The 24th-Saturday- This weekend was awesome! It started at 10:15am on Saturday, when I got up. At noon, I went to lunch. Lunch is only from noon to 1:30 or 2. After that, I went to the sports “fayre.” I signed up for: touch rugby, trampoline, polo, archery, canoe, in line hockey, cricket, squash, rugby, and netball. I think netball is like basketball with no backboard and you play with a soccer ball. I was there for a very short time, like less than 30 minutes. When I came back to my room, I did not feel like being alone anymore, so I called my friend, Elizabeth. We met in town a little after 2. I felt so bad that I was late. I would have been even later if I did not take a taxi. I waited for the bus for a while and it never came. I got the same taxi driver from last night. Once in town, Elizabeth and I walked around aimlessly for a while. We went to the medieval history building to see if my class location was up- it was not. Then we walked around some more. We got ice cream; I got mint chocolate. It tasted more like peppermint. I also got some nice high heel dress shoes for the opening ball on October 8th. I found 2 nice pairs I like in Rogerson’s shoe store. I asked to try on a 9, and then said that that was a US size. The lady was very nice and said that was a 7 in UK sizes. The pair I bought was a size 5! I tried on every half size from 7 to 4.5! I got the pair that was not pointy; they were closer to a size 7, I guess it was a different shoe company. I always want pointy shoes, but I just thought of a witch the whole time I was wearing them. After the shoes, which the lady made a joke about shrinking feet, we went to the textbook store in the union to ask about our classes. They have a booklist for the classes there. However, not my class, and the other class I am taking has 5 books, 3 of which are over 1000 pages I would say. We both decided not to buy the books at that time. It was nice to talk to someone about getting organized at the University of St. Andrews. This whole “uni” is so disorganized to us, not to the UK students. We parted ways because we ran out of things to do. The bus was very very late to go back to DRA. I still think that guy jinxed it yesterday. It was more than 20 minutes late. Then I realized, by the time I got back I would have to go back into town to get dinner, since dinner is not served on the weekends in DRA. So, I went to Tesco and got some pasta, sauce and avocados from South Africa. The line at Tesco is always super line. It takes more than 10 minutes to check out-always. When I got back I made myself some pasta with chicken carbonara sauce and avocados. I ate it in my room. When everyone else got back, they had no plans for dinner, but I did not want it to be like the first night again. Later, Jonathon was making his dinner. I sat with him in the kitchen and kept him company. He wanted to hear some of my blog, so, I read him a few sections for Word, because there is no wireless internet here (although they are putting it in as we speak). After that, I showed pictures of the US on my computer to Jonathon. I thought it was really cool that he wanted to see them and learn about the US, my other flatmates don’t. Then around 8:15, I walked to the Sports Centre. It was dark out and very scary, there were not many people out. I took the long way because the short cut is called “rape alley.” I don’t care that it is because it is next to a rape seed field, it is still called rape alley. I paid 3 pounds to use the gym. I could not find the in-line hockey club though, or the place where to sports fayre took place earlier. It was a really small gym on the inside, with an even smaller workout room- then again, I am comparing it to KU. It was about the size of one you would find in a hotel. Then by chance as I was asking the front desk again, where it was, because there was badminton on the only place big enough to play hockey, I ran into the team captain from earlier. Apparently if you go though the locker rooms, there is another little area. That is where I entered for the Faye and where the gear was. (The big gym has 2 entrances to the inside of the building, on opposite sides of the locker rooms). There was one other girl there when I arrived. She was so happy to see another girl. I got rollerblades on and found a right and left handed glove and a long stick. It was not too hard to play with this equipment. It went from 9-10:30pm. At first we just shot around, and then we did the standard warm up drill with 2 pucks- which was an adventure since you usually need at least 8. We scrimmaged the rest of the time, more than an hour. I put on a helmet, with no cage, for this part. We switched up the teams, by pulling sticks, 3 times. I scored 3 goals and had one assist. All the goals were either rebounds or someone passing it to me in front of the net. The assist was a 2 on 0, and I back handed back to the jerk. Everyone