The Hairy Coo

Me and the cute boy I met at the cafe-
though he not much of a conversationalist

This past weekend some friends and I went on a tour of the highlands for a day. Oh, my, goodness. So many beautiful things were seen. We started off by taking a 6:30 train from Stirling to Edinburgh-thank goodness my mom had sent me some instant coffee, otherwise I would not have been a happy camper! We then walked from the train station to Starbucks to get wi-fi; none of us had looked up directions on how to get from the station to the cafe we meet the tour at. Once we checked in at the bus, we sat down and had some breakfast and waited for things to get underway.

Our first stop was South Queensferry. There are two bridges there, one for the rail and the other for cars. The reminded me very much of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Bridge. This is mostly due to the colors and proximity. Although unlike the Golden Gate, though they no longer have to paint the railway one constantly thanks to advances in paint technology.

Our second stop stop was the Wallace Monument, named for William Wallce-A Scottish hero, or a Scottish terrorist depending on which way you look at it. We hiked up to the base of it, though did not go inside as we didn't have enough time. It was so windy! I had hiked up their before (It's quite close to Uni) so I did not spend too much time at the top, my hands were too cold and my ears hurt from the wind.

We then drove all the way up to Lake Menteith-the only (kind of) "lake" in Scotland. In the lake there is an Island where a four-years-old Mary Queen of Scots chilled out for safekeeping while the English and Scottish duked it out elsewhere. There was also a rope swing that I climbed up on (with a little help, I couldn't get the seat part to stay still when I would jump).

After the lake, we stopped for lunch in a little village that the tour guide was from. He told us lots of good stories, including a very funny one about his mother buying him his grave plot for his birthday-apparently it has a really good view! I had eaten a PB&J on the bus, so I had some chips (or fries) at lunch. They were delicious and exactly what I had been craving the past few days.

After this, we drove into the highlands to see "hairy coos and beautiful views" as our guide, Donald, said. We stopped at Loch Drunkee. This particular loch is named as such because it was a big place of whiskey smuggling for a while and their is/was the belief that you could just get drunk off the water. If smugglers thought they were going to be caught they would pour their whiskey into the loch, or (more pratically) they would put all their bottles in a net with some stones and sink the net then come back for them a few days later. 

                                     

The Bull. Yikes!

Then we saw real hairy coos! They're also known as highland cows, but hairy coos sounds much cuter :). There were two (or three?) adult females, one bull, and a baby coo! I fed the baby coo some bread. But let's be real, although our guide assured us they were friendly I was still a wee bit nervous when I went to feed the him.

Baby coo! So cute I could eat it :)

The Dam

The next stop was Loch Katrine (the "Kat" is pronounced like "cat" instead of "Katrina" which is what I initially thought). This was by far my favorite stop, and definitely my favorite loch (so far at least). Everything was so beautiful! I wish we'd had more time so I could walk around the whole thing. I also learned that the water levels in the loch are rising because part of it has been dammed. See! Who needs school to learn things?

Loch Katrine

Our last stop on the tour was Doune Castle. The word "doune" means castle, which of course means it is named Castle Castle (There is also a Loch Loch). This is where they filmed (part of) Monty Python and the Holy Grail. When the group was looking for somewhere (within budget) to film the movie they had no luck finding anywhere in England because everyone knew who they were and what type of film they would make. They then decided to try Scotland because they thought the Scottish would not have heard of them and that they'd be too drunk to say no. This ended up being true, and they filmed at Doune Castle.

All in all, the tour was really lovely! Donald was fantastic! I just wish I had brought something to take notes with because I did not absorb nearly enough of the information he gave us throughout the nine hours!

An Open Letter to Bank of America (Apologies About the Length)

Dear Bank of America,

I know you must hear from a lot of upset customers. But have no fear! I am writing to express my utmost satisfaction with your services. It has been positively lovely to work with you! Since you must have a lot of valued customers like me and cannot possibly remember everyone, I will start from the beginning.

