward to that. The work load is broken up a lot differently here and whereas we have a lot of homework in the U.S., the grades here are more heavily based on a couple of essays, a few work sheet style assignments, and a HUGE exam. It's a nice change though.
Because none of us really went out last night, today gave some friends I've met and myself a good chance to hike up to the William Wallace Monument. It was amazing. The tower was finished in 1869 and soars up 220 feet into the air. There are 246 steps (and not normal steps mind you....no, no, no, these are curved stairs that circle up in a very narrow fashion, with narrow walls on either side, and few window slits that blast air through once you get close to the top. To top it off, if you happen to run into someone coming back down the stairs, you have to maneuver around them without falling. Needless to say, I was so glad I wore proper walking shoes. My legs were still a bit wobbly, though, once we got back down to the bottom). The view once you reach the top took my breath away. And no, I'm not just saying that. The wind was whipping so hard I was afraid I was going to leave with permanent Alfalfa-style hair. From the top of the Monument, you can see for miles around the city, and we were lucky enough to even have some sunshine. I think today was the first day since I've been here that I actually saw the sun come out from behind the clouds. Yep, I call that a sign.
Since we're on the topic of signs, now might be a good time to mention that I also saw William Wallace's sword. They have it on display on the second level in the monument and it's encased in a glass box. Unfortunately for me, that made it difficult finding a way to touch it so I could take a trip back in time. Not to worry, though, for I will be going back. An American like me doesn't give up on the first try :) Besides, I also forgot to take a picture of it, so I have to go back anyhow.
Tonight, my flatmate Lisa, myself, my other flatmate Alan, and some other international students we've made friends with will be going out to another pub. I've no idea which one it will be this time. The point is, tonight will be about not getting pissed (yes, that's the word they use for "drunk" here--I've started making a list of the slang because I won't remember it all. My flatmate Stuart even taught me about a word called "nob end" which is basically the equivalent for someone you might refer to as a "prick". Not that I've had to use it yet, but you never know :)
Until next time, I hope everyone is having a good time back home!!!! I'll be back with more soon, because of course I'm in Scotland. That of course means tomorrow might be the day I find out what "real" Scotsmen wear under their kilts. While I'm here, I've adopted the saying "You never know......." It's working out verrrrryyyy well so far. Oh yes, very well indeed :).
Of the most exciting things to happen, I was able to go to my first nightclub called "Dusk" on Tuesday night. It was so crazy and an experience I'll not soon forget. Because going to clubs and bars is quite illegal for anyone under 21 in the states, it has been surreal being given the opportunity to do so over here. Needless to say, I was a little overwhelmed by the blasting music, gyrating bodies, and frequent consumption of alcohol. I owe a lot to my flatmates, though, for making it an easier transition. My flatmate Lisa, from Canada, is already 21 so she had no problem initiating me to the dancing that takes place at nightclubs. My other flatmates Stuart and Alan were also a lot of fun to dance with. As for the alcohol consumption......all I'm going to say is that it's legal in this country. Any more details, and it might mar the reputation I've established back home. Let's just leave it at that :) Well, except for one more thing---I haven't been sick once yet; I'm making sure to be smart about those kind of decisions here.
School also started this week on Thursday, and it was interesting to see the differences in the European school system as compared to North America. The lectures I attended on Thursday and Friday were quite reminiscent of those back at Chico State, but unlike Chico, I really had to pay attention to the words coming out of my professor's mouths--the reason being that their accents made some words indecipherable. Classes will start more regularly on Monday, so I'm also looking forward to that. The work load is broken up a lot differently here and whereas we have a lot of homework in the U.S., the grades here are more heavily based on a couple of essays, a few work sheet style assignments, and a HUGE exam. It's a nice change though.
