A Letter to My Grandfather

I've decided to do something a little different for this blog post. I'm going to use this one as a letter that I would write to my grandfather. I wish in someway he'd be able to get it and maybe in some way he will.


Grandpa,

I know this seems kind of bizarre doesn't it? Sending a letter to someone who is no longer here in the physical world? Maybe somehow I think you'll get it even if I never send it because where would I send it to? I just wanted you to know how much I miss you. I miss your stories, I miss your laugh, and I miss the way you loved to give people shit. I haven't seen you in what feels like centuries. I'm in Scotland finally living out my forever dream of studying abroad and I now understand why your spirit was so free. How can someone experience something like seeing the world and not have it make them become so alive, so independent? It's like when you're seeing the world all your worries leave you, like the troubles back home, you leave home. You just focus on you. And although home is always in the back of my mind I'm living in the present and fully immersing myself in this culture. It's like a drug that I have become addicted to. Even if you saw the world in so much more of a difficult way, with being  in a war that caused you to sacrifice so much in your life, I see why you loved the adventure. While I was in London I couldn't help but feel like you were guiding me along the way. I walked the same paths you did only years and years later. It somehow made me feel closer to you, like you never really left. A man in the house who claims to be psychic told me I have a pink aura which means someone who has passed on is guiding and protecting me. Even though I know you would think it was a load of crap I cant help but feel comfort like maybe its you...like maybe you really are here seeing this beautiful land with me. I hope it's true because your heart was filled with wanderlust and I think it'something you infected me with as a child without knowingly doing so. I know a soul like yours could never truly die even when your body defied you with age. I thank you so much for teaching me its perfectly okay to be absolutely selfish in life. Especially at a young age, those are your selfish years. Do things for you, do what makes you happy, follow you heart in whatever direction that might take you. Studying abroad has definitely pointed me in a direction I want to go, towards a person I want to become. I thank you for teaching me how to be independent and you don't need another person to define you, you have all the strength in the world to do that for yourself. It feels like this is the first time I've really felt alive, like I am really living. Scotland is something amazing and the history is so well preserved it makes me be able to see a time long before my own. I know seeing this land is something you would love. It seems surreal that you've been gone for over a year now. There's no one I would rather share the stories of this journey with than you, like you shared yours with me for all those years. You helped shape me as a person and you and Grandma were like my second parents. I hope you've found peace, I hope you've been reunited with Grandma because a love like that is a once in a lifetime kind of thing, and I hope and pray that you are seeing the world at my side. Wherever you are I hope you're happy and more than anything I hope you're free.

I miss you and I'll love you forever,

Morgan

Glasgow, Arthur's Seat, Roslin Chapel and More

Well this has been yet another eventful week here in Scotland. Thursday night we went to the opera for a class and I am happy to be able to say I have experienced an opera. Although the opera was good I can say I don't think it's the thing for me. We then stopped at Mayson's to on the way back to the house to end the night. Gavin, the man who owns Mayson's is the best. He's the nicest guy ever and makes sure to look out for all of us.

This is Gavin!

Kyra, Riley, Lauren and I at Mayson's.

On Friday morning we loaded the bus up and away we went to Glasgow. We made our first stop at Celtic Stadium. It was amazing to see the stadium locker rooms, and walk out into the dome like a true Celtic player does. I can see how amazing it must feel to play of that field with thousands of fans cheering you on. It had such a magical feel about it. I got a scarf that was on sale to remember the Celtics by, I hope to maybe get to a match before leaving Scotland in May. We finished out the rest of the day by attending the Transportation Museum and Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.

Me at CELTIC STADIUM.

Glasgow

Floating Head exhibit at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.

Lauren and I at the Transportation Museum.

Lauren, Emma, Katlin, and I in Glasgow.
"Always find a reason to laugh. It may not add years to your life, but it will surely add life to your years."

Both museums were very neat and it was interesting looking through all the exhibits they had. My favorite one was the floating heads. It's so unique you just can't help but be mesmerized by them. The heads installation was created in encapsulate the word "expression". That's why all the faces are making a different face, to show the range of expression. When we got back from Glasgow Lauren and I went down into Willie's Cafe and watched the first Harry Potter movie with Holly, Brady, Calla, Tyler, Alicia, and Tori. It was fun and you notice a lot more about the movies once you've seen the set, we also enjoyed shouting out, "we've seen that!" every scene.

