Christmas!

I have to start off by saying that I absolutely LOVE my family! They are all amazing and the amount of love and kindness that is shown so often never fails to amaze me.
Christmas is always a time for us to get together and enjoy one another's company while enjoying a wonderful meal made by Bamaw followed by present opening (which never happens soon enough, according to Erin and Tina). This year was especially nice because I haven't seen my family in almost four months and I was really starting to miss just sitting and being with them. So, last night was something that I feel like my soul needed. Yes, the presents are nice and it will never get old ripping into wrapping paper like a 5 year old, but the part of the day that I always look forward to the most is being with my family and spending time with them.
And all day today will be filled with just that. Family coming in and out of the house for food, cider, and exchanging presents, doesn't get much better than that! I hope that everyone has a Merry Christmas...I'm sure pictures of the next few days will follow in coming posts.

Bittersweet Goodbyes

Finally! after unexpected computer trouble followed by a week and a half of writing papers I can publish a new post!

I'm home, back in beautiful, wonderful, amazing Charleston! I left Glasgow on Saturday, and it was much harder than I was expecting. Everyone that I've gotten to know over the last few months seem like friends that I've had forever and saying goodbye to them was extremely upsetting. There were heartfelt discussions, gossip sessions, trips, and fun nights out that won't be forgotten anytime soon. I've said quite a few times how much I loved the city of Glasgow, and that hasn't changed in the least. The more time I spent in the city, the more I loved it and wanted to stay. Even through injuries, sickness, and boy drama, it is still somewhere that I could imagine myself living at some point in the future. Since September I've changed so much as a person and it's all due to Glasgow and the people that I met there. Hopefully everyone will be able to keep in touch as we all head home, I know Elizabeth and I are supposed to be visiting China and India at some point in the future now : ) We're also going to make it back to Glasgow, sooner rather than later hopefully.
That being said, I am so happy to be home. It's hard to realize just how much you miss your family and home until you are put into a position where you literally cannot just get in the car and go see them. Also, the comfort of familiarity is something that I know I needed after four months in a completely new place...and the trip back was much to hectic to be going anywhere other than home. After being home for just a day I've been fully reminded of how important my family is to me and how nice it is to be able to see them and hug them. Skyping is nice, but you can't really hug a computer screen (well, you can, but it's a little awkward).
But I can already tell that I'm going to be itching to travel again pretty soon, and hopefully I'll be able to do that...I'll let you know.

Thanksgiving

I adore Thanksgiving. I love the cooking and baking that starts the day before and often times continues right up until dinner is served. I love going to my Granparent's house for a meal and being surrounded by family and friends that I know care about me and are genuinely just fun to be around. My family is really close (which apparently freaks some people out, but we never let that bother us) so needless to say any chance we get to come together and eat and just hang out, we take it. Although I was of course sad about missing the "normal" Thanksgiving routine this year I was still looking forward to the smallish dinner we had planned for people that we had met here. I was even going to make pumpkin cupcakes with cream-cheese icing!!
And then...Glandular Fever hit.
That's just a weird name for mono. Yes, I have mono and I'm not really sure how it happened. But, that is besides the point. Unfortunately this nasty sickness kept me from going to dinner last night. I didn't realize just how upset I was about that until I was sitting alone in my room watching Pocahontas (because Google recommended it as a top Thanksgiving movie) and chewing on ice-cubes to try and numb my throat.
But, there isn't anything that I can do about it and the best thing for me to do while I'm sick is to rest and not infect other people. So, I'm going to say that I made the right decision (and ignore the fact that I didn't think I could stand long enough to actually make it down the street) and beg my Mom to make her Thanksgiving ham for Christmas when I get home.

Dublin and Howth

Ireland is gorgeous. Ireland is expensive.
These are the two main things that I learned this past weekend. That and Ryanair is cheap for a reason. After a mini struggle with baggage at about 6:30 Thursday morning, Jess, Megan, and I were off to Dublin for the weekend. I have to admit, I wasn't expecting to like it as much as I did. I was fully prepared to be welcomed by a hectic, touristy, same as all the others, big city. That is not what I found. Dublin is gorgeous and everyone is willing to help three very confused looking girls with a map. The buildings were beautiful, the weather was perfect, and a fun time was had by all.
We began the trip with a walk around the city just to familiarize ourselves with everything, followed by a "no more than two" hour nap that turned into three, and then a trip to Temple Bar for dinner. Temple Bar reminded me a lot of Ashton Lane here in Glasgow, just much bigger.