was excited when I scored and got the assist, except one jerk. He thought he was the shit; everyone was very nice and welcoming. The jerk is from New Jersey and went to boarding school in Boston where he played ice hockey. He was one of the few from the US. I tried to talk to him, but it was like pulling teeth. Anyway, it was really fun, especially since all the guys were okay; I was not overly bad or good. There were a few people that had never skated or played. There were about 4 girls. I did meet someone named Jon, I think (pronounced y-on) from Sweden. I thought that was really cool. He was not that great at hockey, as I stereotypically thought of Swedeners. So, apparently, we have practice once a week and in late October we start playing other universities in Scotland! After hockey, I walked back though rape alley by myself. I was going to go back the street way, and walk with the first girl there for the really creepy, dark, residential street, with no traffic and a cat on it, before we had to split up to go to other dorms, but, then another very nice girl, from shanghai, said she had to go to Albany park, which I thought was right next to DRA. Then before the start of rape alley, we realized that it was the other direction. I was thinking of Fife Park. So, I talked to my mom on the way back and it was not so bad, there were like 3 people on the path. On the right of the path is a field, which I saw a huge farm equipment machine with its lights on working, and on the left is a huge hedge and behind the hedge are playing fields. I got back around 10:50, Naomi was here. At 12:30 ish Douglas and Faye came back, which to me seems to be an earlier to come back for partying. But they usually are back by 1. I went to bed around 1:20am.
Today, I also found on isaint (it is like Enroll and Pay for KU, it is administration stuff) my class schedule for the Castle class, which I already know the part posted. I also found on MMS (module management system), it is like Blackboard, readings for both my classes and a class “booklet” for the other class I am taking. It looks like lots of reading. Each week has about 4-6 “essential readings” and 8-10 “recommended readings!” Also, the discussions happen after the class, but are about the week before. However, there is no class the week before Christmas break, so my last class would be December 5th. I think that is because there is one class in the next semester to go other the 3 hour exam results from this semester. There are also two 2,500 word essays this semester. I just keep telling myself that you get all the information the first day, so the first day is always overwhelming. But, things spread out.
I got up at 11am today and took the 92 bus into town. I was outside the union by 11:30 for the start-noon- of the recycled bike sale. I thought I would be one of the first people there, and then I saw the line. (See pictures posted). I heard there were 40 bikes. There were more than 50 people in front of me. But the bikes were in my price range, around 65-80 pounds, so I decided to stay and hope not everyone in front of me was getting a bike, maybe they would leave, or maybe they would not like any of the bikes. There is a bike shop in town, but the bikes start around 200-300 pounds. I saw Chris, the post grad I talked to about KU basketball at dinner a few nights ago, a few people, maybe 10, ahead of me. I joined him. At noon the bike company let 5 people in. They got to look at the bikes and test them out a little. When one of them purchased one, then one other person could go in and look. It was going to take forever! I was ready for a mad rush and pushing. At 12:30, we had moved about 5-7 people. I decided that I did not need a bike; I could spend the money on something else, like a trip somewhere in Europe. I also wanted to go to the opening ceremonies, but I wanted to go back first to get that night’s event wristband. So, I left. I still regret not waiting longer. I think everyone got a bike that wanted one, and in the end I still want one. I think it would be very useful around this town.
For the first time the bus was late. Some guy told me that the buses are NEVER late… he jinxed it. I got lunch at the bistro, which on the weekdays you have to pay for. All I saw was soup, so, I got some. Then I asked the lady at the checkout if they had any other food. She handed me a menu, apparently you order with her. I ordered a burger too. Then I sat down with some random girl that was by herself. We were 2 of 4 people in the whole place. She was very nice and it is cool that I can just sit down with anyone here and they are happy to talk to you. I then ran back to the room to get my Bop ticket. I had to hurry if I was going to get a bus into town before the opening ceremony. I ran into Douglas, Faye, and Naomi in the apartment. Douglas and Faye were going to take a taxi, so I decided to join them.
