the warmest day of the week

I have spent the last two days studying furiously in The Elephant House.

And I highly recommend it. It's the best study spot I've found, yet.

The Elephant House is the coffee shop in which J.K. Rowling penned the very first Harry Potter novel. Yes, that’s right. It’s a tourist attraction. But it’s so much more than that. It has a light but serious atmosphere perfect for an academic chat, a friendly lunch, a cup of coffee with a book.

To get there, walk along the-magical-road-that-changes-names, otherwise known as Nicholson St, Clerk St, South Clerk St, South Bridge St, North Bridge St, or Dalkeith. Turn onto Chambers St. When it dead ends, turn right, and it’s on the left side of the street. [Along the way, you get to see the Courts!]

I highly recommend the hot chocolate, but all the drinks I have tested are lovely. And they are all reasonably priced. Despite being a tourist location with official merchandise, the prices are still not as high as Starbucks. [Starbucks probably won’t like me after that comment. To be fair, Starbucks gave out free cups of fair-trade coffee for the months of March and April. I had lots.]

Whatever you choose off the menu, enjoy it. You might have to share your table, but
it’s all part of the experience. If you’re going to be in Edinburgh for a few days, go spend some time with the elephants.

And speaking of how much studying I have done, I must now do some more. This was my break from stress this evening. Bah.

rain, rain, go away

It has been mostly sunny and vaguely warm (at the same time!) in Edinburgh for the last three days. You know what this means? It means I can pretend that Summer is almost here. Which means I can begin a few of the summer rituals.

The first was the first batch of sweet tea. That’s right. I made some in Edinburgh. I got a few questions from the British (What is it? Sweet tea? What exactly IS iced tea?) but I carried on.

The reactions were mixed: Anya made a confused face and didn’t know what to think; Emily immediately said “that’s the only way tea should ever be drunk” but later couldn’t decide how she really felt.

I have been studying African politics every day recently, and I have decided [in light of my upcoming interview] to read about UK politics on my own time. [Do I really have any of my OWN time?] I picked up a couple of books today, so we’ll see how it goes.

I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed by everything I have to do in the next month and half or so, but, never fear, I’ve made a few lists and everything will sort itself out. I hope.

Also, as a sidenote, I’ve never been to a university library that does not allow food or drink. I didn’t even know they existed. How does a university expect students to study well without a constant supply of snack foods (Muffins! Cereal!) and coffee (the juice of life)?

me and cheerios? oh, we're good friends.

Back from travelling!

Paris was beautiful. We saw the Arc d’troimph, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Versailles, and the suburbs where our friend lives. Lots of sights. Pictures are on facebook already, and I can post some here in the future if necessary.

Nerja, Spain was sunny and warm and full of Vitamin D for the taking. It’s absolutely impossible to be permanently sad at the beach, I’ve decided. We saw the Cuevas (Caves) de Nerja, and we attempted to see the waterfalls, but we couldn’t find them. It was a failed expedition. But, no matter what, we spent the appropriate amount of time on the beach. I even ate gazpacho and flan. Be proud!

Back in the burgh, life is … quiet? There are approximately 2 people living in the entire dorm, and one of them refuses to acknowledge that he recognizes me from when we met a month ago. The other one is up on the 5th floor. So I’m out of luck. The good news is there are a few other people in the city that are wicked cool and just as available as I am (Ashley!).

Short entry, I know. But I’m not feeling very verbose sitting in my rectangular room nursing plants back to life on this particularly odd-weathered day.

Studying awaits!

see you later, aligator

Irrational Fears:

1. ANTS. Can’t stand the things. Has to do with a childhood experience. Later involved onion and a sobbing five-year-old.

2. Things stuck in my teeth/on my face. Partly rational, but that’s a completely different story.

3. Mean people. I tend to think this one is actually rational. But you never know. Many have told me otherwise. Maybe the people that tell me it’s irrational are the mean people. THAT’s a scary thought.

4. I smell. Well, I don’t actually. But I FEAR that I smell. Deodorant and I are very good friends.

5. Being cold. Bring a sweater.

6. Saying stupid things. Seems to happen WAY too often. The worst is during first impressions. Especially important ones.

7. A windy day with a skirt. Just a bad combination. Marilyn Monroe may have been able to get away with it, but – let’s face it – not many other people can.

8. Having things confiscated at the airport. Shouldn’t be a big deal, right? I mean, it’s just mascara or lip gloss. I can buy new. But still. What if I’m stuck in an emergency situation right after getting off the plane that calls for mascara or lip gloss? It could happen. Don’t laugh.


And, speaking of planes, tomorrow I’m headed to Paris. Jean and I are staying with her friend Ellie just outside of Paris. I have made various people promise me that we would not leave without climbing up the Eiffel Tower and visiting the Louvre.

If I don’t post for a while, that’s where I am. If I do, then… hooray?

After ’while, crocodile.