St. Patrick's

Friday, we went to the Guinness Storehouse and the Kilmainham Jail. The Storehouse was really interesting, definitely worth the walk and cost to get in. The Jail was probably my favorite thing that we did within Dublin. It was only 2 euros (making it the cheapest thing we did all weekend) and the amount of history that we learned on our tour was incredible. The Jail closed in 1916, but the family members of those that had been prisoners there petitioned to have it conserved as a memorial to the former prisoners. I suggest it to anyone who finds themselves in Dublin.

Guinness Gate

The Jail

Saturday we made a day trip to Howth, a little fishing town not too far north of Dublin. While it was cold, the adventures we had while there made the weather seem not so important. There was a moment where we thought we might have to call the coast guard or something to come rescue us from the top of the steepest stairs in the world, but we made it out alive and covered in only a little mud.

All in all, it was a very good trip. Hopefully I will be able to go back to Ireland and explore a little more of the countryside!

Mixed Signals

Everyone receives them, and most people send them without intending to. However, I personally believe that we should all strive to do our best to no longer hinder our lives with mixed signals. I know I'm guilty of it. I'm the worst for not telling someone how I feel about something and then acting like they should just know what I'm thinking. When in reality, no one knows exactly what someone else is thinking or feeling. Yes, we can glean a good bit by watching a situation unfold, or feel sympathetic (I've officially been spending too much time in Scottish Enlightenment) to a friend who's going through something that we know is difficult for them, but that's about as far as it goes. Only they know what's really going on underneath the outermost layer.
That being said, some people, and I'm speaking mainly towards Scottish men at this point, need to really work on reigning in their mixed signals. I think that's probably where most people's complaints about dealing with mixed signals comes in, relationships. And that's definitely where they would be the most confusing because any relationship is difficult enough already without the added stress of being told one thing and shown another. I found a picture that pretty well represents what I'm talking about, I think...

I don't think that men and women are always on complete opposite ends of the spectrum, but there does seem to be a tendency for the different sexes to have totally different ideas about how to go about presenting their feelings on certain things. And honestly, I don't like it. If you want someone to know something, no matter how trivial it may seem to you, do your best to get your point across clearly and succinctly. There's no need for all of this beating around the bush, avoidance, middle -school crap.
So, fellas of the Scottish descent, and anyone else who finds themselves guilty of sending even more mixed signals into the world, can we make a promise to not confuse others to the best of our ability? It would be greatly appreciated.

Speaking of mixed signals...it finally stopped raining about 30 minutes ago and the beautiful sun returned to the sky, and now, at 4:30, it's setting. Thank you, Scotland, thank you.

Time Change

We gained our extra hour over here in Scotland last week, and as much as this time change usually excites me, my body is still being thrown off by it. I feel like I should be able to go to bed and then realize it's only 9 o'clock. Everyday has been spent doing something recently, and I'm starting to feel the repercussions.
Recently, I just want to sit in my bed all day and snuggle up with a movie. It doesn't help that it's been raining for about 4 days straight. And, it's now starting to get dark outside around 4 in the afternoon. I love Scotland, don't get me wrong, I just need a day or so of sunshine to get me feeling better...I think.

On a brighter note (look at me, being witty), Jess and I ventured to Loch Lomond yesterday. It was quite the adventure. First, we made the 25 minute walk to the bus station in City Centre in a very cold drizzly rain. Only to discover that we had to catch a bus on Jamaica Street...which we then had to find. After locating the right bus and ensuring that it would get us to where we wanted to go, we enjoyed an hour bus ride through a more rural part of Scotland, which is always nice.
It was still a little misty when we arrived in the town of Balloch, where Lomond Shores is located. But, the town was adorable, the people were friendly, and there was hot chocolate. Needless to say, our day got exponentially better quickly. After seeing what we could of the virtually deserted Loch (Scotland in November doesn't exactly seem to be a tourist destination..weird) we headed into town to one of the many pubs to enjoy a beer and chips. We had to bring our chips in with us, but it was well worth it to sit and watch a rugby game in a pub. It was all very Scottish. Jess and I have decided that from now on we're only dating Rugby players. I have never seen so many tall, muscly men in one place. We should probably learn the rules of the game at some point....


Loch Lomond



Seagulls



Halloween!