We split the cab fare to Younger Hall (the place where I matriculated, even the same room, a picture is posted of the building). The ceremony was really cool. It was not boring, like KU’s was. I wish I had worn my gown like some people did.The teaches, students in administrative positions- elected positions, and some staff, like the Chaplin, who is new this year- replacing the guy that had been here for 18 years- and the head of all the sports guy, walked in a precession as we sang a song; some song about praising the teachers. It was in Latin. It was actually really cool. All of them were wearing different designed and colored gowns. I saw one professor was wearing a kilt. There were 4 speeches, including one by my warden of my hall, although he did the opening speech, before all the teachers and people were on the stage. He did describe graduation. It was really cool. He said that in 4 years we would be on that stage, we come up one by one, kneel down, and our degree is conferred upon us. I am picturing a knighting scene. The principle told us what a proctor and a rector was. There was an MC, a lady that smiled the whole time, even when I saw her at the church service on Sunday, she was smile. I hope I get her as a teacher. The English teacher, the last speaker, was the best. He had a heavier accent and was very animated. He read us a war time speech told to a clan, that I think fought around St. Andrews… many many years ago! It was about a 2 minute speech, every line started with “be.” For example, be caring, be strong, be daring, etcetera. And, some of them were repeated a few times, every other one. I think the daring one was one of them. But the words after the b were all in alphabetical order. I thought it covered every word, and then some, that I think of when I think of what you need to be successful and complete university. People laughed and then quiet, and then laughed, and so one, as the speech seemed to go on for a long time. People clapped after that speech and then a few seconds later when he said like a sentence and then went back to his chair. Also, the principle went first out, but there were 2 sliver maces that went out before her. One of them is 500 or 600 years old, the St. Savlator mace and then was given to the university in the 1950s or 60s. There are special mace bearers, wearing very cool outfits- a black suit with a long coat in the back with red trim, front and back, a black vest and a white shirt and white bowtie. I would not dare touch the maces. On Sunday, in church, one of the maces was brought in right in front of the principle and then placed next to her in a holder thing on the pew. It was really cool to see the mace so close. The staff had some decoration on it and on top there was a man, which looked a little tired, carrying/holding an x as big as him, ground to head. Anyway, the opening ceremony was 45 minutes- one hour. It started with one mace barer walking in and posting at the end of the benches, and then the people came though and sat on the stage. Then, the next mace bearer came and posted on the other side, followed close behind the principle. Then she went on the stage and stood in the middle, she was wearing a hat like a graduation hat and gown that was black and looked like a Chinese dragon costume because of all the gold grouped stripes in various places), the two bearers then went on stage and placed the maces in holders on a table in the middle of the stage. Then they bowed to the principle. After that they took their places, in front, of their chairs, off to the side and back, on the stage. The principle took off her hat. Then the MC said please be seated and everyone sat down.The MC gave a short speech and we started the other 3 speeches. If you should like to watch the opening go to http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/orientation/opening/. Watch the first 8 minutes.
After the opening ceremonies, 6 of us went to get coffee. We all live in Fraser. One kid, for Scotland, has bright red/orange hair- I think it is dyed a little stronger color then his natural color- is named Hamish (pronounced h-amish). We sat and drink our drinks for a while, I got a hot chocolate. Then I went to check out the cold medicine supply at Boots. On the way, I stopped at that place that I took a picture of that I said was “The everything stereotype Scottish shop” because they were having a 50% off sale. I got a nice green tartan blanket, it is actually a felt rug, but it is on my bed now. I then went to see about the medicine, which I did not find any for just a sore throat that I wanted.
As I waited for the bus I saw lots of cute dogs: a hunting dog with a stuffed duck in his mouth, a white Scotty with an old lady (see picture that is posted). And my favorite, a dog sitting outside a shop, with no leash, that looked like the dog in Pirates of the Caribbean, in one of the first scenes in the first movie, when Jack is in jail. The bus was late again, not that late, but it had never been a second late before and I was being impatient- now I really think that guy jinxed it. There was a cute old lady on the bus with gray hair wearing a longish green tartan skirt and holding a walking stick. I thought this is what I came to see, stereotypically countryside Scottish people.
After I got back, I hung out by myself. I seem to do a lot by myself so far here. It is okay though; it is easier to meet people when you are alone then when you are with a group. If you are with a group no one will approach. Plus, I would like to meet more people like me currently. It is also more relaxing to be by myself, then I don’t have to be funny or cool for anyone, I don’t have to worry if they like me or not. (That sounds really shallow, but I would like to make friends here). I can also do what I want, I can go explore the castle if I want, go shopping in stores I want, go back to DRA, etc.
