Last night I went to the opera. Wipe that look off your face. Don’t look so shocked. Yes. I’m in a foreign country and I went to the opera. I’m just that cool.
It was Prokofiev’s “The Love of Three Oranges” and it was hysterical. There was a lobster telephone, a deadly cactus, and cans of orange soup that turned into princesses. And a near-fatal case of hypochondria.
A friend of a friend is in the opera company that came to town to perform it, so a large group of seven girls got tickets and trekked there. Lovely experience. I think one of the older men in the audience thought I was actually in the opera even though I looked nothing like any of the characters. He asked me what language we were singing in. I asked him to repeat the question then said I wasn’t singing but the language is French. I was entertained. Maybe he thought I was a member of the orchestra? I wasn’t really dressed like that, though. Who knows? Maybe I just look well-informed about the opera. Yeah, right. Sure.
I think my favorite class [I know all of you are SO interested to know] is the one about general political theory. It’s excellent. And abstract. And there’s a lot of fodder for discussion, which means the tutorials are easy to participate in. Which means the entire hour isn’t silent and awkward; people actually contribute and have opinions.
I’m going to see Teddy Thompson in concert tomorrow night! So excited.
And then Noah and the Whale is playing at the same place in March. YES. And the place is only about 10 minutes from my dorm, which means I have more time to spend just before the show at the hot chocolate and coffee place (with Ashley!) directly across the street from the venue. Wonderful.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
Happy 250th!
Yesterday was Robert Burns’ birthday. It’s a big deal in Scotland; everyone celebrated all weekend and today. I like lists, so I shall list the various parts of celebrating.
a) Wear a kilt! I saw several people in kilts. It was fun. I wish I was cool enough to wear a kilt and mean it. There were even large numbers wearing kilts to church yesterday. There was also one little girl in a fairy costume but I don’t think that related to Burns’ day so much.
b) Play the bagpipes! Remember that obsessive American who plays the bagpipes? Yesterday he had them out in all their glory. He played them in the lobby of the dorm and all the way there and back to a celebration dinner. They matched his kilt.
c) Drink! This is an ancient tradition dating back to the origination of the nation. This is just one way to celebrate, and is by no means necessary. (I am not suggesting I participated in this manner – I was home not feeling well.) Although, the bagpipe player started drinking at 2.30 in the afternoon. He knows how to celebrate.
d) Eat haggis! Yes, you should try it. They served it at the dining hall yesterday evening. I don’t trust squishy food from dining halls, but I tried haggis about two weeks ago. I felt that sufficed. Also, they tried to serve us vegetable haggis. What exactly goes into that? The best we could figure is that it’s made from the insides of vegetables. Vegetable guts.
e) Go to a celebration dinner! This one’s pretty self-explanatory.
f) Sing Auld Lang Syne! The poem – the lyrics – was written by Robert Burns, in case you didn’t know.
g) A ceilidh! The word is pronounced kay- ley. Like the name Kayli. A ceilidh is a type of dance. I have never attended such a thing so I do not know how to participate in said event, but I have heard it entails enthusiastic and unchoreographed dancing of the Scottish variety.
That’s all the methods of celebrating that I have seen or heard of, but I’m sure any celebrating would be encouraged and appreciated.
Happy Burns’ Day!
a) Wear a kilt! I saw several people in kilts. It was fun. I wish I was cool enough to wear a kilt and mean it. There were even large numbers wearing kilts to church yesterday. There was also one little girl in a fairy costume but I don’t think that related to Burns’ day so much.
b) Play the bagpipes! Remember that obsessive American who plays the bagpipes? Yesterday he had them out in all their glory. He played them in the lobby of the dorm and all the way there and back to a celebration dinner. They matched his kilt.
c) Drink! This is an ancient tradition dating back to the origination of the nation. This is just one way to celebrate, and is by no means necessary. (I am not suggesting I participated in this manner – I was home not feeling well.) Although, the bagpipe player started drinking at 2.30 in the afternoon. He knows how to celebrate.
d) Eat haggis! Yes, you should try it. They served it at the dining hall yesterday evening. I don’t trust squishy food from dining halls, but I tried haggis about two weeks ago. I felt that sufficed. Also, they tried to serve us vegetable haggis. What exactly goes into that? The best we could figure is that it’s made from the insides of vegetables. Vegetable guts.
e) Go to a celebration dinner! This one’s pretty self-explanatory.
f) Sing Auld Lang Syne! The poem – the lyrics – was written by Robert Burns, in case you didn’t know.
g) A ceilidh! The word is pronounced kay- ley. Like the name Kayli. A ceilidh is a type of dance. I have never attended such a thing so I do not know how to participate in said event, but I have heard it entails enthusiastic and unchoreographed dancing of the Scottish variety.