When I decided that I would be attending Clark University for school it became apparent that I would have to switch banks. You see, Chase, although it is based in New York, does not have branches in Massachusetts (something to do with a Red Sox-Yankees rivalry, perhaps?). This is what led me to you, you see, not only do you have a branch within a few blocks of my home in San Francisco, you even have a branch within a few blocks of Clark! It was a perfect match!

Let me just say this, I have never ever regretted choosing you. Do you know how fun it is to deposit cash in your ATMs? I have to try several times to put it in the machine before it is accepted! It is such a fun game; I mean, it is not as if I have other things to do all day!

But wait, my experience with you gets even better! Hard to believe, I know. One day this summer, I skipped in to your Noe Valley branch with my mom in tow. I was so excited just to visit! We waited very patiently on one of the convenient couches while your customer service representatives—looking so busy and hard-working—sat idly at their desks.

Once we were cordially invited to meet with someone, I started off by explaining my situation. You see, as I have a student account with you, I am a student—it is so great how that works! I told the representative that I would be studying abroad in the coming fall, and I was curious about how banking would work when I went abroad. Specifically, I wanted to know what I could do to avoid a transaction fee every time I took money out. The woman kindly told me that you have “sister” banks all over the world, and asked where I would be studying abroad. I excitedly replied that I would be in Scotland.

Did you know that you have banks in Germany? I certainly did not! But this is what the woman told me! Imagine that, your staff is so helpful as to suggest I fly to Germany every time I want to take money out! How sweet of them!  But, as I am a student (note again that I have a student account—funny how that works again, isn’t it?!), I decided that it would not be financially or academically responsible of me to fly to Germany every time I should need to visit a bank. And of course, as you are a bank and certainly have my best interests at heart, I am sure you would not encourage me to spend above of my means!

I decided to enquire about other options while I would be in Scotland. The staff member then asked what I would need money for, exactly. Wow! She really took an interest! I can’t believe she wouldn’t assume right off the bat that I would need money for groceries! Or living expenses! She even wanted to know what I would be doing while I was studying abroad and where I would be travelling! I love that she really wanted to get to know me! After I explained that I would need money for groceries and the like, and that studying abroad means to study abroad, she suggested taking out the maximum amount of cash each time I visited any ATM in order to minimize fees.

Wow! That is such a good idea! I love having tons of cash lying around! It is so safe! I mean, we all know that there are no criminals in Scotland! They were all sent to Australia a long time ago! But I mean, I am just an irresponsible student after all, and I decided I did not like the idea of having so much cash in my room. I asked about more possibilities.

Guess what! You have banks in the United Kingdom! Unfortunately though, Scotland is not part of the United Kingdom. Wow! That is certainly news to the Scottish, I think! Bank of America, you have certainly outdone yourselves! I didn't even know you have it in your power to kick people out of the U.K! That is truly amazing!

After this wonderful experience with your representatives, my mother and I went home—fully satisfied with the information we had received. But being the fickle adult that I am, a couple weeks later I was back with more questions.

This time, I needed help doing a wire transfer. You see, in order to actually attend school abroad, there are certain fees I have to pay. One of the methods of payment was a wire transfer, and according to the description provided by my host university, this seemed the easiest.

So I waltzed in to your Noe Valley branch once again, prepared with my questions. This time I was lucky enough to talk with someone with a very shaky grasp of English! What a cultural experience! I quickly explained my situation- I am a student (student account!) who will be studying abroad and would like to make a wire transfer to pay my accommodation fees to my host university.

The woman was kind to inform me that it would be a 25 dollar surcharge unless I did it online. I asked if it were possible for her to tell me how to do it online so that I could avoid this. She asked how much I was transferring, and I told her. It turns out that if I want to transfer more than 500 dollars, there is a 35 dollar surcharge! Wow! How exciting! If only accommodations cost less than 500 dollars! I guess this is your way of telling me that if I have to pay more, I am paying too much!

