Day 1 August 29, 2013
Today was a long day to say the
least. My plane from Chicago to Philly was delayed by about 2 hours in which we
sat on the plane on the runway. I have to confess I got a little nervous when
they said they had to go back to the gate for maintenance when the auxiliary
power was failing because we were running out of oil. However, despite that
rocky start we made it in to Philadelphia safely and I had to trek, what felt
like miles, to my gate departing for Glasgow. Thankfully I made it in plenty of
time and even grabbed a bit to eat. Unfortunately, that plane was also delayed
and yet again we remained idle on the runway for some time. When we finally did
lift off, it was a fairly pleasant flight, even though I was yet again confined
to the middle, but since I did not sleep and finished two books instead it
worked out. We landed in Glasgow at about 7am and boy was I happy to get off
the plane. The man who sat next to me seemed nice enough but he kept talking
and cursing to himself, which was a little weird. I have to say I was pretty
nervous going through customs because I was not sure what to expect and where
to get my Visa but everyone was really helpful. After that I retrieved my
luggage without a hitch and lugged all four bags to a taxi.
I have to say that so far I am
really loving the people in Glasgow! Everyone I met so far had been extremely
helpful and kind. The taxi driver for instance was nice enough to wait to make
sure that the Fraser building was open at 8 am and when it wasn’t he took me to
a Starbuck so I could wait until it did open. Then the people at Starbuck were
also very sweet and welcoming. The guy who made my hot chocolate was definitely
a cutie. So I sat in Starbucks for two hours while I watched Matilda until it
was 10. I decided that I would save money and haul all my suitcases up the
hill. Not my brightest idea, but a nice guy from Honduras offered to help me
move them, which was just the sweetest thing. When I finally made it to the
Fraser and the first try was not even the correct building, they told me I had
to head to Cairncross House to pick up my key. This place was of course across
campus so I dragged my suitcases all the way there after taking several wrong
turns but getting help from a variety of people I finally made it. Once, I got
to my room I dropped all my stuff and promptly fell into my bed and passed out
for a good four hours. So overall, quite a start to my adventure in Scotland.
September 1, 2013
I have
really enjoyed the past few days of exploring Glasgow! Although, I must admit I
am ready for some of my friends to get here because it is kind of lonely not
knowing any body. I think one of the things that surprises me the most is the
weather! Although it is rarely sunny it is not altogether cold either. The wind
does not have the bite of a cold north wind and with all the walking to do
around here it actually is pretty welcome! I do have to say that I am both
annoyed and amused about how thin the walls are. I can pretty much hear
everything that goes on inside the apartment and outside my window. I like it
because it allows me to listen to all sorts of accents without looking or
feeling too much like a creep. :P It is almost as good as imagining Chris
Hemsworth reading a story out loud to me, almost but not quite. It was also
pretty amusing when I heard some not so sober guys walking down the street
singing a song. When I looked out my window to see who was singing it was even
more amusing to me that they were all in fancy suits! Any way I don’t just sit
inside and listen to people just so you know. I have gone out and explored some
and got lost a little. I tell you there are two things that there is not a
shortage on and it is bars and cafes. I have been to three cafes so far and I
have seen at least a dozen more. The one I went to today, I really enjoyed
their hot chocolate and I probably will go back for breakfast tomorrow because
they serve Belgium Waffles! I also explored Kelvingrove today and it was
beautiful and peaceful. I also found art gallery and museum which I think will
visit tomorrow since it is free admission!
September 4, 2013
I am so
happy because Daniella and Maggie have finally arrived. They got here yesterday
morning around nine, so it definitely forced me to get up earlier than usual,
which is probably a good thing! :P I helped them with their bags and we went to
the Cairncross House but they told Maggie that they could not get her key until
4 o’clock, which I thought was extremely weird since they let me get mine
before noon. Any way so we grabbed their
bags and headed back to my room to chill for a while before going to breakfast.
We went to the café not far from our flats called Montgomerys. It was pretty
good. I had hot chocolate of course and a Belgium Waffle. Maggie then went back
to my room to pass out for a few hours, while Daniella and I went to find where
her flat was since she did not get a room on Kelvinhaugh Street. Her flat is
literally across campus and then some. On the way there we definitely took the
scenic route, but we got there eventually even if our appearance was slightly
disheveled. Daniella’s flat is unfortunately on the top floor and of course
there are no elevators (Lifts). However, her room is a better shape then mine
and it has a sink and an extra chair, which is nice. Once, we explored a little
around her flat we asked the student center if there was a more direct way back
to the University and thankfully there was, so it took us a considerably
shorter time to get back then it did to get there. When we finally got back we
woke Maggie up and got her key for her flat. It is down the street from mine
and had just been refurnished. I am slightly jealous because the kitchen,
bathroom and shower are sparkly clean with new curtains and everything, where
as in my place everything is slightly worn. I should not complain though because
everything works and that is what matters, right? Any way, today we all slept
in from our exhausting day yesterday and then we went shopping for much needed
school supplies. However, before we could embark on our shopping endeavor
Maggie was unfortunately locked out of her room while she was in the shower. A
lady apparently came into the flat to inspect all the new things and locked
Maggie’s door without realizing so she was in quite a situation. Luckily,
Maggie heard another lady in the hall who had keys and she let her in her room.
After all that we spent about 40 dollars at Staples (sorry dad!) and then went
and got some ice cream as a reward to a job well done. Overall, a good few days
I think.
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