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!