Fat Tuesday = Pancake day

They don't celebrate Fat Tuesday here. Instead they have pancake day. There is no maple syrup and the pancakes don't come out the same because the flour is different. Who knew?

This is going to be a long one....

Sorry guys, I know I am way behind on this. But, wouldn't you rather me be out experiencing things than sitting in my room writing a blog?

So far uni is going really well. Honestly, it seems like a bit of a joke in comparison to what I am used to at home. I only spend 7 hours a week in actual class and there isn't really any homework. I'm definitely not complaining, I want to do well in my classes, but thats not why I am here.

On Friday the 13, a big group of us went on a haunted tour. They took us into the underground vaults that are supposedly haunted. Unfortunately there were about 40 people on the tour so the likely hood of anything too creepy happening wasn't very good. The guide told us about this circle which supposedly had some kind of poltergeist trapped in it (thanks to a wicken who worships in the vault), so of course I hopped in, in the hopes of leaving with unexplained scratches or something. No such luck. There was another room said to be haunted by the Mackenzie poltergeist, this is where they pulled the cheap shot on us with a lady running down the corridor screaming. Not funny.

For Valentines day, 6 of us girls got together and made dinner, drank wine, and went to see "he's just not that into you." Really good movie, and it makes you realize all the stupid excuses girls make up for guys.

Sunday (15) it was really beautiful out, so I hiked Arthur's Seat with 2 of my friends. This is the highest hill in the city and gives excellent views of town and the ocean from the top. The hill is formed out of an extinct volcano (same stuff that the castle is built on!)

This past weekend, I went with 2 other girls to Glasgow. We stayed with the brother of a boy studying abroad where they go to school. Had this not been the case I don't think I would of had nearly as much fun. We spent the days Friday and Saturday shopping, which was somewhat successful for all of us. Friday night Steven took us to his parents house for a traditional Scottish dinner. We had haggis, mince, neeps (turnips), and tatties (potatoes). This was really delicious, and I will continue to enjoy haggis, so long as no one reminds me of whats in it. Saturday night Steven took us out with a bunch of his friends.
Glasgow was nice, but I am definitely glad I chose to come to Edinburgh, and glad to be "home."

Uni

Saturday we went to the castle. It was not exactly what I was expecting but still really cool. You would expect to walk in and everything look similar on the inside as it does outside, but they have converted the interiors into informative exhibits on various topics. I didn't take many pictures, and the things I would have liked to photograph, ie the Scottish crown jewels. I wasn't allowed to. We did get to see the 1 o'clock gun which is fired everyday but Sunday. The purpose was originally to announce the time for ships to come into the harbor. They chose to do it at 1 instead of 12 because the Scottish are frugal, and it is cheaper to fire only 1 shot.

Yesterday, I watched my first rugby match. The 6 Nations tourney started on Saturday. The nations that take part are Scotland, England, Wales, Ireland, France, and Italy. The match we watch was Scotland v Wales. I am hoping to get Scotland v Italy tickets which will be played Feb 28.

Today was the first day of uni. I will only be taking 3 classes while I am here, this is considered to be a full load. My schedule is as follows: Monday 3-6, Wed 1-3, Thurs 11-1. I know what you're thinking. Is she serious? And my answer is yes. Today's class was Environment, Politics, and Society. I felt right at home. The professor is just as spacey and eccentric as those I've come to know and love at App. We only have 2 assessments, an essay due in 6 weeks and a "seen" exam. This means I get to see the exam before actually having to take it.
Wednesday I will have Scottish Culture and Society and Thursday I will have Political Communication.

Embracing my role as a tourist!

This week hasn't been particularly exciting. I matriculated into uni and possibly registered for classes. Things are much more complicated here than it is at home. For instance: at home you register for classes online, just click a few buttons and you're done. But here you request classes, your advisor has to e-mail the professors who teach them, then get back to you.

Wednesday I went and got a student bus pass to last through May. I promptly used it to take a bus to ASDA and get groceries. It is so hard to buy food here, everything is really different and unlike the Ingles at home, I don't know the store like the back of my hand. That night I went out with Amber, Jason, and some of his friends. We went to a "posh" club, something new for me since I've been sticking with the cheaper pubs in another district of town.

Yesturday, Amber, Kelsi, and I went to eat lunch at The Elephant House. This is where JK Rowling wrote Harry Potter, jotting everything down on napkins. The restuant has spectacular views of the castle and is situated near George Heriots School and Greyfriars Graveyard, which are both said to be sources of inspiration. After lunch we went to the National Museum of Scotland. This is where you can find Dolly the cloned sheep preserved. There is also tons of Scottish history and spectacular rooftop views.

Today, Amber, Kelsi, and I got tour passes and visited the Royal Yacht Britania and the Palace at Holyrood. Tomorrow, we will use it to see Edinburgh Castle and we have unlimited access to the 4 tour buses that run throughout the city. Seeing the yacht and was awesome, thinking about how your standing in the same place as royalty once stood, and still does today. The royal yacht has been decomissoned but is still used for entertaining. The Palace at Holyrood is the royal family's recidence in Edinburgh. This is also where they appoint knights. These sights also provide free audio tours with admission, something I think America should follow suit in. This eliminates signs that detract from the attraction, and can provide a lot more information.

I get to go in the castle tomorrow!

parties, cars, and American football

Friday, Amber's flatmates threw a party. This was really different from the parties at home. Everyone is all about sharing their drinks and being very friendly. At the party I met a few people who seem really cool. One of the guys, Jason(Scottish) and his flatmate John(English) picked us up Sunday morning and drove us to their football (soccer) match. Yes, you read right, they picked us up. I have officially ridden in a car going the wrong way. The pitch (field) had really great views of Arthur's Seat and other surrounding hills. Last night some of us went to Jason's flat to watch the super bowl. It was one of the most bizarre experiences yet. THERE WEREN'T ANY COMMERCIALS! Anytime NBC went to commercial break BBC went to their commentators who explained what was happening. During halftime, John made us one of the most unhealthy and delicious snacks I think I've ever had. Toast with peanut butter and sprinkles(the chocolate and vanilla kind). I highly recommend giving it a try. Today I begin my matriculation (orientation) at Napier, and will be picking out courses. Did I mention its snowing outside?