Because none of us really went out last night, today gave some friends I've met and myself a good chance to hike up to the William Wallace Monument. It was amazing. The tower was finished in 1869 and soars up 220 feet into the air. There are 246 steps (and not normal steps mind you....no, no, no, these are curved stairs that circle up in a very narrow fashion, with narrow walls on either side, and few window slits that blast air through once you get close to the top. To top it off, if you happen to run into someone coming back down the stairs, you have to maneuver around them without falling. Needless to say, I was so glad I wore proper walking shoes. My legs were still a bit wobbly, though, once we got back down to the bottom). The view once you reach the top took my breath away. And no, I'm not just saying that. The wind was whipping so hard I was afraid I was going to leave with permanent Alfalfa-style hair. From the top of the Monument, you can see for miles around the city, and we were lucky enough to even have some sunshine. I think today was the first day since I've been here that I actually saw the sun come out from behind the clouds. Yep, I call that a sign.
Since we're on the topic of signs, now might be a good time to mention that I also saw William Wallace's sword. They have it on display on the second level in the monument and it's encased in a glass box. Unfortunately for me, that made it difficult finding a way to touch it so I could take a trip back in time. Not to worry, though, for I will be going back. An American like me doesn't give up on the first try :) Besides, I also forgot to take a picture of it, so I have to go back anyhow.
Tonight, my flatmate Lisa, myself, my other flatmate Alan, and some other international students we've made friends with will be going out to another pub. I've no idea which one it will be this time. The point is, tonight will be about not getting pissed (yes, that's the word they use for "drunk" here--I've started making a list of the slang because I won't remember it all. My flatmate Stuart even taught me about a word called "nob end" which is basically the equivalent for someone you might refer to as a "prick". Not that I've had to use it yet, but you never know :)
Until next time, I hope everyone is having a good time back home!!!! I'll be back with more soon, because of course I'm in Scotland. That of course means tomorrow might be the day I find out what "real" Scotsmen wear under their kilts. While I'm here, I've adopted the saying "You never know......." It's working out verrrrryyyy well so far. Oh yes, very well indeed :).
Monday, September 15, 2008
First Impressions
So, today is the 15th of September---my third day in Scotland. It's the first time I've had an opportunity to sit down and update this blog. The first day I got here, I was soooooo tired and busy with everything we had to do, it was difficult to keep track of it all. To top it off, the chalet I will be staying in doesn't come with an Internet connection (luckily my flatmates have found a way around that). All in all, though, it has really been a trip.
To start things off, lets just start with the airport experience. Of course things didn't go as planned--I think the fates decided that had to be a MUST no matter who you are. So I was supposed to be flying out with Aer Lingus at 2:35, but I was told by the agent that the flight I was supposed to connect with in Dublin, Ireland had gone out the day before. Well great, what was that supposed to mean for me?? To top it off, when I put my luggage up on the scale, it was 12 kilos too heavy. So there is Tiffany desperately trying to decide what to take out and leave with the family, while Mom, Amy, and Cassie stand nearby--laughing their asses off. Yes, another day in the Harrison Family. Luckily enough for me, the manager of Aer Lingus was nice enough to find another flight option for me through British Airways. I was able to get onto a 4:50 flight that took 10 hours to get to London Heathrow, and then another hour flight from London to Glasgow. The flight itself turned out to be very nice, considering I was sitting for ten hours. BA provided three FREE meals, gave us all headphones, a pillow and blanket FOR FREE. To top it off, they even had TV screens in each seat, so I got to watch a whole bunch of movies. Not bad for having to have my flight rearranged if you ask me :)
So after making it to London, I found my way to my terminal and got on board--it didn't take very long and I even had a window seat. To put that into perspective, I was able to get a realllllyyyy good look when we touched down in Glasgow. Seeing all the green, the rolling hills, and farmhouses dotted with sheep was so surreal. I think I might have scared the Scottish couple next me as I plastered myself up against the window, but hey, I have no regrets.