That’s all the methods of celebrating that I have seen or heard of, but I’m sure any celebrating would be encouraged and appreciated.
Happy Burns’ Day!
Friday, January 23, 2009
they don't use 'wicked' here
Found (well, a friend found) a wonderful place that sells lovely hot chocolate and has monkeys all around. Not live ones, of course, just fun stuffed ones. It’s cute.
Don’t tell anyone, but today I ate lunch at KFC. That’s right. Kentucky Fried Chicken. There’s one right near all the buildings my classes are in. Can you believe that?
Now, many people know that I have a running experiment. Every country to which I travel (so far) has a McDonald’s. I make it my goal to test out each one and survey the differences. For example, in Japan, they use whole milk and the pancakes are delicious. In Argentina – where they’re known for steak – the burgers were gross.
I haven’t found the McDonald’s here yet. It’s a project. But I decided KFC would suffice for the time being. Besides, it’s where a couple of my friends were having lunch. Convenient.
And it’s weird. They don’t sell the same things. I was going to get the potato bowl or whatever it is that’s so deliciously unhealthy. But they don’t have it! Instead, I opted for the popular Toasted Twister. It’s a wrap with chicken and lettuce and tomatoes and sauce. Quite good. But not the heavier American way to eat fried chicken. I was the smallest bit disappointed.
I was adventurous again last night and went to a small cell group with a couple of girls. It’s the equivalent of housechurch at MERCYhouse. Small group in someone’s home. No dinner, but there was tea and snacks. It was fun and the people were nice. I’m planning a return trip.
I learned something new today (besides how to exit the building when the fire alarm goes off.) I learned that the word ‘supper’ does not equal ‘dinner’ like in American culture. Supper means probably a small snack before bed like tea and biscuits or some such. It’s not a meal. Odd.
Oh! And at cell group last night I learned there’s a fantastic Northern Irish snack/sweet thing that is absolutely heavenly. They have ground cookies, marshmellows, condensed milk, and various other ingredients. They were sooo good. I’m going to have to hunt down the recipe. New mission in life: learn to make Fifteens.
Don’t tell anyone, but today I ate lunch at KFC. That’s right. Kentucky Fried Chicken. There’s one right near all the buildings my classes are in. Can you believe that?
Now, many people know that I have a running experiment. Every country to which I travel (so far) has a McDonald’s. I make it my goal to test out each one and survey the differences. For example, in Japan, they use whole milk and the pancakes are delicious. In Argentina – where they’re known for steak – the burgers were gross.
I haven’t found the McDonald’s here yet. It’s a project. But I decided KFC would suffice for the time being. Besides, it’s where a couple of my friends were having lunch. Convenient.
And it’s weird. They don’t sell the same things. I was going to get the potato bowl or whatever it is that’s so deliciously unhealthy. But they don’t have it! Instead, I opted for the popular Toasted Twister. It’s a wrap with chicken and lettuce and tomatoes and sauce. Quite good. But not the heavier American way to eat fried chicken. I was the smallest bit disappointed.
I was adventurous again last night and went to a small cell group with a couple of girls. It’s the equivalent of housechurch at MERCYhouse. Small group in someone’s home. No dinner, but there was tea and snacks. It was fun and the people were nice. I’m planning a return trip.
I learned something new today (besides how to exit the building when the fire alarm goes off.) I learned that the word ‘supper’ does not equal ‘dinner’ like in American culture. Supper means probably a small snack before bed like tea and biscuits or some such. It’s not a meal. Odd.