I asked if I could do it in installments to avoid the surcharge. Guess what though! It turns out, contradictory to what she said earlier, there is a 25 dollar surcharge EVEN IF I do it online! Thank you for clearing that up! She was then kind enough to ask where I would be transferring money to. Did you know that studying abroad means you actually have to go abroad? It then turned out that if I wanted to do an international wire transfer (since I am studying abroad), that it would be a 45 dollar surcharge. I am so glad that all this was so clear! I don’t know what I would have done without the help of the Noe Valley branch!

After I decided that I would have to figure something else out, I had one last question. I asked about the bank you are connected with in the United Kingdom, wondering how I will be able to use it and such. The representative was so helpful! She did not think you have banks in the United Kingdom-such a well kept secret, I am honored to be let in on it! When I insisted that you do have a bank in the U.K. (of which Scotland is a part, thanks for letting them back in!), and that it is called Barclays, your representative kindly informed me that, yes, you do have banks in Berkeley! Great! I am so happy you have banks in Berkeley! It’s basically a different country, right? Them hippie fuh-reaks!

When she realized that this is not what I meant, I was referred to someone with possibly more information. Once again, I explained my situation-the usual who I am, that I will be studying in Scotland in the fall, and I am wondering about the banks the U.K. She informed me that there is no special procedure for using my card abroad, that all I have to do is find a Barclay’s ATM and I will not be charged a fee, and I will not have to register with Barclay’s and get a Barclay’s card. She added that before I leave I should either call the number on the back of the card, or go to a Bank of America branch and inform them in person when I will be leaving and to not put a hold on my account should I try to use the card.

Weeks passed before my next encounter with you—this time at the larger branch downtown. After an exciting 45 minute wait in a three-person long line, I was called up to the teller. This time I wanted to take out pounds so that I would have money when I got to Scotland. Exchanging money in itself is quite a thrilling process, and after all sorts of papers were signed, I asked my very last question—it was a bit of a stumper, as it later turns out. I asked if he could make a note on my account that I would be going to Scotland. Guess what! He said yes! I don’t think even meeting Jack Nicholson could make me happier than I was in this moment!

Bank of America, you were so helpful throughout the summer, I had no doubt this would continue when I made it across the pond. Imagine my surprise when I go to use my debit card to pay my accommodation fees, and it is declined! That takes real talent-telling someone that it will be okay to use their card, then having it be the exact opposite! Congratulations!

Now, it is my turn to apologize. You see, after I got an email about suspicious activity on my account which told me to call in and verify that it was me, I allowed my father to visit your Noe Valley Branch and sort things out, as I have no phone. I am very sorry for unleashing him on you and allowing him to pester you with my problems! We did not realize you are so busy. As he says “houses won’t foreclose on themselves”!, and had I known this I never would have allowed him to try and take care of this for me, although I know he was really looking forward to it! On top of apologizing, I would also like to thank you for making it as enjoyable experience for him as it has been for me. I love that you assured him I had never been in to any of your branches, or spoken to any representatives. In fact, you were even able to tack on that I had never told you I was going to Scotland! That takes real talent-rewriting the past. And here I thought that Winston Smith was a fictional character- turns out your bank has multiples of him!

When I figured out how to call collect so I could sort this out myself, the system was so speedy and efficient! I got to talk to a robot and push so many buttons! It more fun than an arcade game! Then I got to talk to so many representatives and be transferred four or five times! I felt like I was at a cocktail party, all the socializing I did—especially with the fantastic on-hold music I got to listen to! Finally, I talked to a woman who released the hold on my account, and kindly reminded me that when I am going abroad I should let the bank know in advance so this sort of thing doesn't happen! Such good advice, I will be sure to do that in the future!

I am so happy it hurts to smile.

All in all Bank of America, you have made me feel like a truly valued customer. I want to thank you for your support and services-I certainly would never dream of switching banks! I have had such a fun and challenging experience! I am glad we were both up to the task! As I am sure that dealing with pesky customers like me is such a pain, I want to thank you for your patience as well! I look forward to dealing with you in the future.