Halloween has always been a big thing at our house and it feels really weird not being at home for it this year.
Although I did watch Hocus Pocus last week (which is just one of our Halloween traditions), I still feel like the feeling is different here. That's partly due to the fact that we're not anywhere near a neighborhood so if anyone has put up Halloween decorations, I can't see them. It's also because here, for people my age, Halloween is a night to dress in the least amount of clothing that you can find and get really drunk and go out. Which is fine, just not really my scene, or very Halloweenish for that matter.
However, the thing that I miss the most is that I didn't get to carve a pumpkin!! This will be the first year of my 20 that I didn't and it's quite sad. I did express my intense love for pumpkins by having one sitting in my windowsill for the past three weeks though, which is a plus.
Also, the Starbucks here does not have Pumpkin Spice Lattes!! I think that should be a sin punishable by...not death, but something almost as awful.
Hopefully as we move closer to Thanksgiving, well when it will be happening at home, I can get more in the fall mode. I really hope so anyways because this is my favorite time of year :)

Family, Fife and a Few Other Adventures

I have been truly blessed with an amazing family.
This past weekend I went to my cousin's house in Fife and spent two jam-packed days exploring the more rural side of Scotland. It was amazing! I can't thank Bernadette and David enough for reminding me why I have always had a love for Scotland. Within the first 20 minutes of the drive out of Glasgow I saw such beautiful views of the more rural parts of the country, and honestly, they took my breath away. We drove through Culross, Dunfermline, Falkland, St. Andrews, St. Monans, and a few other small harbour villages on the way home so I could get a "taste" of a few places. Let me tell you, they were all absolutely gorgeous and just so "Scottish" that I could barely contain myself.

Harbour, Doorway, Church, Coast

Not only did I get to see the coast, but I also saw the most beautiful church that is located right on the beach. I've already told my Mom that I'm getting married there one day and everyone will simply have to fly out to Scotland for the occasion. She didn't seem too put off by the idea.
After a day full of "ooohs" and "ahhhhs", Sunday was spent looking at some very old and very magnificent buildings. We started the day at Dunfermline Palace and Abbey and then made our way to the Wallace Monument and Stirling Castle. The Palace/Abbey was very serene; very awe-inspiring. It was built by Robert the Bruce and was used by the Kings and Queens of Scotland, including Queen Mary, as a stop on their way through the country. The Monument was a bit different. First, we had to make a "gentle climb" to the top. I'm sure the climb would have been much more gentle had I not already been sick...I could feel my chest tightening as we went up the hill to the base of the Monument. But, once we reached the top (and then the very top of the Monument itself) I saw that the views were well worth the hike up. If you ever find yourself in Stirling, make sure you make the trip to the Wallace Monument. I promise, you won't regret it.
Of course, being in Stirling, we HAD to go to the castle. I had heard nothing but good things about the castle and its surroundings and they were all true. The castle itself sits up on a hill overlooking the city of Stirling and everywhere you look you're faced with another fantastic view.



Dunfermline, Wallace Monument, Stirling Castle, View from Castle

  All in all, I saw more in just this past weekend than I have the entire month and a half that I've been in Glasgow. I can't thank David and Bernadette enough for their kindness and hospitality. I greatly appreciate it and definitely plan on visiting them again in the near future.

Unrequited Love

Okay, so. I love Scotland. The people are great, the weather is cooler, the scenery is beautiful. I can picture myself living here so easily it's almost scary. Apparently, Scotland does not feel the same way about me. I have been sick since I've arrived (I blame Iceland Air, because that seems reasonable) and I can't figure out why. I generally only get sick once a year for about a week or so. It's been a month and a half and there are no signs pointing towards me getting well.
Thankfully, I've only had the typical cold symptoms, but you know, they get a bit annoying after awhile. Especially when you wake up in the morning feeling like death. Also, I would love to be able to go to class without worrying about having a coughing attack while the professor is lecturing. Sorry, professors and fellow classmates!
At home my problems would be fixed with the wonderful/amazing/heaven-sent DayQuil/NyQuil.

But, as further proof of Scotland's dislike for me, they don't have that in this country! And any of the so-called equivalents that I can find have not been nearly as effective in soothing my cough or making my head feel like it's normal sized. I never thought I would miss the taste of melted cough drops, but I so do.
Generally I wouldn't dedicate a whole post to complaining about being sick, and I promise not to make it a habit, but I'm kind of hoping that if I write down my complaints and send them out into the public world Scotland will realize it's being unnecessarily cruel. 
Fingers crossed!!

Fall!