Oh! And at cell group last night I learned there’s a fantastic Northern Irish snack/sweet thing that is absolutely heavenly. They have ground cookies, marshmellows, condensed milk, and various other ingredients. They were sooo good. I’m going to have to hunt down the recipe. New mission in life: learn to make Fifteens.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
just for now. leave all our hopelessnesses aside.
It’s that special time that happens only once every 8 years. Well, sometimes four. You know what I mean. The time when everyone thinks America can agree about everything all the time. The time we all pull out our flags and wave them with an amount of pride otherwise found a bit obnoxious. The time we all look forward to from about the sixth year of the previous presidency.
Another presidential inauguration; another first one hundred days; another year of watching with a critical eye to see what the new president does.
What will be the first area of major accomplishment for Mr. Obama? The middle east? A ceasefire that sticks in Israel and Gaza? Lowered taxes? Social Security?
Is he nervous? Are his children nervous? Do they feel weird around their friends? Is Michelle finding the cause she’ll push for? Does she talk to Hillary often? Do they get along?
And so we all sit in front of the television – drinks and snacks in hand – to wait and watch for change.
Also, watch out. The mafia may be trying to get you. Or the anti-mafia.
Another presidential inauguration; another first one hundred days; another year of watching with a critical eye to see what the new president does.
What will be the first area of major accomplishment for Mr. Obama? The middle east? A ceasefire that sticks in Israel and Gaza? Lowered taxes? Social Security?
Is he nervous? Are his children nervous? Do they feel weird around their friends? Is Michelle finding the cause she’ll push for? Does she talk to Hillary often? Do they get along?
And so we all sit in front of the television – drinks and snacks in hand – to wait and watch for change.
Also, watch out. The mafia may be trying to get you. Or the anti-mafia.
Monday, January 19, 2009
providence
I wasn’t looking forward to walking to class. All weather websites predicted cloudy and rainy again for today. Bummer. The chance of rain was higher and the temperature colder, so I opened the curtain to decide on footwear. Was the rain going to be bad enough to wear the bright yellow rain boots? After all, it hadn’t been raining when I walked to breakfast. Was it worth standing out that much and having people stop me to comment on my boots?
The construction sounded different outside. Must be raining. Already. Better open the curtain just to make sure.
Lo and behold, I open my curtain, and … there’s SNOW!
I had just been thinking that I was a tiny bit sad to be missing out on a snowy winter in Massachusetts. But the snow falling outside was my favorite kind of snow: the kind with huge flakes that just falls. It doesn’t drive or pelt or otherwise smack you painfully in the face. This kind of snow is the quiet, whispery kind. The kind that forms drifts and banks. The kind that provides the most enjoyment for fun activities like sledding and skiing and riding dining hall trays.
There wasn't very much snow. In fact, there was only a dusting and most of it was gone in 2 hours. But that’s okay. It’s enough. Just enough to say “it’s okay – Edinburgh is a nice place and you won’t really miss the winters in Massachusetts that much.”
Large flakes fell slowly and without hurry in front of my window. They fell just for me. Not for anyone else.
I tied my boots, wrapped the warm pink scarf around my neck, and walked the usual way to class. Unfortunately, I was completely soaked by the time I got there – snow is wet – but I was a happy soaked.
And the snow was gone by the time I got out of class. Slightly depressing. But at least I got a little snow. Just enough.
"It is astonishing what a different result one gets by changing the metaphor!"
-- The Mill on the Floss by George Eliot
The construction sounded different outside. Must be raining. Already. Better open the curtain just to make sure.
Lo and behold, I open my curtain, and … there’s SNOW!
I had just been thinking that I was a tiny bit sad to be missing out on a snowy winter in Massachusetts. But the snow falling outside was my favorite kind of snow: the kind with huge flakes that just falls. It doesn’t drive or pelt or otherwise smack you painfully in the face. This kind of snow is the quiet, whispery kind. The kind that forms drifts and banks. The kind that provides the most enjoyment for fun activities like sledding and skiing and riding dining hall trays.
There wasn't very much snow. In fact, there was only a dusting and most of it was gone in 2 hours. But that’s okay. It’s enough. Just enough to say “it’s okay – Edinburgh is a nice place and you won’t really miss the winters in Massachusetts that much.”