So, when others got back, we planned the evening because tonight was The Bop. Dinner tonight had the option of… fish! After dinner, I have yet to have fish here, we went back and chilled and planned tonight again. The party did not start until 10pm. At 8:40 ish, Douglas, Faye and I went to the bar to kill time. We hung out there and talked to people. I met a nice guy from Northern Ireland, Rory. I was ready to give him my number, until I saw him trying to get with every girl he saw… boo.
I little before 10pm, we left. Douglas, Faye, and Rory walked to the union. I was not about to walk, I might have been a little scared; I know it is St. Andrews, but still. Faye said that she had ridden her bike around London’s most dangerous part of town after midnight. I was just thinking, not smart! I called a taxi. As I waited outside, a really hot guy came up and asked if I knew the taxi number. I asked if he was going into town. He said yes, and I suggested that we share a cab because then we could split the cost; it seems to be the thing to do around here. He is from Boston but goes to school at McGill. We had a very nice conversation and after the ride went our separate ways (no goodbyes or numbers, too bad!)
I waited for the group that walked for a little under 15 minutes. Then we went in, we had to show our student ID and wrist band. We figured out that the really really long line was for people without wrist bands, so we just walked in. There were very few people there and even fewer dancing. There were balloons everywhere, including all over the floor, which everyone loved to pop, it was very annoying. There was also 2 huge balloons that people kept in the air, it reminded me of Ku basketball games with the huge beach balls.The event soon got going and it was okay. There were like 4 DJs on the stage, a band? It was just like a party in Lawrence/ at Abe and Jake’s, but almost no grinding. However, I did see some people making out on the dance floor. The only difference was that there was a full bar at a school party. I danced for awhile and took a break and sat down with another group of friends (Naomi, and her friends, Sam (guy) and Marian (Canadian), who I met earlier in the night.
Douglas was really funny tonight. He was totally drunk. And, quiet Douglas was dancing and just letting lose. He was actually touched people, on the shoulder. Wow, that sounds weird. A girl grinded on him, and he didn’t know what to do because he didn’t want to; but, he did it for like 2 minutes anyway. It was really fun to chill with Douglas tonight. He was more friendly and talkative then I have ever seen him.
It was just like American parties, and I lost Douglas, and Faye and those people so at 11:30 pm I left. That is the earliest I have ever left a party, sometimes that is when I get there at KU, but I just did not see the point in staying. I called a taxi and got a very nice driver. He inquired about why I was going back so early and how I was a “good girl.” He also called me honey, in a nice way, not a creepy way, and when I gave him a 5 for a 4.10 ride, he gave me back 1. He had lots of tattoos, which I was not excepting. I have had him again for a taxi ride 1-2 more times since. And, I think he was the dispatcher one day, because I recognized his voice, and he called me honey. Even though I got home early, I went to bed around 1:30am.
