The Coastal Path

Our Group: Me, Michael, Julie, Melissa, Daria

So, yesterday the usual group hiked part of the Coastal Path between the large fishing town of Anstruther and the smaller fishing village of Crail; both of which are just south of St Andrews. We were a bit concerned that the weather wasn't going to hold out, but thankfully Scottish weather forecasters are just as inaccurate as their American counterparts. Though it was a bit chilly and quite windy, all in all it was a fine Scottish day.

After taking the bus to Anstruther we walked down the pier and around the town a bit. We had seen a small, older looking church from the harbor and went exploring to see if we could find it. After wandering a bit we came across the church and went into the graveyard. The headstones were from years between 1626 and the mid 1900s and for people from the town and others who died in Australia. I kept seeing Wilsons (my mom's side) and Scotts (my dad's side) and realized that their was an extremely high chance that I was related to at least one, possible several, of the people who were buried there.



The Church from across the harbor

It has been interesting for me how connected I feel to this country. I have always felt American and have had ancestors in America since before it could be called the US, but I have realized over the years that part of being American is also having a connection to other nationalities. The beauty, to me, of the US is that people do have, and keep traditions, beliefs and values from their ancestry. Being in Scotland had filled that bit of me that has always wondered where my roots come from. I appreciate and value my American heritage, and it will always be my primary identity. But knowing a bit more helps me understand why I do, believe and act the way I do.

We continued the day at the Anstruther Fish Bar which has won several awards for the best fish and chips in the UK! I agree with their title; the fish and chips were excellent. We are planning a return visit, and I think I will have to see if their prawns, "shrimp", are just as good. After a bit of ice cream, yes I did get mint chocolate chip, we headed for the path.

The walk was muddy due to the 4 days of solid rain we had last week, but the views and beautiful land made dealing with the mud worth it! The landscape must have changed five or six times as we walked the short three and a half miles. We encountered bog like areas, patches filled with bushes, rocky areas, farm land (including pigs), beach-like areas and pastoral stretches. It was such a different experience than most of the hikes I have been on before. First of all, you could see where you were going and where you came from most of the time. This was very different from hiking in the Smokey Mountains where you can't see your hiking group if they get 100 yards in front of you. Secondly, the elevation increase was very small. This was not the typical hike up the mountain for the view and then hike back down I am used to.

As we walked we passed a few hamlets between the towns, we came across one in particular that was just so picturesque. I decided I could retire their and be perfectly content. I had thought the charming little cottage in Anstruther right off the harbor had been perfect, but this house, with it's large windows on the sea side and secluded location down a hill from the main road was so calming and welcoming.

As we finished our hike we came around a corner, after not seeing any real sign of civilization for fifteen minutes, and Crail appeared! It was odd to have this little town just sitting out on the coast, seemingly in the middle of nowhere.


The first view of Crial

I realized yesterday that I have now been here for four weeks. Part of me feels as if I have been here for years. I already feel comfortable and like I have a routine. Another part of me can't believe I am here, thousands of miles away from my home, in the land of a good portion of my ancestors.


Me by a rock formation we passed

Well, I must get some reading finished! I keep having to remind myself that I am taking classes and so should do some work along with my exploring.

Next to come, swing dance society, maybe Celtic dance society, and thoughts on the difference between St Andrews and Anstruther.

Some Random Thoughts and Pictures!

A few pictures as promised.

View of St. Andrews from the tower at the Cathedral



Linlithgow Palace from across Loch Linlithgow



Flower at the Botanical Garden in Glasgow





I keep having these thought I want to share, but they don't fit well into stories or events. So, I decided just to list them.

1. The Weather

If you asked me about this yesterday I would have told you that it is not anywhere as bad here as it is in Boston in February, but after today I must resend that thought. We have really only had about 4 rainy days so far and more often that not they sky is much more blue than gray. However, today I discovered that I actually am living directly on the coast of the North Sea. The walk down the street to my tutorial that takes place in the Econ building that is directly on the coast (think 30 ft.) was an experience. The wind was blowing; there was freezing rain/sleet coming down horizontally (yes, I know that is mathematically impossible), and the chill was bone deep. It was difficult to even walk across the front yard to the building, not to mention the fact that it was hard to hear my tutor at points due to the wind and rain on the windows of the classroom. However, I should not complain because most days are fairly nice and even very pleasant.

2. Tea

I have liked tea for quite awhile now, but now it has become an obsession. It is a wonderful feeling to just sit with your own pot of tea and just relax or to share a pot with a friend. The whole concept of stopping to enjoy something warm is refreshing and calming.

3. The Pace of Life

Things here happen when they should happen. Meals are at set times. Shops close so that people can go home to their families for supper. You can't shower or use the "lift" after certain hours. You are expected to do things in proper time. It is a bit of a frustration coming from the land of 24/7, but after getting used to it there is something almost comforting about knowing that everyone is going to be in the dining hall when you go, that you can't be expected to go out an shop after certain times, that few thing are so crucial that they must happen regardless of the hour of the night.

