A few words about Scotland

Many of you have been asking me about how I am liking Scotland so far and have been unsatisfied with my response of "its cool, I like it." So in my opening post of my blog, I will do my best to try and put into more detailed words what "its cool, I like it" means.

I have been here now for just over 11 weeks and it is still surreal at times. Many of you know that living in the UK has been a dream of mine for a long time, and to actually be realizing one of my dreams so soon in my life still makes me pinch myself. There is just an atmosphere to this place, an overwhelming sense of history, culture, and modern life all coexisting. Around almost every corner in Edinburgh there is a building that can be anywhere from 100-300 years old; the bottom floor now converted into some kind of small shop or office, while the upper floors still retain their original architecture. It is actually quite the obvious and fitting metaphor for Scotland: a nation adapting while retaining its rich and long history.

Beyond the aesthetic piece, the people I have met have been amazing. Friendly, kind, helpful, and eager to chat. This is especially true in the pubs, where everyone and anyone will chat with you and jump into a conversation. The feel is very different from bars/pubs back in the States, where people seem to keep more to themselves and talk amongst the people they came with. I really like it and recommend that anyone who comes this way should find the closest local pub and set up shop there for a few hours, you are sure to be entertained and find out where to go and what to do. Another great things about pubs here, is that if there is a Football game on, proper Football that is, it is on and people are paying attention to it. They know the players, the teams, and usually dislike one of the teams for one reason or another. Personally, this has been one of my favorite parts of being over here since Football is not as appreciated back in the States. Sure it is getting better, but during the last World Cup I would mention something to someone about it and many of them had no clue what I was talking about, so needless to say this bit of Scottish culture is very different and awesome. Speaking of Football, I support Celtic and got to go and visit Parkhead (Celtic Park) which was probably the equivalent of Mecca for me, or Lambeau Field for some people. Walking through the tunnel and onto the pitch was one of the coolest feelings I have ever experienced, it took my breath away.

I have been able to do a bit of traveling since I have been here as well, which has been awesome. Most notably I went to the Highlands for 3 days with the program. We did a lot in 3 days, going from coast to coast and all over in between. So many places just had this untouched and historic feel to them that you could not help but be in awe. Rolling green hills surrounded in fog, lochs doting the land scape, herds of sheep everywhere, and so much to learn about. Hands down one of the more beautiful places I have been, and combined with a magical aura that you feel while being there it is a must see. I recommend it to everyone. My other travels have mainly been just hanging out and exploring Edinburgh. I have been to Glasgow a few times as well. I promise future posts will be more detailed in regards to the trips. But in typical John Wilkins fashion this blog was supposed to be started in week one, so summing up 11 weeks is hard to do in detail.

In other news, I enjoy my job. My boss is awesome and the students are cool. Can't ask for much more in that department.

I miss you all and hope you are doing well. I am off to plan more for my trip to Italy (Manarola and Rome) and Vienna, Austria! Life is good.

P.S. Its Thursday. I hope you are all at an 80's Night dancing your ass off.