Central City Edinburgh

Today we went into central city Edinburgh. I learned that Edinburgh is a lot like Chicago. Edinburgh has different areas like Leith, Dalkeith, and Central City they are all just different areas of the city. To say I love Scotland would be an understatement. I love how alive the city of Edinburgh is, how young it is, but historic as well. We learned how to use the bus system today to get ourselves around Scotland so that will come in handy because there are a lot of sites I want to see.

Edinburgh Castle

I want to go to Portabello Beach in Edinburgh and they also have horse races there so that is a must. We go back to Edinburgh tomorrow for a walking tour so I hope to do a bit of shopping then. Today was cold and windy plus it started to hail so we made our way back to Dalkeith quickly. When I say cold it is nothing compared to Iowa winters, but still is chilly. Rain boots and a waterproof windproof jacket make for the perfect attire. All the people are so kind and I love seeing all the various styles of clothing on the streets. Riley, Anna, and I went to the Scottish Whiskey Experience and enjoyed some warm coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. We plan to try the whiskey another day, but I'm not sure I'll like it much.I now understand why they say don't ever try to out drink a Scottish. We looked in the menu and all of the beverages for one glass were at least 45% alcohol. It was crazy!

We rode the bus back to Dalkeith then and ate at the Black Smith Forge and they have amazing chips(they call french fries chips and their chips crisps). It's weird though because they don't use ketchup so that will take getting used too. I love how so many people are out and about walking their dogs, I definently fit in here being a dog lover. I just feel so alive here, like I can do anything I've ever dreamed of. The experience is already changing my life and it's only my third day here. I feel myself becoming so much more independent, I know how to get around a country, I laugh a ridiculous amount everyday, and I am making friends that I know will last a lifetime.

Central City Edinburgh

Our Resident Director said when she studied abroad it was a pivotal moment in her life and I feel the same. I feel myself figuring out what I want in life and the person I am starting to become. Life is an adventure and I think anyone who doesn't study abroad in college is missing out on a chance to change your life for the better and grow as a person, I just can't wait to see where else this journey will take me and how the rest of my time here will be.

Me at Edinburgh Castle

<3 Morgan

All Settled In

Dalkeith Palace

All settled in here in Scotland. Slept for the first time last night in 30 hours so it was very nice. The plane ride wasn't bad, but it wasn't the most comfortable I've ever been. Can't believe I'm actually here, I'm so used to just dreaming of seeing a place like this and drooling over pictures it doesn't seem real that I am finally here. Everything is so green and it's odd because it's January and I'm used to tons of snow everywhere. We went out to breakfast this morning and I had eggs on toast and a milk. Their milk tastes different, but not bad. It was funny trying to figure out how to pay we had to watch people so we knew what to do and whether to leave a tip or not. All the people are very nice and I just love hearing them talk. The currency is going to take me awhile to figure out how to use right. This morning we explored around Dalkeith and the estate. It was beautiful and the scenery is to die for. They drive very fast and whip around everywhere we rode in a taxi and I felt like I was going to get whiplash. We haven't figured out crossing the streets yet because here pedestrians don't have the right away so people don't stop to let you cross like in the states. Makes for an interesting adventure.

Street in Dalkeith

I love the cobblestone paths that are everywhere in town it looks like something out of a movie. Tonight orientation begins and tomorrow we go into Edinburgh to explore and see the castle.The house is beautiful and very historic, but also a little creepy as well. I am getting used to it though, but it doesn't help when the are legends of it being haunted. The accents here are amazing, but some people have a thicker accent than others and its harder to understand especially when they speak so fast. I'll get used to it though I'm sure. Being in Edinburgh the next three days should be fun I want to see all of the sites, go to the zoo, and ride the double decker buses as well! I can't wait to go to London in a couple of weeks and explore that as well, and ride the London Eye of course. We will see the Harry Potter studios and a play as well plus have time to explore on our own. Hope all is well back in the states, I'm missing everyone! More adventures to come.