Large flakes fell slowly and without hurry in front of my window. They fell just for me. Not for anyone else.
I tied my boots, wrapped the warm pink scarf around my neck, and walked the usual way to class. Unfortunately, I was completely soaked by the time I got there – snow is wet – but I was a happy soaked.
And the snow was gone by the time I got out of class. Slightly depressing. But at least I got a little snow. Just enough.
"It is astonishing what a different result one gets by changing the metaphor!"
-- The Mill on the Floss by George Eliot
Sunday, January 18, 2009
it's pink and shiny.
So I’ve been angry with my alarm clock for the last several days because it won’t go off in the morning. My phone has had to suffice.
Tonight must have been the first night I was in the room at precisely 8 o’clock.
It just went off.
I feel like an angry idiot.
Tonight must have been the first night I was in the room at precisely 8 o’clock.
It just went off.
I feel like an angry idiot.
smooth sailing
Another reason to love Edinburgh: I found three quality music stores all within a half hour’s walk from my dorm. I went out adventuring and doing errands on Friday, and decided to stop in a few of these stores just to see what they had and such. One of them had a huge collection of records. If I had my record player here, I don’t think I could resist the large selection of vinyl.
I also found an adorable store that sells teacups and fun china and such. I couldn’t help it. Don’t judge. I only got one mug. And a bowl. For lunches. A cute lime green bowl.
People here have started planning huge inauguration parties. For Obama. The entire day will be big over here. Not nearly as big as in America, obviously, but still really big. The Politics Society (society = club) in particular is very excited and has rented out a pub starting at 4 in the afternoon and will fill the place. They’re also having a huge projector screen and they’ll watch an American new channel. Several people have asked me who I voted for, and they usually make awkward faces as if they were curious but don’t want to offend me in case I voted McCain. I am from Texas, after all.
I visited a church this morning. A few girls in my dorm went with me, so I appreciated that. Finding a church is hard on your own – especially when you know nothing of the city. I think I liked it overall. Might visit another next Sunday.
Things have been rolling along smoothly. No huge upsets; nothing huge and memorable. I didn’t have class on Friday, so I went out adventuring. But nothing major besides finding a few shops I love and seeing more of the city.
I also found an adorable store that sells teacups and fun china and such. I couldn’t help it. Don’t judge. I only got one mug. And a bowl. For lunches. A cute lime green bowl.
People here have started planning huge inauguration parties. For Obama. The entire day will be big over here. Not nearly as big as in America, obviously, but still really big. The Politics Society (society = club) in particular is very excited and has rented out a pub starting at 4 in the afternoon and will fill the place. They’re also having a huge projector screen and they’ll watch an American new channel. Several people have asked me who I voted for, and they usually make awkward faces as if they were curious but don’t want to offend me in case I voted McCain. I am from Texas, after all.
I visited a church this morning. A few girls in my dorm went with me, so I appreciated that. Finding a church is hard on your own – especially when you know nothing of the city. I think I liked it overall. Might visit another next Sunday.
Things have been rolling along smoothly. No huge upsets; nothing huge and memorable. I didn’t have class on Friday, so I went out adventuring. But nothing major besides finding a few shops I love and seeing more of the city.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
adventures
My hair loves Edinburgh. You may think this sounds silly, and that’s because you’re right. It’s silly to like a place because my hair does. But who doesn’t like to feel like they look nice? When you get up in the morning and look in the mirror, wouldn’t you like to be happy with the hair on the head staring back at you? That’s what I thought. Ergo, I think it’s great that my hair agrees with Edinburgh. It’s extra-curly and standout-ish. I can’t get away with anything sneaky, but people have been friendly. I also think the friendliness has something to do with the fact that I can’t possibly be a psychokiller. [I would be spotted and identified immediately. ]
After having dinner with Ashley yesterday (hooray!), I was adventurous and went to meet the sailing club. I figured I would check it out. Sailors tend to be my kind of people – fun, awkward, and friendly. And loud. It was alright, but I don’t know if I’ll stick around. The club is a little more informal, anyway, since they choose teams for team racing at the beginning of the year and I don’t have any yachting experience.