I was very excited and looking forward to today because today was the day I got to enroll and finalize my classes. I went to The Gateway building at 9:30am, which corresponded to my last name (I found out the time thing on one document hidden online), in the orientation materials it just says international student (study abroad) advising 9am-1pm. I wanted to get there at 8:30 to beat the rush, but I was so tired I hit the snooze button until 9; also, I figured out the last name thing. When I got there I showed them my student ID card, they then asked what subject(s) I was taking. I said History and IR (International Relations). I was told to meet with the History adviser first and then the IR one. So I was pointed in the direction of the history and English table. There were about 10 students there; none of us knew how this was going to work. Then, a student orientation helper person came out and said “I have one spot for history advising, who wants it,” 4 of us raised our hands. Then we realized we would have to keep track of who got there when. I was 4th when I got there, it was not so bad since the next time the lady came out for history she had 2 spots. (There were 2 history advisors.)Everybody was talking to everyone at our table and I looked to my right and saw this really red headed girl. I recognized her from Loyola. It is such a small world. No one from KU is here but a kid from my grade of 500 is. I must say that I was not very happy to see a familiar face, or American faces; I figure I am here to study abroad in Scotland I want to meet Europeans, not Americans, that is just like home. Also, I like being the unique one in the group, and there are many Americans here (all studying IR…) so after it was my turn I went back into this room with advisors and computers (see picture posted 9/23/11). I was then told that it looked like someone had jumped in front and I should sit down on this row of chairs against the wall- at that point I thought I would be there until 1pm. I again talked to the people around me, including Elizabeth (she will resurface later in this post). Then it was my turn, the lady was very nice. She pulled up my pre-advising, saw I wanted to take The Castle in Medieval Scotland (1100-1500) and asked if that is what I still wanted to take, I said yes. (This is the class I really really wanted to take, being in St. Andrews and everything). She said okay. I asked about textbooks. She said in the honours level (3000-4000 level classes, this class is 3000), that they really don’t have textbooks. Then she said something about readings online. Then she said I could go to Blackwell’s bookstore (the textbook shop in the union) and ask the people there what books would be useful for this class. So, everyone in the class is reading different books… I think. She told me that she did not know where the class was, since it did not say on the screen, so go to the medieval history building, look on the honours bored and the time of the first class will be posted. During the first class, the other times and everything will be sorted out…. Interesting…Then I asked if I could wait to see the IR advisor in the row of chairs instead of going back to the tables in the other room; it seemed that everyone else was doing this. They said it was fine. I was 2nd in line to see him. And again I talk to someone. She was very nice. It seems like everyone I have met here has had some advising problem. Some people have been told they cannot major in the 2 or 3 subjects they wanted to because of “timetable clashes” so they had to just drop a subject they really wanted to study or, as with the 2 majors, decide between the two, and it is very hard to turn back after they decide now. Also, lots and lots of people have been told, mostly for “timetable clashes” that they cannot take a class, which when studying abroad here, and only getting to take 4-6 classes in the year, it is a big deal to not be able to take a class you wanted to take.
I did not think I was going to have an advising problem. Then the IR guy looked at the course I wanted to take. I wanted to take IR 4510 Central Asia in Global Politics. It is all about the “’stan” countries. He was very around the bush on whether I could take this class or not. During the conversation he said:I could take it, I couldn’t take it, it was full, but he could still get me in, they usually never alone 3rd year students to take 4th year classes (but 3 and 4 year are honours classes), but he pointed to a sheet with about 10 classes on it- I assumed all the ones to study abroad kids can take- and pointed to the first 2-3 and said these are 4000 level classes you can take- like the number really mattered to me…, (in the States if I like the class, I take it, it does not matter if it is a 100 level or 600 level), he also asked what have I studied in IR (I said Africa- which may be a little white lie), have I ever taken a IR theory class (I have at KU, I hated it, but I said yes J). He said there is another class about Central Asia at the 3000 level. I was thinking the classes are not the same, I want this one! But he realized that is only offered in the 2nd semester before I could say it. My mom has always said that if you want something don’t be wishy-washy and give in because you don’t want to make waves. So, I told him I think I can handle this class. I want to take this class. He said no, no way I can take it. So I looked though about a choice of 10 classes that I could take. I saw IR 3008 International Terrorism, which was my 2nd choice for my IR class. (When I applied I wrote my essay about studying history and IR here, so I figured I should take a class in both). He looked at his sheet, which I think told him how many people he had enrolled in some classes, and said it was full, I could be in it, but it is very big. He said that the discussions- or whatever they call them tutorials- where at 20 people, and the lecture was at 40. I informed him that I have taken classes with over 1,000 people (I think the biggest class I have taken was 200, but I wanted this class). Then he said if I had any background in studying terrorism. I tried to lighten the mood by saying I live in the 21st century… and am American. He stated, “What does that have to do with anything?” I said that is all we talk about. He just looked at me with a blank face. Then he said if I wanted to take the