Sincerely,

Sara Baker-Flynn

Rain

Alright….so I realize that it has been about a weekish-almost-since I updated. Mostly because nothing big has happened! I also feel a teensy bit of pressure to make this a good post. Too many people told me they liked the last one, and as I didn’t think I could do anything as good or better, I didn’t update. So brace yourself for this one. This is mostly an excuse for some pictures.

I really, really enjoy Fridays here. Mostly, I have no class. Now, that does not mean I go out for crazy Thirsty Thursdays then have Friday to recover from the hangover. It means I have an entire day to myself, and the freedom is absolutely lovely.

This particular Friday I was able to do a quiet load of laundry—and met the nicest porter, she helped me figure out the spinner and pick the right settings for the wash! And after pretending that I was going to do some schoolwork, I decided that the day was too nice to waste inside reading about psychometric testing.

On Thursday I had taken a walk, and come to a spot where there were three directions I wanted to go in. However it was pouring, and although I love the rain I was not dressed appropriately so I turned back. So on Friday I set out in the same direction and when I came to this spot, I took a right on a little dirt path. I figured out that this path runs right behind the university (on the other side of a stone wall), and when it reached a giant mud puddle I turned back. (Fun Fact: Today I wandered behind the university again and ended up on the other side of the mud puddle).

At this point there was another dirt path I could walk along, or I could continue up the road. I chose the road and began a steep uphill climb. There were so many paths I wanted to follow. I have my work cut out for me in terms of explorin’. Against all impulse I continued on the paved road, not looking for another adventure where I get lost.

This isn't the steep uphill part.

After what seemed like (or actually was) forever, I noticed a mountain biker coming down the hills, bouncing up and down and over rocks. He slowed down and stopped at the gate. This led me to wonder if anyone can go through this gate. I mean, back in The States we have private property laws. If I were to just traipse through a gate I could be shot for trespassing. I decided to approach the gate and look for a sign about the rules. To my surprise, it was a public path. All that was asked that I keep my dog on a lead because of the livestock.

Baa baa

Uhm, what? I can just wander on to land where someone keeps their livestock? How do they know I won’t run off with one of their sheep or hairy coos? If I can make room in my suitcase, I’m coming back here for one!

Imma get one!

I started climbing up through the hills, telling myself each time I reached a new top that I would head back right after the next one. Finally, when I couldn’t get any higher without having to go back down and up again I decided to sit on a rock and just stare.

Basically. I was speechless. The colors of everything were saturated to the point of looking fake. As if I were looking at a photo-shopped picture in a calendar. I have never seen anything so bright. The clouds, the hills, the sky were so vivid.

Then it started raining. Not a lot, but just enough for me to put my hood up to muffle all sounds but the rain.  I am just going to put this out there. I really love the rain. While everyone else might complain about the rain and cold here and send their regrets about the weather—I am perfectly happy. I enjoy sunny days too, of course. But I really love walking in the rain and jumping in puddles. But I promise I’m not five.

Because I love the rain, I stayed put for a while.  Eventually, I decided I head back and started back down the slippery path toward the gate. I think Scotland, or at least this part of it, is even more beautiful in the rain. I love how the smell of the rocks, dirt, and grass mix together. I love sticking out my hands and letting the rain fall on them until I have cold pins-and-needles, and watching them slowly turn white until just my fingertips are red. I love the quiet except for the sounds of rain hitting different surfaces and trying to put a more exact onomatopoeia word to it—not just pit pit pat, or drip drip drop.  I love the clouds with wisps that reach toward the ground. Mostly, I just love the rain. And I love Scotland in the rain. And I can’t wait to come back to this spot and climb up to the next peak. I’ll bring a picnic and a book and pretend that I will study when I get to the top :)

Dora the Explorin': Parte I

Okay guys, I think it is time we talk about something. All of you should know by now that I am not a very adventurous person. I like to plan things. I like knowing what will happen and when. I like knowing what I am going to say. I like knowing what is in my food.  I don’t impulsively buy things (too often). I don’t jump into the pool full-on cannonball, I slowly lower myself in to get used to the temperature.