Even though it's been pretty cold here in Glasgow for quite some time, fall has finally arrived! All of the leaves are changing colors and falling to the ground (making them perfect for playing in) and it is absolutely wonderful. Fall is my favorite time of year, especially since it means the appearance of pumpkins into my life! It is a bit odd to miss the changing of the seasons at home. It's always gorgeous and such a welcome change from the unbearable South Carolina summer heat, but I'm doing all I can to enjoy the change just as much here. So far, it seems to be working.

One Month!

As of today I have been in Scotland for a month! That is crazy for me to even attempt to comprehend. I feel like I just got here. That's probably due to the fact that I've only been in class for two weeks and haven't had any big assignments that I've had to do yet. But still...it's a little bit ridiculous how quickly the time is passing.
Most of my summer was spent in anticipation for September 5th to finally arrive and with it the chance of a lifetime to go somewhere that I've dreamed about for as long as I can remember. Now that I'm finally here, it's hard to imagine that I'm going to have to leave in a little over two months. Scotland has been everything I've expected it to be and I'm so grateful to be able to have this opportunity. If you ever get the chance to study abroad, even if it's not in Scotland (though of course that's definitely where I would suggest), go. Don't worry about the fact that you won't know anyone and that there is probably going to be some type of language barrier no matter where you go, just go with it. Believe me, the embarrassment that you go through trying to adjust to a different way of living is well worth the people you'll meet and the culture that you will get to experience. I always heard that you don't really know who you truly are until you study abroad, presumably because you have to figure out what you want to do and you are forced to do so without the constant input of the people you're most familiar with, friends and family, etc. That has been a big adjustment for me because I am forever asking others what I should do or what they think about something, I never want to disappoint. But what I've heard is true, while I've been in Scotland I have been deciding everything for myself, and sometimes I surprise myself with the outcome.
Sure, I still get the moments of "What would my parents think?" or "How is this going to affect me tomorrow?", but then I remember that I am 20 years old and in Scotland. This is never going to happen again and I need to make the most of my time here (With certain limitations, of course. I do actually have to go to class).
I don't want people to think that I've just gone wild over here, because that is definitely not the case. I'm just allowing myself to experience whatever comes my way, if I decide that I want to. And along the way, just as I was told I would, I'm finding out who I really am.

On a completely random note: the leaves are starting to change here and there are so many red trees that I think I may be falling in love...

Lazy Days and Revealing Nights

This past week has been a fairly tame one. After having about two weeks that were absolutely jam-packed with activities it's kind of nice to just be able to relax a little bit. Also, the start of classes generally means that my focus shifts towards academics and such...but that's a bit hard to do whenever I remember I'm in Scotland. I get my books and sit down with every intention of reading for class and then I look outside of my window and am hit with the realization that I could be wandering around Glasgow instead. And doesn't that just sound like it would be more fun than reading about the Scottish Enlightenment? Well, it does to me. Especially when there is such a beautiful park only 5 minutes away that has trees with leaves changing colors.



Too pretty to resist taking pictures...

  Unfortunately, I've managed to mangle my foot pretty badly and cause some "inflamation of the tendons" according to the doctor. So, I've been told that I need to rest/elevate my foot for a few days. That hasn't really happened. I absolutely hate having to sit inside doing nothing when I'm only going to be here for a few months. Just doesn't seem fair. Needless to say, it's going to take a bit longer for my foot to heal than it probably should, but I have a feeling that experiencing Glasgow is well worth it. How else am I going to befriend Scottish people (which is really the goal of this entire trip), right?
We've been able to go out a few different times and try out places that people have told us about or that we have heard were fun. I think that we're starting to find places that will become regular haunts, which is nice. Experiencing the nightlife here has actually been the biggest culture shock for me. When people head out for a night on the town in Glasgow, they go all out. The biggest differences between going out here and at home are that Glaswegians start their nights out quite a bit earlier than we're used to, around 8 or 9, and the going out attire is completely different, especially for the girls. Let's just say that there is much less clothing involved. I kind of feel like I stick out like a sore thumb, but oh well. I don't have enough money to buy new clothes! 

The Kooks - Naive

Also, this song was playing in my head on repeat the entire weekend...Taylor, I blame you.