Gender and Terrorism class. I had read that course description in the summer when I was “pre-advising.” I said no, thinking that just because some classes are semi close in subject does not mean I want to take them. So I said, so I can’t take this class? He said this class really expects you to have taken other classes about terrorism. At this point, I asked to look at the packet with the classes I could take, knowing this guy was not about to budge on this, although I still really want that Central Asia class. I looked though it a number of times, the whole time he was shaking his head, I was just thinking you made me do this, I am going to take my time! I had already looked though the whole course catalogue in Chicago and the Central Asia class was my favorite, then the terrorist one, then one about people in 3rd world countries- which I did not see on that list, so I figured he would have a problem if I asked to take that class. But, after scouring the IR course catalogue online, I don’t think that class is in the IR category. I skimmed a few of the class descriptions, and asked if I could take IR 4540 The Changing Character of War. I did not like any of my options. I wanted a class I could not take at KU/ summer school in the US, I wanted a unique class. At least the title of this class and most of the course description sounded a little interesting to me. He then said “you really want to take this class?” I said, yes. Can I? he said, sure, and scrolled down a huge drop down menu of all the classes in the University, clicked it, it appeared on the right with a green check next to it, or maybe it was a red x, either way I was still depressed when he clicked the red x next to the Central Asia class and it was gone. That was it, the class I wanted- done. He then said that if I did not like the class, not that I will, but if so, you can re-advise and switch. I was just thinking at least it will be a different advisor. Then he said, “With me”… oh no! He is the only advisor, I thought. I asked for a card, because the history lady had a stack. He looked around and said no, just find him online. I said okay- but there is no way I will ever be going back to him… MR. something something Ogden. I then got up and left, said good luck to the next person waiting, who I had talked to when I was waiting. Then I followed the orientation peoples route out, told someone my passport had already been scanned (since I matriculated… am I the only person that is organized here?!?!). So, I was told to go to a group of ladies with computers. I walked right up, all the ladies were free; Douglas said that this was the part that took him the longest, so I was glad I did not have THAT problem. She asked for my ID, to check if I had completed all of the steps to officially become a student here. I had!! She said I would get an email about it, I thanked her and left! I am official! I ran into Safa, with a lady, with official looking papers, filled out/being filled out by Safa everywhere on this little desk area in-between 2 computers. As I left, I saw a few people entering, it was 10:30. I was just thinking you have no idea what is coming, I was sure that were as excited as I was, until I saw the process (and met Ogden).
After, I decided to walk to the medieval history building to try and find my class location, since I did not have much to do today. I had a small map; however, it was not very useful, since it only had orientation buildings on it. I did see more of the town/campus. After then walking up and down the history building block 3 times looking for it, I found it.See pictures for building. I walked in and spotted the board, however, they did not have my class on it. I think that it is online anyway. There was also no one around to help me, no central office, no secretary. I stood at the boards for a while hoping someone that walked by would help me…nope. So, I figured I could figure it out another day, especially since I realized later that the class is on Friday.
I got a sandwich from Boots, which I usually have done this week for lunch. Then I took the bus back. I can take the 99 or the 99a. The 99 takes 5 minutes to go to DRA and 99a takes around 20, since DRA is its last spot before heading back to town, but you do get to see more of the outer areas of the town.
I hung out in my room for awhile, including taking a shower, which is always an adventure in this shower (I will have to post a picture.) It is about 2 feet by 1 foot, so every time you turn, you hit the shower curtain or the water handles. It is also in the corner of my bathroom, just a curtain, a drain, and a very very very little slope in the floor with about a centimeter or 2 high ledge that is supposed to keep the water in- but doesn’t, the slope and ledge is less than a foot from the drain. The water pressure is not bad though, it could be worse. There are also 2 water handles, hot and cold, very easy to use. However, the water did stop and start a few times for a second or 2; it reminded me of KU when people said that the water stops and starts when the toilet flushes.
Then I waited for 45 minutes to take the bus back into town, which only comes once an hour (however, I think the 92 comes right to DRA and to the union (a block from the bus “town” station about every 15 minutes on a school day, starting Wednesday, maybe…. and met the History Society. It was nice. It was at St. John’s Garden, behind the medieval history building, which I had to walk around the block to find the entrance to the garden, since there was construction stuff blocking the history buildings door to the garden. There was food and an alcoholic drink- all of which was bad. But I did talk to a few people, a creepy post grad, Douglas, Faye, a few others, and Elizabeth again. Elizabeth and I stayed for about an hour (way longer then I had suspected I would have stayed). We exchanged numbers and found her medieval history class location on the board. Then we parted ways. I found a bus stop- one on the 99 route, but not at the starting deport (first time for that). I waited about a minute for the bus, which also a first; it was very nice! So now I have Safa’s number (from Wednesday) and Elizabeth’s from today. (Plus my flatmates and other people from this building but you know, those are the people you have to get numbers from since they are the first people you meet and live so close).
