Home at last!

First of all, I would like to thank everyone who has been reading my blog. The past month I have spent in Scotland has been truly unforgetable. In case you haven't read the title, I am finally back home. In some ways, it was great coming home because I got to see my family and friends whom I haven't seen in quite some time.

When I landed in Newark, I did experience a slight culture shock. I just kept looking around and trying to grasp the fact that I was acutally back in the United States. I think the one thing I had the most trouble wrapping my mind around was the fact that everything was so much bigger than it is in Scotland. Also, at this point in my trip, I had been awake for over 12 hours, and therefore starting to get a bit loopy. I also caught myself calling certain things with a Scottish accent, and giving the UK word equivalent.

When I got to Tulsa, I was amazed by how hot it was outside. It felt like someone had taken me from Scotland and stuck me next to the equator! Well, maybe not that extreme, but you get the idea. Both of my parents immediately wanted to know about Scotland, and when you have been away for a month, it's hard to start in, partly because I did not know where to start.

Now, I have been home for almost a week. I think my schedule is still slightly messed up, but not too bad. My first night back, I only got about 7 hours of sleep, when I needed more like 12 hours of sleep. I also keep expecting to pull on jeans, tennis shoes, and a rain jacket, but then I realize that it is too hot outside for any of those things. It's interesting how a few degrees of latitude makes a huge difference!

And even though I have been home for almost a week, I already miss Scotland, and I am already planning my next trip back.

Orkney

Hello everybody!
This past weekend I got to go to the Orkney Islands, which are about 6 miles north of the Scottish coast. Orkney is made up of about 59 islands, with the number fluctuating. According to Orcadians, the definition of an island is a rock that has grass on it in which it can support a sheep or two. If a wave comes and washes the grass away, it is no longer an island. Orkney itself was quite pretty-I enjoyed it even though it was really cloudy and cold. But then again, I was at 59 degrees north, which is the furthest north I had ever been. It was definitely worth it, and I would definitely go again! Only 4 days until I'm home!

4th of July Scotland Style

Howdy and Happy 4th of July! I have a good reason for not posting-I'm being responsible and doing my school work. I finally have my first paper out of four completed! I got that turned in earlier today. The 4th of July is an important American holiday, but here in Scotland, all the stores were having their 4th of July sale with things 50 %, even 70% off! Stirling was quite crowded because of this. I was able to join about 30 other Americans and we had a mini cookout on a tiny BBQ site, which is a small block of concrete about 4 ft. square, right outside our dorms. We're all out there having a good time, and it's sunny outside, but at the same time, it's raining. It was a pretty interesting combination. But the overall temperature was nice-about 60 degrees Fahrenheit. I did manage to wear red, white,and blue, even though I had not planned on it.

Overall, it was a lovely day, and it was fun celebrating with other Americans even though we are so far from home. I'm going to sign off because we're going to Edinburgh tomorrow! I will get pictures up!

Hey everybody.
Sorry I haven't posted in almost a week. I feel really guilty about that, but I do have a good reason! I've been really busy lately, going out and seeing Scotland-it's great. On Monday, I went into town and rented a bike for about 15 pounds (under $30 in the US). I then biked the three miles back to Alexander Court. I was pretty tired after that, but I was able to convince them to give me a bike helmet at no additional cost. I will try my hardest to be careful, but no guarentees. My classes are all going very well-I'm now halfway done, so only two more weeks! In my Scotland on the Screen class, we learned how to analyse films according to different aspects, which was really cool. I might use that to write my paper. Tomorrow, we are going on our all day excursion to Glasgow. I'm really excited, but I've heard that the forecast is calling for rain. It's very ironic that everyday I have class it is sunny outside, and everyday I go somewhere outside of Stirling, it's raining. I really wish this pattern would reverse itself. Besides that, life here in Scotland is going well. I'll post tomorrow!

St. Andrew's

Today was our first all day excursion and this week we went to St. Andrew's, Scotland. It has the oldest university in Scotland, founded in 1410, and it is also where Prince William and Kate Middleton met. When we got there, it was actually very cold for this time of year, and pouring down rain. And it got worse as the day went on. I went on a 9 am walking tour, and we saw mainly parts of the old city, which was really interesting. We even saw a tree that was planted by Mary, Queen of Scots back in 1562! Even more amazing, the tree is still alive! On the way back, we stopped at a strawberry stall on the side of the road where they sell fresh strawberries. I decided to get some, and they are quite good, some of the best I've had.

Today was the first day I have felt a bit homesick. It's not funny walking around in cold (at least to me) temperatures and freezing rain. I really do not know how the Scottish people can stand it. But, I had fun even though the weather was bad. I've been here a week already-it is going by so quickly, but I am enjoying every minute. I do have an excursion tomorrow-for my Scotland on the Screen class, we are going to Doune Castle, which is where they filmed Monty Python and the Holy Grail! Since it is not until tomorrow afternoon, I think I'll go to bed early and sleep in-I've pushed myself pretty hard this past week. I'm just glad to be back in my room, cozy and warm.