Bravery seemed to be the path I was attempting to follow, so I went confidently to my tutorial this morning. I hadn’t done nearly all the reading (there was an exorbitant amount – seriously) but I figured most of my classes at MHC are the size of tutorials anyway. Surely I’ll be fine. I know how to participate in discussion. Turns out I was right. I met some very nice people that told me you never had to read more than two or three articles, and they were amazed that I went to such a small school with such small classes. [Parents shouldn’t freak out here. I’m not being a slacker. The tutor also confirmed the smaller reading assignments.]
The man doing the construction work in the bathroom right in front of my room is hilarious. He’s Scottish, and his accent is really thick. He also keeps his radio on advice radio stations and really girly music. When something odd or wrong happens – or that “Hallelujah” comes on – he swears a lot, but you (I) can’t really tell what he’s saying because of the accent. He’s one of those people you don’t want to startle while he’s holding power tools.
I’ve been hearing stories of a strange American boy who came to school here and is completely obsessed with Scotland. As in, so obsessed he freaks out the English and Scottish people a little bit. He learned to play the bagpipes. He lives in the complex thing my dorm is in and everyone keeps asking me if I’ve heard him play. Well, today I did. For the first time. He’s pretty good at it, too. He’s goes up a little way on Arthur’s Seat (it’s historical and right behind my dorm) and plays for all to hear. Gracie says I should be friends with him and I think I agree. I’ll have to work on that.
"International relations then consists in a dialogue between the governments of states, and through them, between their populations."
-- Africa and the International System by Christopher Clapham
After having dinner with Ashley yesterday (hooray!), I was adventurous and went to meet the sailing club. I figured I would check it out. Sailors tend to be my kind of people – fun, awkward, and friendly. And loud. It was alright, but I don’t know if I’ll stick around. The club is a little more informal, anyway, since they choose teams for team racing at the beginning of the year and I don’t have any yachting experience.
Bravery seemed to be the path I was attempting to follow, so I went confidently to my tutorial this morning. I hadn’t done nearly all the reading (there was an exorbitant amount – seriously) but I figured most of my classes at MHC are the size of tutorials anyway. Surely I’ll be fine. I know how to participate in discussion. Turns out I was right. I met some very nice people that told me you never had to read more than two or three articles, and they were amazed that I went to such a small school with such small classes. [Parents shouldn’t freak out here. I’m not being a slacker. The tutor also confirmed the smaller reading assignments.]
The man doing the construction work in the bathroom right in front of my room is hilarious. He’s Scottish, and his accent is really thick. He also keeps his radio on advice radio stations and really girly music. When something odd or wrong happens – or that “Hallelujah” comes on – he swears a lot, but you (I) can’t really tell what he’s saying because of the accent. He’s one of those people you don’t want to startle while he’s holding power tools.
I’ve been hearing stories of a strange American boy who came to school here and is completely obsessed with Scotland. As in, so obsessed he freaks out the English and Scottish people a little bit. He learned to play the bagpipes. He lives in the complex thing my dorm is in and everyone keeps asking me if I’ve heard him play. Well, today I did. For the first time. He’s pretty good at it, too. He’s goes up a little way on Arthur’s Seat (it’s historical and right behind my dorm) and plays for all to hear. Gracie says I should be friends with him and I think I agree. I’ll have to work on that.
"International relations then consists in a dialogue between the governments of states, and through them, between their populations."
-- Africa and the International System by Christopher Clapham
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
decisions, lists, and trends
I decided:
I love this city.
As if it was even in question.
The weather today was perfect. Well, it was one version of perfect. The kind that’s chilly and sunny. Well, if you don’t count that the sun is only up for about 8 hours a day. No earlier than about 8.15, and no later than around 4.30.
On a sidenote:
There are three version of perfect weather.
And I like lists. So I’m making another one.
1. Snowy. You know the weather I mean. Well, some do. The kind of weather that means a white-gray sky with those really huge snowflakes falling down gently in whatever manner suits them. The snow banks gradually adding up on the sides of hills and in small puddle shapes. Sometimes there’s even a wave of ice before or after the snow that creates those perfect iced trees. They look frosted. Frosted trees.