Let the hike begin.

I made it to the top!

We got up early on Saturday morning and went to hike Arthur's Seat. Arthur's seat was formed by an extinct volcano and the evidence is still prevalent today. No one has ever discovered why the giant 822ft. cliff is named Arthur's Seat, but many believe it was named after King Arthur. We began our hike up the hillside and made in to the top in an hour. It was a vigorous and tough hike, but it was definitely worth the view. At the top it was terribly windy and I got scared a few times of the height. It give you a full view of the whole city of Edinburgh and man if it wasn't one of the most beautiful sites. Although it's always cloudy here the when the sun peaks through the overcast it makes for some of the most breath taking skies, much like the sky we had climbing Arthur's Seat.

Breathtaking view at the top of Arthur's seat.

After the exhausting hike Tyler, Kyra, Lauren, and I went to Baguette Express and fed our grumbling bellies. We then did a bit of shopping around town and eventually made our way back to the house. We prepared ourselves for night two of Harry Potter movie watching and popped the second one in. Only six left to go! Lauren and I cuddle on the couch when the movie gets a little scary! Saturday night was a very windy night and made our shutters hit against the building so it was tougher to sleep. This morning Tyler, Lauren, and I woke up and went to Roslin Chapel. We attended a service to get a free tour and everyone there was so kind. It's so funny when you say you're from the states the people here automaticaly ask you if you're doing the Wisconsin in Scotland Program at Dalkeith Palace. We are known throughout the area! The Chapel was breathtaking and very historic. After we made our way back to the house to eat some lunch.

Roslin Chapel

Tonight I my host dad picked me up and I ate dinner with him, his wife Rachel, her sister, and their two Black Labs Tyler and Macy. We ate chicken breasts, green beans, cauliflower, potatoes, and a fruit crisp. It was delicious and it felt so good to eat veggies. We only really have salad here at the palace and we eat a lot of potatoes and meat. I never knew I could be so happy eating some cooked veggies! Yum! Michael reminds me of my grandfather in a way, he knows a little bit about everything. I think he will really enjoy my arrow head shadow box I plan to give them as a gift since he's so into history and genealogy. I talked to mom tonight and Katie and I officially have a roomed booked for us in Tenby, Wales! Now all we have to do is book our trains. We will start off spring break in London, go to Wales, and spend the last two days back in Edinburgh. I can't wait! Can't believe this Wednesday I will have been here for a month. Time is just flying right on by! I've truly come to think of Edinburgh as my home though and I already know saying goodbye in just 2 months and some odd days will be one of the most difficult things I'll do in life. How sad is it knowing I have to say goodbye one day to a place that has become my home away from home and know that I might never return to this beautiful land, but until then I will treasure the time I do have here and do everything I can and want.

Cheers back to my family in the states. I love you so much and I wouldn't have been able to do any of this without your support. You have given me the best experience of my life and helped me reach my dream of seeing the world. With this gift you have given me so much happiness and the ability to find myself as a person. I'll be seeing you soon.

"Keep smiling because life's a beautiful thing and theres so much to smile about."

Cheers,

Morgan

   

London for the Weekend

The Eye

Well what a weekend in London it was, but I am so happy to be home in Dalkeith. London was really cool, but it wasn't what I was expecting. It was really awesome to see all the monuments and history, I like Edinburgh a lot more though. I feel like London is the equivalent of New York and it's a lot more modern and touristy. The hostel we stayed at was very nice and they had very nice showers so I appreciated that. Our room was quite small for the four of us, but we made it work and it was an adventure. On our first afternoon there we went to the Tower of London and saw the Crown Jewels. After we ate dinner at an Italian place and it was amazing. I have had good experiences at Italian places in the United Kingdom, the staff is always so entertaining and friendly. Might have to make a trip to Italy in the near future. Later that night we went a play called 39 steps in Piccadilly Square and it was amazing and very funny! They say Piccadilly Square is similar to Times Square in New York. It was very alive. On Saturday we went on our walking tour and met at the Covent Gardens which is a shopping area that has all these cool shops, it was really hard to resist! The walking tour led us around London and we saw Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, The Houses of Parliment, Westminster Abbey, Nelson's Column, Horseguards, 10 Downing Street, St. James Park, and Trafalgar Square. On our tour we had a famous England women's basketball player it was sweet even if I didn't know who she was. Our tour guide Chris was great and made it very entertaining! He's actually from Australia so it was fun talking to him about his home country as well, and his accent was awesome too. Also in London they have a statue dedicated to Abraham Lincoln so I thought that is was awesome that he even was inspirational in the United Kingdom.