Today, I didn't have any classes, so I got up early anyways and did the Wallace monument! I went with two other girls I met in my classes-Jen and Clare. We decided to walk there from campus. When we got to the monument, we had a 10 minute hike up the craig, which is called Abbey Craig, and then a grand total of 246 steps up a spiral staircase to get to the top. There, we got amazing pictures, which I will post tomorrow. Then, we had to do the same journey to get back! So, I'm pretty tired.This afternoon, I had high tea at the King Robert Hotel in Bannockburn, which is nearby the place where the Battle of Bannockburn took place in 1314. In that battle, Robert the Bruce, King of Scots, led the Scottish forces against the larger forces of King Edward II of England and won their independence. If you don't know what I'm talking about-look it up or go watch Braveheart. Anyway, tomorrow, we are going to St. Andrew's, so that should be interesting!

Some interesting things about Scotland...

Ok. So, I've been here a few days, and I'm starting to notice some differences between Scotland and the U.S. And no, I am not counting the accent or the fact they drive on the wrong side of the road. I've noticed that smoking is allowed on campus, which I am not comfortable with-at Oklahoma State University smoking is not allowed on campus. Also, in Stirling itself is where I've seen a lot of smokers, much more than the U.S. Also they say "Cheers"as a greeting either as hello or goodbye. I haven't seen very many of the native Scots meandering down the street. They all seem to be on a pretty tight schedule, but they are quite friendly. I am starting to get the coins figured out! This is the first day I have gone where I haven't had to get the cashier to help me get it right. It's nice that I'm starting to blend in. I do miss home-everything is not as convienent as I am used to. To go to the grocery store, you really do have to plan ahead. I pretty much went straight from class into town without coming back to my room. So, I was gone for about 7 hours. But it was fun because I went with two other girls from my Scottish History class-we all get along pretty well.

Arrival in Stirling!

Hello from Scotland! I am now at the University of Stirling in Stirling, Scotland. In case you were wondering, yes my bag did make it-it arrived on Friday, so I only had to go one night without it. Not too bad, since there are still students here who arrived on Saturday and their bags are still not here. I'm glad I'm not one of them. For the most part, it has been very rainy but today on our first day of classes it was quite nice. The sun was out and it got to around 60 degrees. I tend to find it a bit on the chilly side, but the native Scots think that it's quite nice-they were out wearing short sleeves and shorts. Campus itself is very pretty-one of the prettiest I've seen.

My classes are very interesting. I will have to do some homework while fitting in sightseeing on top of it. I'm at least a 1/4th of a mile walk from my classes, so I'm at least doing a half mile everyday, sometimes more. Now that I have internet access again, I can start uploading pictures!

Below is a picture of the debating chamber of the Scottish Parliament:

It is very much a 21st Century building in design, with a motif of highland cows and boats to represent Scotland's past throughout the building. Parliament is located on the Royal Mile in Ediburgh, and is only across the street from Holyrood Palace, the Queen's resience when she is in Edinburgh. The Royal Mile stretches from Holyrood Palace to Edinburgh Castle, so if you start at Holyrood, you end up walking up a pretty big hill.

The picture at the top is a view of campus from one of the many footpaths that wind through campus. In this particular picture, you are looking down the hillside to the loch (lake) and that would be the Cottrell Building in the foreground. It is one of the academic buildings on campus.
The picture in the middle is of Airthrey Castle, located only 5 minutes from Alexander Court (where I am living). This was where we had our welcome reception on Saturday night and we got to meet each other for the first time.
The bottom picture is a view of Stirling Castle from Bannockburn where the famous Battle of Bannockburn took place in 1314, nearly 700 years ago! This is a significant battle in which the much smaller Scottish forces led by Robert the Bruce defeated the formidable English forces led by Edward II of England. This was a crucial victory for the Scots in what later became known as the Wars of Independence. It brought about the end of English invasion of Scotland.

Sorry if some of the pictures are dark-it has been quite rainy the past few days. The top one I took today, so that's why it looks better than the others.

Hey guys! I am now in Edinburgh, Scotland. I have been up for nearly 30 hours, and I am exhausted. It all started when my first plane, out of Tulsa was delayed by 2 hours!! I managed to get a flight to Washington DC. That flight left over an hour late, and I nearly missed my plane to Edinburgh. I literally ran to catch it. Shortest connection I've ever had. Talk about crazy. Then, I land here in Edinburgh to discover that my bag did not make it, so it will be coming tomorrow morning. Oh, the joys of flying.

I leave in less than 2 days!! I'm excited, but nervous at the same time. I'm in the middle of packing, so hopefully I'll have everything figured out soon! When I am over there, I will be 6 hours ahead. I cannot wait to get to Scotland!

Well, It's one week until I leave! I'm shocked that my summer has gone by this fast. I'm really excited, but nervous at the same time. I have been talking with several people on Facebook who will also be there, so at least I will know some people. I am looking forward to my classes, and also some sightseeing! I'll be posting pictures (hopefully) as I go!

Hi! Sorry I've been not posting for a while-it's been very busy for me these past couple weeks. In just over 2 weeks I will be in Scotland, and I am very excited, but somewhat nervous to be there. I'll be posting more often to get the hang of this. Hopefully I will be able to update it on a regular basis. No guarentees, but I'll try.

Hey, this is my first blog posting for Scotland! I don't leave for another six weeks, but I thought it would be good to get in the habit of updating. I choose Scotland for study abroad because I'm part Scottish and I've always wanted to go there. Also, Scotland is known for education, so it's a good fit for me. The classes I will be taking are: Scotland on the Screen and Scottish History:The Covenanters. I'm excited to see what these will cover-I will update when I find out more information. I leave Tulsa on June 13, 2012 and I will be coming back on July 14, 2012. I'm very excited about this opportunity and I will update before I leave. Thanks for reading!

Catherine