After arriving in Glasgow, it was really easy to follow the signs to "International Arrivals" where I was supposed to be picked up. The hard part was dragging my HEAVY luggage behind me. Luckily, I wasn't the only student to bring a lot. There was actually quite a few people who had even MORE then me---and that's saying something :) While I waited for the bus to pick me up with other students, I met a girl named Alicia who ended up living in Pendreich Way as well. She lives in a different chalet, but I've seen her quite a bit. She's from Texas and is here for the year as well. She's really cute and a lot of fun--her giggle reminds me of Cassie's :)
Once the bus showed up (It was half an hour late) we all got on for the hour ride up to Stirling. I tried to stay awake for the sights, but found that I failed when I felt my head falling towards Alicia, who was next to me. Luckily, though, I was able to keep my eyes peeled when we arrived in Stirling. It's quite an experience riding on the left side of the road---I think Mom might know what I'm talking about :) But once we passed the sign for Stirling, out of nowhere you could see the William Wallace Monument rising from a mountain of green, while Stirling Castle stood guard at the other side of the city. It was amazing--it happened to be really foggy, so both the castle and monument were shrouded in fog. It was like something out of one my books, and I'm so thankful to be able to see it in person. Sooner or later, I'm going to make my way up there and touch it for real. Who knows, maybe I'll be lucky enough and get a trip back in time....literally :)
I have also been fortunate enough to make some friends. I met Alicia's flatmates who took us to this place called "ASDA" which is a lot like a Walmart. Getting there, though, was a matter of life or death. Emma, one of Alicia's flatmates drives in a way I can only describe as.....CRAZY. Good thing the seat belts are so sturdy and nobody around has a huge car.
My first night there, none of my roommates had arrived so it was a little creepy being in the chalet all alone, but I was able to unpack all my things. The room I have is really small, but I think that's a good thing---less space to make a mess :) We have cleaners that come to the chalets to clean, which is also something new.
The next day, my flatmate Lisa Demers arrived. She's from B.C., Canada and is really sweet. She's 21 and a fourth year student. We've already hit it off and I'm looking forward to the year we'll be spending together. Later that day, our other flatmate Stuart showed up. He's 20 and from Edinburgh. Allan, our final flatmate (also from Edinburgh I think) is supposed to show up sometime later today.
The highlight so far would have to be last night, though. Me, Alicia, and two other American students we met (Sam May from Pittsburgh and Justine from Wisconsin) all went down into town. We planned on getting some essentials from Tesco (a Target kind of store) but got distracted by the pubs we saw :)......of course we HAD to go in. The name of the one we found was called "Nicky Tams" and as soon as we opened the door, music came blasting out. To say it felt surreal is an understatement. By the way we were stared at, I think they knew we weren't from around there. Nevertheless, I enjoyed a Goat Cheese and Mozzarella Pizza with a pint of Guinness. Let's just say, it was an experience we plan to repeat. I've discovered that drinking here is something of an art. Everyone does it, and everyone does it very well. I have a lot of catching up to do, but I'm in no rush to out drink a Scot. That would just be foolish and foolhardy.
Once I get some pictures (and Internet in my room!!!) I'll upload them as soon as I can. Until then, I had one more thought. Before I left for Scotland, my friend Amy described the country in three words: Haggis, Spotted Dick, and Green. Well I haven't tried Haggis yet, haven't even seen Spotted Dick on a menu, and everywhere I look is green. I think Dorthy had it right, you could say. I am definitely not in Kansas anymore.
To start things off, lets just start with the airport experience. Of course things didn't go as planned--I think the fates decided that had to be a MUST no matter who you are. So I was supposed to be flying out with Aer Lingus at 2:35, but I was told by the agent that the flight I was supposed to connect with in Dublin, Ireland had gone out the day before. Well great, what was that supposed to mean for me?? To top it off, when I put my luggage up on the scale, it was 12 kilos too heavy. So there is Tiffany desperately trying to decide what to take out and leave with the family, while Mom, Amy, and Cassie stand nearby--laughing their asses off. Yes, another day in the Harrison Family. Luckily enough for me, the manager of Aer Lingus was nice enough to find another flight option for me through British Airways. I was able to get onto a 4:50 flight that took 10 hours to get to London Heathrow, and then another hour flight from London to Glasgow. The flight itself turned out to be very nice, considering I was sitting for ten hours. BA provided three FREE meals, gave us all headphones, a pillow and blanket FOR FREE. To top it off, they even had TV screens in each seat, so I got to watch a whole bunch of movies. Not bad for having to have my flight rearranged if you ask me :)
So after making it to London, I found my way to my terminal and got on board--it didn't take very long and I even had a window seat. To put that into perspective, I was able to get a realllllyyyy good look when we touched down in Glasgow. Seeing all the green, the rolling hills, and farmhouses dotted with sheep was so surreal. I think I might have scared the Scottish couple next me as I plastered myself up against the window, but hey, I have no regrets.