4. Politics

They discuss it here, but it isn't as bombastic or tense as in the US. This is probably because social issues and religious issues are not discussed in the political realm. Unlike in the US where politicians must declare their religious and social positions, here that would be one of the quickest ways to not get elected.


5. Trains/public Transport

It's clean. It's mostly on time. And it goes everywhere. Enough said.


6. Wording/Phrasing

People obviously speak English here, some people might say that this is the only place they truly speak English. However, they put phrases and sentences together differently. It was confusing at first and I am not exactly sure how we have deviated from each other so much, but I am slowly picking it up.

7. Light Switches

They are different here. That isn't important, really, but is interesting to me for some reason.

8. Pub Quizzes

I know this happens in the US but I have really just experienced them. It is a great concept and a wonderful conversation started, especially when someone knows something completely random or the questions are ridiculous.

9. Academic Responsibilities

It is strange to me what they do for you and what you have to do for yourself. They wash my sheets every other week, but I was on my own to find my classrooms and figure out their timing system. In modules you are expected to find most of your own resources and define your own essay topics, but they will give you the final exams from the years before or even give you the actual question.

I feel that I need a number 10...I guess it will come to me later as I am walking across town sometime.

Linlithgow and Glasgow

I apologize for the delay in posting recently.

Here are some updates.

I have now had two weeks of classes and all have gone wonderfully so well. I made it through finding new classrooms, meeting lots of new professors and tutors, learning my way around a new library and dealing with a very different course set up.

A group from my program went to Linlithgow Palace, where Mary Queen of Scots was born, and toured the palace and church there. It was such a wonderful trip and quite an adventure! The palace is not whole, but is stable enough that you are allowed to just wonder the corridors, climb the spiral staircases in the towers, walk through the rooms and even get into the oven! After looking around the church and exploring the castle Indiana Jones style we decided to walk around Loch Linlithgow. That night we also stopped in Edinburgh for dinner. It might have been a bad plan looking back on it since it was Valentine's Day, but it ended up being a fun night anyway.

This past week was a bit busier on the school side of things as I had my third class, Economics of Innovation, and also had my first tutorial and lab for my other modules. The tutor for my Divinity tutorial is excellent and the group of students should be an interesting group to discuss the course material with as well.

I have also started running with the cross country club a few nights a week. The group is a range of abilities and commitment so it fits my busy schedule and the fact that I haven't run seriously in over 3 years well. It is nice to see the area and meet full-time students as well.

This weekend was my home stay in Glasgow. Five of us left on Friday for Glasgow not knowing what was in store, and we could not have had a better time! We were split between two families, but spent a good bit of time with both families and all of us together.

We visited the West End of Glasgow on Saturday. This consisted of the beautiful Botanical Gardens and an art museum. The gardens had plants from all over the world, including the south east US, and I saw some of the most beautiful flowers! I think I took a few too many pictures of the flowers... The art museum was actually a bit more than just art. There were exhibits on all sorts of themes instead of being organized by only time or style.

It was great to spend time with a family and get to know how people live and view themselves, Scotland, the UK and the US. They were so hospitable as well, and the food was amazing!

I know more has happened that I will have to fill in later, but at the moment I should sleep. We are supposed to have a fire alarm sometime this week, and I have a feeling it will be tonight.

Come Hail or Sun...

My view in the sunlight and some images of the Pier Walk

On Sunday my roommate and I went to St. Salvador's, the University Chapel, for church. The service was very nice, quite traditional and yet also fun. They have a bit of a different tune and words for Amazing Grace, which threw me off. The sermon was on how Eeyore is like God...I think I'll let you all figure that out for yourselves. After the service we did the pier walk which is a St. Andrews tradition. People, students and townspeople, walk down the pier at the edge of town after church on Sundays in memory of a student that died while saving several sailors that were is a ship wreak on the coast. It was beautiful and a wonderful way to feel connected into the 600 years of tradition here.

Today was the first day of classes and though I thought I was going to get to go to all 3 courses it ends up that one of my econ classes will not start until next week. Sadly I found this out after walking to class in the hail, but happily I met a 3rd year in the Honors Economics department who is in two of my classes and gave me some tips about figuring out the department. Even though he is from Germany he knew where Knoxville was!

My first "module" (what they call class here), Advanced Macroeconomics, went well and, though it was a bit frustrating because I am not familiar with the way the school internet programs work, seems at my level academically. I may even have had a bit more of an introduction to some of the topics. After the first of what may be several attempts to get the tech desk to get my WebCT(the internet component of the class) working, I checked out a few books for another class and then walked around a few of the older parts of the campus. The new and old blend so well in this country. The Macro module is in "School V" (5) which is maybe the oldest academic building, but the inside has been refurbished and even the projector doesn't seem out of place. In my opinion, this is a skill Americans could stand to learn. My next module was Jesus and the Gospels. The lecturer (aka Professor) managed to make even the course outline interesting so I have high hopes for his ability to make the subject engaging.