 The other day it was very nice out, and after I made lunch (PB & J on pita!) I decided I would go on a walk for a bit. I’ve already walked into Bridge of Allan a bunch of times, so I decided to explore the neighborhood that Uni is in. This caused me to take a right at the first street I came to. First I wandered around the place. I saw lots of big houses that should be castles. Many of them also had little….sheds?shacks? enclosed gazebos? In their backyards. They all were fairly small, one room, with dark wood paneling and shingles.  And windows that went all the way around. They fit a couple of chairs, and I can think of no better use for them than sitting in the chair, with hot chocolate and book and watching snow fall in the winter.

I will be honest, I was a little bit nervous about the aimless wandering. What if there was a serial killer in the nice houses? Or kidnappers? Or I looked like someone the Scottish mafia was out to get?  When a car passed me then slowed, I became more nervous. Were they going to open their doors, whip out a gun, kill me, then leave the gun and take their haggis? Instead, two young people got out and walked up to one of the houses. Whew! Crisis averted!

At some point I ventured to the very end of the street, past the sports club where I observed two brothers playing tennis, and past the Bowling and Spa Club—all the way to where the neighborhood meets the woods. There was a stone wall, and beyond that a little dirt path that ran parallel to the street. I hopped on, thinking I would go for a few blocks than head back. Then I got to a bench and a path that diverged into the woods. I took a picture and kept going, until I reached another path that diverged into the woods.

Okay. So that part where I like knowing what is going to happen and when and I want to plan and all that? Well, I decided that I would just go into the woods. It was a big decision, trust me. I had no phone and no camping supplies in case I got lost. I didn't even know the name of the street I would be ditching. So I wandered up the path (a fairly steep hill—even by San Francisco standards) certain that MorDu (the scary bear from Brave) was going to pop out of nowhere and eat me alive, or that some rogue bagpipes would kidnap me. Being a city kid, I am used to worrying about serial killers, muggings, gangs, all that fun stuff. After a while, you don’t even think about in anymore.

However, this woodsy stuff? I jumped every time something shook or I heard a branch crack, or I saw something scurry. It’s not like I haven’t been hiking before, but at least then I had read about the path. I would know whether to expect mountain lions or wild turkey or something. I knew when to pretend to be big and loud, and when I would be better off playing dead. But I don’t know what lives in Scotland! There could be crazy kilted clansmen hiding somewhere!

Finally, I found a board with a description of the path I was on. It’s called Wolf’s Hole Quarry and Mine Woods. Uhm, not helping! Wolves? That was not something I considered when leaving the comfort of my dorm! The board listed several points of interest along the path, including the entrance to a mine, and a panoramic view of the countryside. I took a picture of the mine (I was pretty sure I heard something clang and growl, so I jumped away quickly) and made my way up to the countryside.

Oh. My. Goodness. It was certainly worth the hike. The view was absolutely beautiful. Even with the golf course in the foreground. After I snapped several pictures, I kept walking along the path.

I don't know if those things on the farm are sheep or haystacks.

Then everything got a little bit sticky. The path diverged. I didn’t know which way to go, so I picked a way and went with it. Eventually they met up. This happened again. And again. Once the paths diverged a fourth time, I didn’t think anything of it, and just picked a way assuming they would meet up again.

Where am I??? Dwindling daylight :/

This ended up being terribly wrong. I went farther and farther into the woods, finding more and more diverging paths. I hadn’t reached any of the rest of the points of interest the map mentioned and was getting a little worried. When I noticed the sun setting, I think a wee bit of panic set in. No one knew I was here. I had no way of contacting anyone. The place was called Wolf’s Hole for heaven’s sake! My only consolation was that I was right next to a golf course, and if I got really desperate I could run through it to the clubhouse and ask for help.