2. Chilly. Usually found in the fall or spring. Entails weather just chilly enough to force most to a jacket, a few brave the weather without. This is the weather I experienced today. The sky is clear and the sun shines down to give the dose of Vitamin D you’ve been craving with the overcast weather. Goodbye seasonal depression!
3. Hot. Not so overwhelmingly hot that you can’t move without sweating, but warm enough to mean nothing heavier than a light cotton tshirt and your favorite pair of shorts. Can be improved with watermelon or ice cream.
I met a few girls in my dorm, and they’re ubernice. And they love Disney movies, so that’s positive. Last night’s selection was Madagascar (not a Disney movie).
I’ve discovered an odd trend in my life. Yes, another one. And no, I’m not talking about streetlights. [Although I discovered a streetlight that likes me here.] This trend has to do with my living spaces and construction.
Let me trace a pattern for you.
First year of college, I lived in the basement of a dorm. The construction began around finals time during the first semester in the electrical room RIGHT NEXT DOOR. Work would begin at 7 am. Not cool.
Sophomore year, the building I lived in was having repairs done. These were more manageable because they were a few stories away and didn’t last more than a couple of months.
Last summer, the city decided to fix the road directly in front of the building I lived in. The jackhammers started at 7 am. On the dot. Not a minute later. After they had ripped up the street entirely, the other machines were brought in to remake the street. You wouldn’t believe how noisy those can be when combined with the voices of workers yelling right outside the door.
Last semester wasn’t too bad. Just some glitches with the elevator. I can stand to walk a few flights of stairs.
When I arrived here, the pattern seemed to be broken. But, never fear. Monday morning at 8 am, they began ripping out the bathroom right across the hall. And I mean right across the hall. 3 feet. Max. Now I have to use the other bathroom (a whole 15 feet away) and negotiate around the construction guy to get in my room. Bummer. They’re also doing construction on the outside of the building. The machines turn around the corner and always look like they’re about to smash into my window.
The upside to this construction is that it wakes me up in the morning. I’m in a fight with my alarm clock. We aren’t speaking.
“Toads who paid rent were naturally leaner.”
--The Mill on the Floss by George Eliot
I love this city.
As if it was even in question.
The weather today was perfect. Well, it was one version of perfect. The kind that’s chilly and sunny. Well, if you don’t count that the sun is only up for about 8 hours a day. No earlier than about 8.15, and no later than around 4.30.
On a sidenote:
There are three version of perfect weather.
And I like lists. So I’m making another one.
1. Snowy. You know the weather I mean. Well, some do. The kind of weather that means a white-gray sky with those really huge snowflakes falling down gently in whatever manner suits them. The snow banks gradually adding up on the sides of hills and in small puddle shapes. Sometimes there’s even a wave of ice before or after the snow that creates those perfect iced trees. They look frosted. Frosted trees.
2. Chilly. Usually found in the fall or spring. Entails weather just chilly enough to force most to a jacket, a few brave the weather without. This is the weather I experienced today. The sky is clear and the sun shines down to give the dose of Vitamin D you’ve been craving with the overcast weather. Goodbye seasonal depression!
3. Hot. Not so overwhelmingly hot that you can’t move without sweating, but warm enough to mean nothing heavier than a light cotton tshirt and your favorite pair of shorts. Can be improved with watermelon or ice cream.
I met a few girls in my dorm, and they’re ubernice. And they love Disney movies, so that’s positive. Last night’s selection was Madagascar (not a Disney movie).
I’ve discovered an odd trend in my life. Yes, another one. And no, I’m not talking about streetlights. [Although I discovered a streetlight that likes me here.] This trend has to do with my living spaces and construction.
Let me trace a pattern for you.
First year of college, I lived in the basement of a dorm. The construction began around finals time during the first semester in the electrical room RIGHT NEXT DOOR. Work would begin at 7 am. Not cool.
Sophomore year, the building I lived in was having repairs done. These were more manageable because they were a few stories away and didn’t last more than a couple of months.
Last summer, the city decided to fix the road directly in front of the building I lived in. The jackhammers started at 7 am. On the dot. Not a minute later. After they had ripped up the street entirely, the other machines were brought in to remake the street. You wouldn’t believe how noisy those can be when combined with the voices of workers yelling right outside the door.