London Calling

Yeah, I know that's probably the most common title for anything about trips to London, but it's cute and I'm using it.
Now, if you couldn't tell, Elizabeth, Michelle, Jess and I went to London this weekend! We left Thursday night at around 11ish and rode a bus for 8 hours...we're that dedicated to saving as much money as possible. When we first arrived, we headed straight towards Buckingham palace, which was huge and included guards with fuzzy hats. After depositing our belongings and taking quick showers, we wasted no time in heading to Westminster Abbey. Even though I've heard about how beautiful the Abbey is, it's one of those places that you cannot truly appreciate until you've experienced it. It was my favorite part of the entire weekend. The rest of the weekend was filled with visits to the British Museum, The Tower of London, the Globe, The Tate, Hyde Park and The National Portrait Gallery. We also did the touristy thing and took way too many pictures of Big Ben and the Eye. But honestly, how many chances are we going to get to go to London?

The Tower felt so full of history and it was mind-blowing to think about the fact that we were walking where people like Elizabeth I walked hundreds of years ago (no, I'm not a history nerd at all). Unfortunately we couldn't actually go in the Globe seeing as how we were running very low on funds, but we saw the outside of it. Still counts, right? The Tate was interesting and it confirmed my theory that I am not a modern art kind of girl. The National Portrait Gallery was much more my style, especially the Tudor room with its collection of Elizabeth I portraits. Can you tell she's my favorite yet? And, of course, Hyde Park was just as pretty and English as one would expect it to be.
All in all, it was a fun trip and I'm glad we went.

And we're walking, and walking, and walking...

My feet hurt. I didn't even know it was possible to get blisters on the bottoms of your feet, but apparently it is. But you know what, I'm in love with this place, blisters and all. In fact, I think I'll make a list of everything I love about Glasgow, and Scotland in general, just so it can be documented...

1. I love the fact that I'm walking everywhere. Even though my feet are yelling at me to just sit down for a few minutes, I feel like I'm really getting to see Glasgow. Of course we've taken a taxi when the walk just seems too far to bear, but that's been two or three times and generally after an intense shopping day.
2. People here seem to live at a much slower pace than we do in the States. I get the feeling that they make sure everything they do is enjoyed to its fullest and no opportunity is missed. There's definitely a sense of just "being" coming from this place and I love it.
3. The way people "go out" here is much more my style. Going to a pub (or two or three) for a few drinks with friends and just relaxing is pretty much my ideal night out. Yes, the clubs are fun every once in awhile but you don't get to know people the same way when you're screaming over the Usher song coming from the speakers. Unfortunately, going out here is still just as expensive as it is at home, probably more so.
4. Um, have you ever heard a Scottish accent? If so, then no more explanation is necessary on this one.
5. The fact that the Uni was founded in 1451 still blows my mind. Being surrounded by so much history is pretty much how I want to spend my life.
6. The people are genuinely nice. It's not the same as at home, where everyone smiles and says hello as they walk by. But I have to keep reminding myself that I live in South Carolina, "smiling faces and beautiful places" and all that. Needless to say, the three of us, after hearing how friendly Glaswegians are, expected people to act the way we do at home. Though it takes people a bit more warming up time, once you get them talking they're really nice.
7. The cars here are absolutely adorable.
8. There is so much open, beautiful green land in Scotland. Anytime we've traveled out of the city I'm astounded by how much space there is. It's probably my mom's "granola crowd" influence on me, but I don't think enough people appreciate open land that's been left untouced.
9. Coffee shops are everywhere, and if you know me at all you know I love my coffee. So far, Montgomery's has been the best.
10. Grocery shopping has always been something I love to do, I don't know why, so please don't ask. Let's just say I enjoy Publix trips far more than I should. Here, grocery shopping is a once a week thing, at least. You only buy what you need for the week, mainly because you don't want to try and carry too much back to your flat, but also because there are so many less preservatives in the food you really can't buy too much food or else it goes bad. This may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I find that I really enjoy it.

Well, now that there's a list I suppose there should also be a few pictures...



The Park, a bar down the street

 

Beautiful

 

COFFEE!!