After arriving in Glasgow, it was really easy to follow the signs to "International Arrivals" where I was supposed to be picked up. The hard part was dragging my HEAVY luggage behind me. Luckily, I wasn't the only student to bring a lot. There was actually quite a few people who had even MORE then me---and that's saying something :) While I waited for the bus to pick me up with other students, I met a girl named Alicia who ended up living in Pendreich Way as well. She lives in a different chalet, but I've seen her quite a bit. She's from Texas and is here for the year as well. She's really cute and a lot of fun--her giggle reminds me of Cassie's :)
Once the bus showed up (It was half an hour late) we all got on for the hour ride up to Stirling. I tried to stay awake for the sights, but found that I failed when I felt my head falling towards Alicia, who was next to me. Luckily, though, I was able to keep my eyes peeled when we arrived in Stirling. It's quite an experience riding on the left side of the road---I think Mom might know what I'm talking about :) But once we passed the sign for Stirling, out of nowhere you could see the William Wallace Monument rising from a mountain of green, while Stirling Castle stood guard at the other side of the city. It was amazing--it happened to be really foggy, so both the castle and monument were shrouded in fog. It was like something out of one my books, and I'm so thankful to be able to see it in person. Sooner or later, I'm going to make my way up there and touch it for real. Who knows, maybe I'll be lucky enough and get a trip back in time....literally :)
I have also been fortunate enough to make some friends. I met Alicia's flatmates who took us to this place called "ASDA" which is a lot like a Walmart. Getting there, though, was a matter of life or death. Emma, one of Alicia's flatmates drives in a way I can only describe as.....CRAZY. Good thing the seat belts are so sturdy and nobody around has a huge car.
My first night there, none of my roommates had arrived so it was a little creepy being in the chalet all alone, but I was able to unpack all my things. The room I have is really small, but I think that's a good thing---less space to make a mess :) We have cleaners that come to the chalets to clean, which is also something new.
The next day, my flatmate Lisa Demers arrived. She's from B.C., Canada and is really sweet. She's 21 and a fourth year student. We've already hit it off and I'm looking forward to the year we'll be spending together. Later that day, our other flatmate Stuart showed up. He's 20 and from Edinburgh. Allan, our final flatmate (also from Edinburgh I think) is supposed to show up sometime later today.
The highlight so far would have to be last night, though. Me, Alicia, and two other American students we met (Sam May from Pittsburgh and Justine from Wisconsin) all went down into town. We planned on getting some essentials from Tesco (a Target kind of store) but got distracted by the pubs we saw :)......of course we HAD to go in. The name of the one we found was called "Nicky Tams" and as soon as we opened the door, music came blasting out. To say it felt surreal is an understatement. By the way we were stared at, I think they knew we weren't from around there. Nevertheless, I enjoyed a Goat Cheese and Mozzarella Pizza with a pint of Guinness. Let's just say, it was an experience we plan to repeat. I've discovered that drinking here is something of an art. Everyone does it, and everyone does it very well. I have a lot of catching up to do, but I'm in no rush to out drink a Scot. That would just be foolish and foolhardy.
Once I get some pictures (and Internet in my room!!!) I'll upload them as soon as I can. Until then, I had one more thought. Before I left for Scotland, my friend Amy described the country in three words: Haggis, Spotted Dick, and Green. Well I haven't tried Haggis yet, haven't even seen Spotted Dick on a menu, and everywhere I look is green. I think Dorthy had it right, you could say. I am definitely not in Kansas anymore.
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