Last semester wasn’t too bad. Just some glitches with the elevator. I can stand to walk a few flights of stairs.
When I arrived here, the pattern seemed to be broken. But, never fear. Monday morning at 8 am, they began ripping out the bathroom right across the hall. And I mean right across the hall. 3 feet. Max. Now I have to use the other bathroom (a whole 15 feet away) and negotiate around the construction guy to get in my room. Bummer. They’re also doing construction on the outside of the building. The machines turn around the corner and always look like they’re about to smash into my window.
The upside to this construction is that it wakes me up in the morning. I’m in a fight with my alarm clock. We aren’t speaking.
“Toads who paid rent were naturally leaner.”
--The Mill on the Floss by George Eliot
Monday, January 12, 2009
Reasons to love Edinburgh
1. New food. Yes, I did it. I tasted Haggis. I also tasted Black Pudding and neeps. (At least two eye-witnesses.) None of it tastes as scary as what it actually is. Haggis, made of ground organ meat, tastes kind of like an over-mushy sausage in gravy. And Black Pudding just tasted like whatever spices they put in it (mine had pepper and something else I couldn’t place.) It’s made of fried blood. Yep. Don’t make that face. It’s good in small quantities.
2. Pubs. Not necessarily for the reason crossing you mind at this very moment. I just like that everyone is so social. There’s almost always something to do. My only complaint is that the stores close early.
3. Bookstores. I’ve already found at least two that I’m madly in love with. One sells new books and all the books needed for classes (thanks, Josh), and the other sells used and discounted books. Excellent.
4. Redheads. No, there aren’t that many more here than anywhere else I’ve been, it’s just that all the ones I see bond better in our shared persecution. Apparently, it’s funny to make fun of redheads. And it seems to be more common here – even amongst a higher percentage. I have already met at least three redheads all fun and friendly. One helped me find a building. Another vacated the room I’m currently living in.
5. Coincidences. I’ve run into so many people from the US that are all studying here. A few people from school and schools around, and even one girl I hadn’t seen in four years. Weird.
6. Exercise. If I went to the gym, I would no longer need to go. Now I don’t even need to feel guilty that I don’t go. Fantastic. Saves me the £60 membership fee. I live 20-30 minutes away (walking) from all my classes and the main part of campus. It’s not a bad walk; there are all sorts of shops along the road and the buildings are pretty. Sometimes the weather isn’t so great for walking, but that’s why God gave me curly hair: so I could walk.
I’m sure there are more; this is an ever-growing list. More to come later.
"And if you deliver an opinion at all, it is mere stupidity not to do it with an air of conviction and well-founded knowledge. You make it your own in uttering it, and naturally get fond of it."
-- The Mill on the Floss, by George Eliot
2. Pubs. Not necessarily for the reason crossing you mind at this very moment. I just like that everyone is so social. There’s almost always something to do. My only complaint is that the stores close early.
3. Bookstores. I’ve already found at least two that I’m madly in love with. One sells new books and all the books needed for classes (thanks, Josh), and the other sells used and discounted books. Excellent.
4. Redheads. No, there aren’t that many more here than anywhere else I’ve been, it’s just that all the ones I see bond better in our shared persecution. Apparently, it’s funny to make fun of redheads. And it seems to be more common here – even amongst a higher percentage. I have already met at least three redheads all fun and friendly. One helped me find a building. Another vacated the room I’m currently living in.
5. Coincidences. I’ve run into so many people from the US that are all studying here. A few people from school and schools around, and even one girl I hadn’t seen in four years. Weird.
6. Exercise. If I went to the gym, I would no longer need to go. Now I don’t even need to feel guilty that I don’t go. Fantastic. Saves me the £60 membership fee. I live 20-30 minutes away (walking) from all my classes and the main part of campus. It’s not a bad walk; there are all sorts of shops along the road and the buildings are pretty. Sometimes the weather isn’t so great for walking, but that’s why God gave me curly hair: so I could walk.
I’m sure there are more; this is an ever-growing list. More to come later.
"And if you deliver an opinion at all, it is mere stupidity not to do it with an air of conviction and well-founded knowledge. You make it your own in uttering it, and naturally get fond of it."
-- The Mill on the Floss, by George Eliot
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