Groceries





 

Fresher's Week

This past week has been a little bit ridiculous. It's Fresher's Week, which is when all of the freshmen move in and there are events held EVERYDAY. You can imagine the noise and general confusion that a few hundred 17-18 year olds can cause, and none of it is very helpful to us international students who don't really know what we're doing. You see, we had to "enrol" for classes this week, except the way they run things at the Uni is so much different than it is at Converse. At home, we log on to the Converse website, check the classes that we want to take and that's the end of it. Here, you have to be pre-approved for a class, then speak to the person who's in charge of that particular department to make sure there's still room in the class and that its time works out with your schedule. If all of that ends well you then have to figure out when to enrol in the class, which could be in the department office, online, or on the first day of class...it's quite confusing and too stressful to be legal.
But, enough complaining, because I think that I've managed to sort everything out fairly well (hopefully). I am excited to start classes, mainly to have something to do during the day other than shop, but also because I think the classes that I'm taking are going to be really interesting. I plan on taking Victorian and Edwardian Glasgow (because when am I ever going to get to take a class like that again?) and Pagans, Princes, and Priests. Classes start tomorrow, and I can't wait!

On a completely different note, here's a picture of Jess, Myself, and Elizabeth at Edinburgh Castle that's just cute!

"Horizontal Rain"

Before leaving for Glasgow I had a few family members warn me about the typical Scottish "horizontal" rain...it's so windy that the rain ends up coming at you horizontally instead of falling straight down. They weren't kidding! After spending most of the morning running around the Uni like a chicken with my head cut off, trying to figure out what papers I needed and where to take them in order to get a student i.d., we decided that we needed to head to City Centre to do some shopping. This would have been a perfectly good idea, had the weather not been getting progressively worse as the day went on. It started out with a slight sprinkle and by the time we finished shopping a few hours later it felt like we were walking through a hurricane.

Not my picture, but a decent representation of the weather

 Our umbrellas, though admittedly rather cheap, didn't stand a chance against the intense amounts of wind that sent the rain in ten different directions at once. Needless to say, we were ready to get a cab back to the residence and call it a day. However, everyone else in Glasgow apparently had the same idea...there were no empty cabs. Solution: walk the 25 or so minutes back and endure the thorough soaking from gale force winds and the literally horizontal rain. Though everyones umbrella was turned inside out at least once, I know I for one had a good laugh about the hysterical image I'm sure we presented to passerby and those who were lucky enough to get a cab.
I think I'm going to have to invest in a pair of these very soon...

First Impressions and Day Trips

Wow!
I can't believe I'm finally here, it seemed like it would never actually happen. This city is gorgeous and filled with beautiful buildings and fun little shops. I received a very in-depth introduction to many of the shops the first few days we were here because our luggage was lost somewhere in Iceland (never fly Icelandair, apparently). But, everything is where it's supposed to be now and I have more time to just explore the city and attempt to find my way around.
Yesterday we went to Callander and Loch Katerine. Callander was a cute little Scottish town, reminiscent of the ones you see in pictures and in movies. The Loch was breathtakingly beautiful and a place that made me realize "Oh my goodness, I'm in Scotland!". Needless to say, it was a great trip.

Gorgeous, right?

Today, my fellow Connies and I made a day trip to Edinburgh. It was a day of many firsts: bus trip, castle visit, trip underground, and haggis tasting. The city itself was amazing, and filled with so much history that my heart kind of started to hurt. We stayed along the Royal Mile while we were there, which is like the main road for attractions and such. It felt like there was a mini fair going on with all of the vendors and little shops and restaurants, it was great. I have a feeling that we will definitely be making a few more trips back!

7 Days Away!

This blog is essentially a travel blog, as I hope is evidenced by the title. Traveling has been something that I have looked forward to ever since I was young and I’ve always loved hearing about the travels of others. Hearing their stories and looking at their pictures makes me want to go to those places and have my own experiences to tell someone else about. Hence, the creation of this blog. I’ll be posting about my own travel dreams, explorations, and discoveries and hopefully causing someone else to catch the travel bug.

Glasgow University

One week from now I will be boarding a plane heading towards Glasgow, Scotland. I’ll be studying there for a semester, and the anticipation of leaving is really starting to get to me! Going to Scotland has been something I’ve wanted to do for as long as I can remember, and now I get to go and live there for four months and truely experience the culture. Unfortunately, there are still quite a few things I have to do before leaving:

  1.Pack- I know, I know…”who waits until the week before to pack?!” Well, apparently I do.

  2.Sort out money issues- seeing as how I’ll be abroad for four months, making sure I have access to money (and enough of it to get me through the semester) is going to be a fairly big priority.

  3.Documentation- I have about 30ish emails that I should probably print and keep on my person at all times to ensure that I am allowed into Scotland, and I have yet to figure out exactly which emails those are.

Okay, so it’s only three things, but I’d say those were three BIG things. Thankfully, none of them should require too much time and will be taken care of within a day (at least I hope so).