Lauren and I at Buckingham Palace

After we went to a pub and I tried fish and chips. I can still say fish is not for me. After Riley and I went to Winston Churchill's War Cabinet Bunker. It was really cool to see something from World War II still preserved and left the way it looked all those years ago. They worked in this bunker for 6 years and the lights were never turned off. On the day the war was won everyone turned off the lights and left everything the way it was and returned home to their families. That night Tyler, Lauren, Kyra, Riley and I ate at an amazing burger and shake place and then walked around Soho which was neat to see. On Sunday we went and saw Abbey Road, Sherlock Holmes House and rode the Eye. It was all so amazing and the view from The Eye was surreal. That afternoon we went to Warner Brothers Studios to the Harry Potter set. It was so cool to see the set they worked on for ten years in the movies. We got to see the animal stars of the movies too and they were so cute! It was so elaborate and can't believe I really walked on the set where the cast worked. This morning we went to the British History Museum and the British Library they were both very neat and spectacular. We walked a tremendous amount throughout the weekend and it was very tiring. We fit so much into just four days it was all a blur.

Riley and I on The Eye

I enjoyed myself, but I was ready to come home. It's crazy to think I consider Scotland my home now for the time being. It really has become that though, I feel comfortable here and happy. Our time in London was filled with a lot of laughter, I always have a great time with my friends. We took the tube a lot of our destinations in London as well. I was very proud of myself this weekend and how I rely on myself to get where I am going and I do pretty well. I never thought I'd be able to get myself around somewhere as big as London so easily. I still can't believe I was in the city of royalty, walked where the Beatles did, saw Sherlock Holmes house, and was where they filmed Harry Potter. It's surreal. Today we stored our luggage in the luggage room and went back to collect it before our train so we didn't have to carry it around all day. We opened the door and there was luggage everywhere. I threw myself in there and had to dig ours out. It's very difficult with short legs. Luckily these guys helped me pull them out when I couldn't get them.The train ride home seemed long and it felt so good to walk in the doors of my home. It rained everyday we were there except one day, so it's a good thing I like the rain. If you're ever thinking of going to the United Kingdom I would definitely recommend Edinburgh over London.

British History Museum 

Edinburgh is not as touristy and busy and it's so much more historic and beautiful. The air is also a lot fresher in Scotland. In London it kind of smells and its very dirty with littering. Maybe I'm biased because I live in Edinburgh, but to me Scotland has so much more to offer.

9 3/4 Platform

Hope all is well back in the states.

Cheers,

Morgan

Beauty in Simplicity

One of the biggest ways this study abroad opportunity has changed me is learning to see the beauty in simplicity. I never realized how blessed we really are as a human population to be allowed to live somewhere as breathtaking as earth. It also has made me realize how beautiful my home in the states is and how lucky I am to have grown up where I did, good old Jackson County will always have a part of my heart. The difference I'm beginning to see now is the more I travel and the more I meet new friends, I realize my heart will never truly be home again because parts of it will always lie in the lands I travel to and the people I meet. Scotland has truly stolen my heart and I will miss this place greatly when it's time to return to the states because it has been the place that has helped me discover myself, where I learned to become independent, and the first country I took on solo. We are leaving for London early on Friday morning and coming back Monday night. It will be my first ride on a train so I am excited! Our schedule is pretty packed when we get there Friday we are going right to the Tower of London and then to a play that is supposed to be really good. Throughout the weekend we are also going to Harry Potter Studios, The Eye, Abbey Road, British Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, and on a free walking tour that will show us most of the main attractions in London like Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Horseguards, and much more. I can't believe I am really going to see the great city of London, it doesn't seem real. I have to pack tonight because I won't have time to tomorrow because we have a night tour of Edinburgh! I can't wait because I heard it's even more beautiful at night and the castle is lit up with purple lights. Next week will go by super fast because we only have 3 days of classes because of our London trip. Classes here are so educational and require work, but they are not near as stressful as classes in the states. It's funny because in the states they pile on the homework, tests, and papers but I don't really feel like I retain a lot of the information and that I just get good at memorizing. Here though the classes are so interacting and challenged me to grow through all the information I am learning. Katie and I are getting our spring break plans all figure out so that's exciting! We are going to go to Wales and one of the things we are going to do is ride horses on the beach! Ah! My heart will be right at home on the back of a horse. We also will stop in London, the Roman Baths, Stonehedge, and I'll show her around the town where I live for a couple days. Just thought I'd update everyone on what's happening in my life and give a little inspiration for the day, so go find the beauty in simplicity in your life.

