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.
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