After a quick lunch back at my hall, McIntosh, I headed out again for the Economics of Innovation course. While it had been sunny (though chilly) in the morning, it had begun to rain and even hail a bit in the afternoon. It ended up that the module is not starting until next week for some reason, but I didn't really mind because I got to see the view!

The classroom has a huge floor to ceiling bay window that looks out over the sea and when standing at the window you can't be more than 40 feet from the waves. I think I am going to have to pick my seat carefully or I might find myself learning more about the tides of the sea than the economics of innovation.

Tonight a group got together at the student union pub and competed in the Pub Quiz. Though my team (The Killer B's...we all have home Universities that start with B) didn't do too well, especially on the sport questions, we did do OK in the Disney and Shakespeare(Thanks Mom and Professor Flesch) categories.

Tomorrow should be much the same as today, but the lectures will be content based.

Matriculation, Haggis and a Chilidh!

These are some of the views out my window...We are supposed to get sun on Sunday, and I will try to get some better ones then.

I had been wondering when I might experience more culture. I know really it's all culture, but I thought more might be different than I had experienced. Well, yesterday changed that.

After a fairly painless matriculation process yesterday I walked around town a bit more. I had seen the economics building on the short driving tour the first morning, but I wanted to figure out how to get there on foot. The building is a castle! On the North Sea! I cannot wait to find out more of the history of the building, let alone take classes there. I also have a class in the quad. The quad is the older part of campus and its walkways, arches and old stone buildings make it one of the most collegiate places I have ever seen. Sorry Ross, but I don't think even Rhodes couldn't hold a candle to the quad.

Last evening, after supper, all of the new students went to a Chilidh, a traditional Scottish dance. I knew I would enjoy learning the dances, but I had so much more fun than I imagined. The traditional band taught us several dances (about 8-10) and we went through each a couple of times. It was a bit difficult the first time thorough, but usually by the end of the second attempt I had mostly figured it out. We danced for hours and my feet can tell this morning, but it was such an interesting and enjoyable experience that I cannot wait to have again. I think I may join the Scottish dancing society!

They also let us sample a bit of traditional food and so I got to have my first Haggis, neeps and taties. (Haggis--sheep intestines, neeps-turnips, taties- potatoes) as well as a desert that tasted a bit like a peanut butter cup and some good cheese.

It was a wonderful evening and something that I am glad they do before most of their other dances. Evidently, it is traditional to have a Chilidh before most modern parties and dances (or discos as they call them).

Classes start Monday and next week is "Refreshers Week" where the student union puts on several activities (such as a pub quiz night and a society fair).

The view from St. Andrews

Wow, I'm here, in St. Andrews! After a brief morning of last minute details and a bus ride I arrived in St. Andrews and moved in. The town is a classic "college" town with shops, restaurants and pubs that cater to students, and it definitely a walking town. The buildings are, like Brandeis, a mix of old and new...though the buildings here are considerably older.

My room is on the top floor overlooking the Old course of the St. Andrews Golf course, the North Sea and a bit of the town as well. I do not think I could have asked for a better space to live in for the next four months! I walked around the town with my roommate and a few friends and got a better feel of the area and library. I think it will take me about a week to learn my way around most of the town.

I'm feeling happy so far and am meeting new people and will continue to meet people I'm sure. We have a few days of orientation and matriculation to go through before things will be able to settle down into a routine and until that happens I imagine I will be a bit more stressed than usual.

I found out that I will be going with two other students to Glasgow for my homestay later this month and will be staying with a family there. I am excited for this experience but also a bit nervous about what to expect. The city sounds exciting and is supposed to be a center of arts and fashion. It will be interesting to get a more truly Scottish day-to-day-life experience.

Tomorrow will consist of a few more talks, a bit of shopping and hopefully meeting a few professors.

Off to shower before they turn off the hot water!!!

Travel, Orientation and Edinburgh

Well, I have arrived safely and with all of my luggage. It has taken 2 cars, 3 planes, 3 trains and a bus to get this far, but travel went well all the same. After eventually finding the group room I felt much more relaxed and happy. The group coming with IFSA is about 38 people, though heavy on the girls. People are very nice and come from all over. There are four of us that hail in some way from Tennessee, so it has been interesting to get to talk about home while far away.

We have spent the last two days in Edinburgh going through basic orientation about everything from Scotland to traveling to St. Andrews. The city is gorgeous and very easy, even for direction challenged me, to get around. I can already get around fairly well. It's probably easy because you can always orient yourself by looking for the Castle.

So far I have seen:
Edinburgh Castle, University of Edinburgh (Including a statue of John Knox), Arthur's Seat (a bit of a climb, but worth it!), the Parliament (I need to go back and see them in session some time.), St. Giles(also need to go back) and the Elephant Walk pub(Where J.K. Rowling wrote Harry Potter 1)

Tomorrow we are off to St. Andrews to get settled in and start orientation there.
More to come! Including a few pictures!