I was back around 4pm. I called my phone provider to make sure I was getting charged what I had been told and that I was not over charged, especially on Tuesday- I think. It was 5p instead of 4- but that is okay, that is still amazing, and that is what the actual company advertised. I also figured out on Friday and Saturday that in fact my phone company is Lebara, not orange or o2- the mainstream ones, that most have.
At 5pm the flatemates were starting to arrive. We discussed our evening- which was not planed very detailed/ at all. At 5:45pm, I had dinner, with Jonathan and Akito, the Japanese student. It was very nice to have a long conversation with Jonathan… and no one else. This dinner time was very early for me/my flatmates. Dinner is from 5:30-7pm. This is one of 2 nights since arriving that there has not been a fish option for dinner. However, there was a bread thing with cream again… my favorite!
After dinner, I chilled a little, then Douglas, Jonathan, Faye and I went down to Meg’s flat (flat 2 on the ground floor), with Heinekens and grapes because it was her birthday. Meg studied a year at William and Mary and now is finishing her degree here. We stayed for a long time, hours. It was so fun, for the first time I felt that they all liked me; they were all interested in what and when I was saying, which I did talk a lot I feel, and laughed my jokes. Then, Meg, and her flatemate, Ramona, Faye and I went to the main building, to the bar there, to check out the karaoke going on. There were very few people there, it was probably because we got there at 10:40 ish and the bar closed at 11. (It closes at 11 every night, which I find odd). There were only about 5 people there doing karaoke, and only 1 was singing. I was tired and not having a lot of fun, so a few minutes later I left (the guy singing sung parts of 2 songs, before I left, I am pretty sure he was drunk). I then went back to my room and caught up on my TV shows, since most of them started this week! Although it sucks that I cannot play videos from certain websites here, like previews of next week’s episodes on nbc or cbs. I then went to bed around 1:30am, this seems to be a normal time for me since I have gotten here. Tonight, and last night, were really fun! However, I wanted to go to a drink mixing class, but did not because I could not find anyone to go with, that is the last time I do that; if I want to go, I will go. I am not going to miss out because I don’t know anyone going, it is just a copout.I wish I went to check out the bonfire a few nights ago. I also figured out the taxi situation here, so that cannot be my excuse anymore either. I found a taxi number on our bulletin board in our kitchen and Naomi said it was reliable and not sketchy. It is 4 pounds into town, but if you find 4 people to share it with, it is only 1 pound…
It was also really fun to talk about history with the gang today. Earlier in the evening, Douglas, Jonathon, Naomi and I talked about the “hatred” and differences between North Englanders and South Englanders. It was cool to learn about that stuff, especially since I thought England (and England and Scotland) were all one big happy family; it was also nice that the Americans were not the focus or being picked on.They also took an interest in the US, including US geography, for one of the first times. I told them that Kansas was in fact a state and not a city. At Meg’s party, we talked a little about the US civil war and relations, including race relations, and what the north and south think of the confederate (flag) today.
Today was also a big day in that tonight, I made my first cup of tea, for myself, here at St. Andrews. There is lots of tea drinking here and usually someone will heat up the water and then make tea for anyone that wants it. Then, we put our own sugar and milk in. I of course, put in 3 spoonfuls of sugar, or more.
I am sort of rambling since it is very late on Friday night; so… good night.
I was taking very little, baby, steps when I walked on this!
St. Andrews castle (I take a field trip there later in the year for my castles class)
St. Andrews cathedral to the left and castle to the right. Here I could walk normally. (There was a baby step part, a little bigger step-but careful part and a normal part, on the pier.)
big, pretty, hill
the end of the pier walk
Me and part of the cathedral. After you get off the pier, everyone goes their own ways, no special walk back.
