When the wind stops blowing in Scotland, the people of Edinburgh fall over. Even though it has been two weeks since my arrival, I am still amazed by the random weather patterns here in Edinburgh. Monday I woke up to sunshine, had lunch while it was raining, spent the afternoon in more sun, and then went to bed while it was snowing! My friends from Texas and Arizona were fascinated by the snow, and assumed that classes would be canceled. They didn’t understand why I was laughing . . .
I have made it a point to explore Edinburgh as much as possible on a daily basis. Simply walking around with no set destination helps me gain a better idea of how the city is designed. Not only do I have wonderful opportunities to take pictures, but I also meet interesting people. Just last week I was at the top of Calton hill (acting like a tourist) and I ran into the Gustavus Men’s and Women’s soccer teams!! Talk about a shock!
On Saturday I joined the International Student Center on a trip up to St. Andrew’s. Only about an hour away, St. Andrew’s is located right on the coast, and has a much different climate than Edinburgh (colder with more wind). We spent a day exploring the ruins of a cathedral, walking through the old castle, and of course taking a look at the famous golf course.
I had fun visiting the town, but there was no need to spend more than a day exploring. Seeing St. Andrew’s made me so thankful that I chose to study in Edinburgh – simply because there is more to do. Edinburgh is a hopping city, where St. Andrew’s is very mellow. Many students who attend St. Andrew’s come down to Edinburgh on the weekends anyway – so I saved myself a lot of transit money by choosing Edinburgh.
I found it extremely hard to concentrate during the first week of classes. I think my mind was on overload – overwhelmed with the new experiences and the novelty of EVERYTHING. This week has been better as I have settled (somewhat) into a routine. In regards to classes, the University is helping me to appreciate Gustavus like I never believed. I find it hard to pay attention in lectures in general (I do so much better with class discussions and interaction with professors) which is difficult considering that all of my classes are lecture based. Furthermore, tracking down homework is a chore (not including the actual completion of homework — which I haven’t done yet – oops). I have been sent to so many buildings and a variety of different people to find books and assignments. Since it is only the second week, and since I am a visiting student, I have more flexibility with my professors, but I am not comfortable with the unorganized atmosphere.
As I predicted, classes and homework are not (and will not be) the focus of my time abroad. I have had so much fun meeting people from around the world. My flatmates are incredible – I am so lucky to live in such a wonderful environment. Furthermore, I love living in a flat with girls from four completely different cultural backgrounds! On Tuesday nights the international students take over a pub five minutes from my flat. The front part of the pub is filled with students from the U.S., and the back part (where I like to spend my time) consists of students from France, Germany, Iceland, Spain, Austria, and more. I have never spent so much time in a community with many different backgrounds — I am loving every minute of it!!
Surprise, surprise, I had haggis on Sunday evening. The most traditional meal in Scotland is Haggis, Neeps & Tatties (Haggis, Turnips, and Potatoes). On Sunday night, one of my flatmates cooked the entire Scottish meal so that we could all experience the ‘delicacy’ (if you dare to call it that) together. I will refrain from describing in detail what Haggis is made of. Just know that it helps to not think of its origins when eating it! I must say that I enjoyed the traditional meal, although it was quite filling. (Scottish people do not believe in eating green things. Green things are what food eat!) I will have it at least one more time before I leave (to celebrate Robert Burns Day at the end of January) but I do not see haggis as being a common meal at my place!
My ankle has healed quite nicely, and by next week I will try to hike up Arthur’s Seat. The plan was to hike this week, but Edinburgh is under a weather warning at the moment. I am 100% serious when I say that the weather changes completely in two seconds, and it could be miserable if I got caught at the top of Arthur’s Seat in a blizzard.
I have heard about the cold weather in MN, and I am not jealous at all. When I try to explain to my friends exactly how cold it is, they laugh at me and say I am converting the temperatures wrong. Nobody believes me!! Oh well. While MN sits in a freezer, I will enjoy the unpredictable weather of Edinburgh (usually in the 40’s).
Cheers!