<3 Morgan

Night Before Departure

All packed and ready to go! I have been through a range of emotions today. From being really excited to see the world, to crying because of how much I will miss my family, friends, pets and home. I know  it will go fast because of all the amazing things I will be doing and seeing. Tomorrow at the airport saying goodbye will be the most difficult part of this journey. I'm going out of my comfort zone and going to a place I know nothing about with people I don't know. I'm ready for this experience to change my life and how I see the world though. Still doesn't seem real to me that I will be on an airplane to Edinburgh and my new home tomorrow night. Watch out Scotland I'm coming. 

My Future Home

My future home, Dalkeith Palace. Just six short miles outside of the big city of Edinburgh. That's right I'm going to live in a palace, I might as well become a Disney Princess. It's not like I'd object, I'm thinking Belle. Also that Highland cow (as seen in the photograph) comes with the program, I'll call him Bernard. Just kidding, but I wish.

Thoughts About Travel

I have never understood how people can just stay in one place forever and be perfectly content with never seeing another part of the world. I come from small town Iowa, with a town population of 7,000. I grew up in the countryside where I spent more time on my horses back than I did sleeping, where my summers consisted of blackberry stained feet, and where you take a moment to breathe in the crisp clean air. It's a place where you live life a little slower. I love small town life and it will always be home, but I have always been infected with wanderlust, since I was a child. How could I not want to see every inch of what was given to us to see, taste, smell, and experience. For whatever reason, we were lucky enough to be put on this beautiful planet and at the end of my life I want to be able to say I did everything I could and wanted in life. I saw every inch of this planet, saw the way people on the other side of the world live their lives, and had the time of my life.

My grandfather has been one of the biggest influences in my life and although he is no longer here I know he would be proud of me for taking this opportunity. He lived his life like every day was his last, saw the world, fought for his country, worked for everything he had, fell in love, and had a family. He was a tough and  argumentative man till the day he breathed his last breath, but he always lived his life in humor. There was nothing better than sitting at Grandpa's house, the wood stove lulling you to sleep while listening to the stories of his life.

I guess you could say part of me has the need to travel because of all the stories he told me, I wanted to live in them myself. My mother also has always encouraged me to see what the world has to offer. Part of the reason I want to travel is to honor my grandfather and live a life full of journeys like he did. If I can live a life like he did I know when it comes my time, I won't be disappointed with what I leave behind. Although my grandfather saw many different parts of the world Scotland is one place he never made it to. I hope in some way he can be there with me on this trip because there is no one I would rather share my stories with than him.

Some people are content with never leaving the town they grew up in or seeing other parts of the world. Although there is nothing wrong with that, it will never be enough for me. I feel like so many peoples life goals are graduate college, get a good job, get married, and have kids. Sometimes I feel like people just go with what society has set as an example for them.Well there is no law saying you have to follow what everyone else is doing. Do them out of order, never have a child, travel, and do things for yourself while your young and your body isn't against you. Climb Mt. Everest, go on a gondola ride in Venice, or sit under the stars at the Eiffel Tower, just explore. Maybe it's selfish, but to me my twenties are going to be about finding myself, growing as a person, and doing what makes me happy. That is what everyone's goal should be after all, just to be happy.

Best Wishes,
Morgan
 

Leaving Soon

Can't believe in 6 days I will be on my way to Edinburgh, Scotland for a semester abroad! Very excited for this life changing opportunity, but also nervous at the same time. Just running around trying to get all my last minute stuff done before I leave and packing, packing and more packing! Saying goodbye at the airport will be the hardest part, I will miss all my loved ones back here tremendously and my dogs Stella and Shadow too! I can't wait to see the way this trip changes my life and makes me grow as a person. I'm excited to meet the locals and fully immerse myself in the Scottish culture. The beautiful landscapes won't be a bad sight to see either! I hope to make friendships that will last a lifetime. I've always dreamed of seeing the world outside of the U.S.A and this is the beginning of my journey.