As I kept following and following the path, I thought back to the slowing car on the street and my initial panic. I realized that I am in Scotland, not the U.S. There will be no serial killer with a gun jumping out from the bushes. There will be no rogue Vice Presidents going hunting and shooting me. The squirrels in the U.S. would eat the squirrels here for a snack, they’re so small. I didn’t have to worry about anything!

Of course, this didn’t stop me from worrying about the dwindling daylight. I did reason that I had a scarf and could tie myself in a tree and go to sleep if I had to though. And I could lick moss off of rocks if I got hungry.  

However, I was not looking forward to either of these options and really just wanted to find a way out.

I continued to follow a muddy and a little overgrown path until I reached a wider, more clearly marked one. I followed it for about ten minutes when all of the sudden, I popped back out of the forest. This is what Lucy must have felt like the first time she returned from Narnia. For all my panic and worry, I was fine! I wasn’t going to be carried off and raised by sheep! The bench I had initially taken a picture of was right there. The sports club across the street was still intact—the two brothers were still playing tennis! Nothing had changed! I even managed to make it back to campus without asking for directions.

Now no one can complain that I do not adventure enough! This was more than enough adventure for me! Ahumph!

Stirling Proper

View from Stirling Castle

From the Heritage Center

Yesterday, we went on a bust tour of Stirling. We went to Stirling Castle (not inside, just the outside), then to a heritage center, then to a cathedral. The castle has really lovely views! I will have to go back and actually go inside. Our guide also mentioned there is a smaller castle nearby (In Doune) where they filmed Monty Python and the Holy Grail, and the audio tour of the place is given by one of the actors—I can’t remember which one. I will have to get back there too, mostly for the pleasure of making the Iggy and Pop jealous. And sending some good postcards. Not this weekend though—they’re having some sort of Monty Python festival or fayre. Yikes!

Inside the Cathedral, lots of pretty stained glass :)

Today I went into Stirling proper—rather than just Bridge of Allan. I took the bus in, and there were a few girls who had just gotten out of school (they had their little uniforms on). We were the only ones on the top level of the bus, and they were so loud and a bit obnoxious. They kept screaming and banging on the window. I thought Americans were supposed to be the loud ones! Then they started trying to do Irish accents, which was pretty funny because they were so awful!

I finally got to the big grocery store! It was so crowded, but somehow the lines were still short. And now I have a pan (no pot yet) and food for the next two-ish weeks. I got Sultana Bran cereal—aka Raisin Bran. And I got a tub of strawberries!  They are so cute and little and grown in England somewhere. To think, I was worried about being able to get fruit here!

Today there was also something very amazing going on. However I missed it. There were free nachos and music in the art center! Uhm, where was I??? Oh right. Grocery shopping. Humph! Anyway, it was a preview for a concert this weekend. I think I’m going to go with a few girls from my floor, they said the bands were pretty good. I hope this is true.

Hopefully this is not me.

That is pretty much all for now. I have one more class to attend on Monday before I have gone to all them. I have no class tomorrow, so I will have to do something productive. Maybe.  Or maybe I will just walk into Stirling and look at everything like a crazy tourist :)

Wizard Magic?

The Atrium is an area in a building on the other side of the Loch of me. There are a couple places to eat, and lots of open space to mingle. However…I think the building it is located in is growing. I discover I new place everyday. From the outside it doesn’t look that big but trust me, like a wizard tent, it is much bigger on the inside. The first day I found the Union shop, Stir Café, and the Global Food place (pizza and burgers mostly). Yesterday, it turns out there is a bookstore, a pharmacy, a travel agency (Unicorn Travel), and a grocery store in there. Today, I find out it serves as the entrance to the library, there is the Underground Café which serves Starbucks and is HUGE—so much seating space! (This is also where they have been having the Fresher’s Week parties)—also underground (though not linked to the Café, you have to go through a maze to get there) is the MacRobert Arts Center, and a bar. I also found that there is a newsstand type store, which sells snacks and magazines and such. I don’t know what is left to discover tomorrow! It cannot possibly get any bigger!

I have discovered the wonderful combination of mature cheese, hummous, and peach sandwiches! So good! Just the right amount of savory and sweet! Hopefully the refrigerator is cold enough and nothing will go bad. I think tomorrow I will adventure and try the Scottish oatmeal! But maybe I will not be so adventurous in the morning. 

Some candies from the Fayre. The jellybeans are shaped
funny! The lollipop is black currant flavoured.... which seems
to be a popular flavor here.

Today here was the Freebie Fayre. I went with a girl from Finland that I had met at an info session just before. We got lots of little candies (So yum!). However…..All these people wanted me to write down my email to be on their email list. Only, I did not understand a word of what they were saying to me (between the noise and the accent), so I don’t really know what I will be getting emails about. There was also free pizza from two places. One place claimed to have “Real New York Pizza”. Uhm, even with my lack of New York Pizza knowledge I knew this was an imposter.  First of all, if you have to tell someone it’s authentic, it can’t possibly be! Otherwise there would be no need to say so. But also, it did not Wow me. And I think if New York Pizza is as good as everyone claims, I would be more Wowed. The other place was Dominoes, and because I was hungry, I had a slice of theirs. I was also curious if it would taste different here (ala Canadian Oreos). It did! The crust was not garlicky as it is here, maybe they only "improved" the recipe in the U.S?




Most importantly about this Freebie Fayre though was a booth from Game Station—A place very similar to Game Stop. They had all sorts of San Francisco things. It must be from a new game or something. I am currently wearing a shirt with a yellow tinted picture of a Cadillac in front of the San Francisco skyline, and it says “Driver San Francisco” on it. I also got a bumper sticker that says “DRV SF” on it.




Okay, Scotland, enough with the imported imposter things of other cities! I like you the way you are! Haggis and all! Speaking of which….I impulsively bought a tiny thing of it today. I think I will try it tomorrow! If I am still adventurous after the Scottish oatmeal, that is. 

The First 24 Hours

Well, after a long journey, I finally made it (safely) to the University of Stirling. It is warmer here than I had imagined, and more humid. There are also more bugs (especially ones with stingers) than I had given thought to. I keep getting paranoid that a bee will come in through the window if I leave it open while I'm not there.

Mostly though, everything is very... Scottish. Or at least stereotypically speaking. I hadn't left the airport for ten minutes before I saw a bunch of sheep.  And it wasn't fifteen minutes before seeing a castle. Outside my window is a tree where all sorts of funny birds perch, I will take pictures and identify them later. One looks as if a duck and mourning dove had a baby.

I did some grocery shopping yesterday. I bought something called a "healthy granola pot" and yogurt. I thought the  granola didn't come with yogurt, but it did (which is good, the yogurt later spilled in my bag). This morning I went to eat the granola pot, and was very surprised. The "granola" wasn't cooked! It was more like museli. And there was only a bit of yogurt and berry flavored substance, but the yogurt was so thick and rich. I was so full after eating it, and now I have another little container!

Today I tried to walk to the larger grocery store. I googled the directions, but they seemed funny. Of course I thought to myself "I've been here 24 hours! I know better than Google whose job it is to know these things!" and well....I got lost. Or I think I did. At one point I thought I had definitely gone too far and should have come to the street it is one, so I turned back. There is a severe lack of street signs here, so that doesn't help either. I then tried to follow Google's directions from memory, but that also didn't work. It was a very nice walk! I just wish I had been able to retrieve some pots and pans out of it.  Instead I went back to the grocery co-operative and got some things I could eat without a pot or pan:

Peaches (only one pound for 4!)
Pita and hummous
Cheese (here it is "mature" cheese, not "sharp")
Two cans of tomato soup (the only vegetarian kind....)
Soap and sponges

I will have to retry Google's directions, as much as I would be able to live off pita and hummous, I don't think my mom would like it very much.






Me? Study? What?