Cheers,

Morgan      

Carboot, Mayson's, and More

Mayson's

Saturday night Kyra, Lauren, Riley, and I went out to eat at an Italian restaurant in town. It was so good and the staff was amazing. They were so funny and joked around a lot. I will be definitely be going back again soon. Afterwords we went to Mayson's and Tyler joined us. It was a fun night and we met some locals. An older man named Chris and a guy our age, Gigger. Chris told us everything we need to watch out for while going out in Scotland and about growing up in Scotland. Gigger was friendly and quite the prankster. It was a fun night but me and Lauren were back and in bed by 11pm. On Sunday we went to the Carboot sale in Edinburgh. Basically it's like a Flea market/garage sale where people sell stuff out of the trunk of the car. it was a cool experience, but a little to packed for me. I didn't end up buying anything because I am trying to save my money for London this weekend. After the sale we went to Starbucks and it as nice to taste something familiar, like home. We all came back and decided to take some naps. Later Tyler and I walked into town to get some to go pizza and came back to watch the Olympics. Can't miss those! My roommates came down as well and we had a 6 hour Olympic marathon, it was great! Late last night I talked to Mom, Dad, and Katie on the phone and it was nice to hear their voices, especially Dad's since I haven't talked to him in 2 weeks.

My roommates Lauren and Kyra with Riley!

Today I had class and the went into Edinburgh with Anna, Kaitlynn, and Christina because they needed to get some things and I was done with class for the day. I went for a nice long run around the estate today and it felt so good to breath in the fresh air. I swear no place has more crisp and fresh air then Scotland. For desert tonight Henry made the most divine chocolate cake I have ever tasted, it was mouthwatering. On my run today I had a lot of time to think and I realized how lucky I was to be able to study abroad on my own and coming into this experience knowing no one. I believe it really helps you see who you are and find out things you never knew about yourself. It helps point you in the right direction and helps you discover who you want to be. It's hard to explain until you do it for yourself, but it's like you just feel so free. Free of troubles back home, free to be yourself or recreate yourself, and free to see and do anything you want. Travel might consist of making mistakes, but that's something so small in the big picture and plus you learn from your mistakes. You know what they say if you're not making mistakes along the way, you're not really living life right.

"We didn't realize we were making memories, we just knew we were having fun."

Life's an adventure and those who don't travel only read one page.

Cheers,

Morgan

Cramond Island, Host Families, and More

Yesterday we went to Cramon Island. Just when I thought Scotland couldn't get any more marvelous the Cramon Islands proved me wrong. Camon in a tidal island so if you aren't off of it by a certain time you can get trapped. The island was used during the war as an outpost in protecting the coasts from enemies. You can still see remnants of old buildings on the island.

The walkway to Cramon Island

It is a one mile walk along the path (that becomes under the water during high tide) to get out to the island. Along the causeway there are concrete pylons that were build during WWII as a defense against submarines. The island lies in the North Sea, which I can now say i have stepped foot in. It was one of the most beautiful sites I have ever seen. We explored the whole island and collected some shells as a souvenir. On the way to the island a man pointed out a house of J.K. Rowling's that she stays in while visiting Edinburgh. After a while we it got colder on the island and made it back to Edinburgh. Lauren, Tyler, and I then went to Primark to do  a bit of damage. I can see why everyone love it so much there are so many clothes to choose from for a reasonable price. I got a sweater and some gloves.

The views are to die for.

My roommate Lauren and I on an old building.

Me on Cramond Island

After we made our way the The Elephant House where many of you know is where J.K. Rowling began writing the Harry Potter series. I had a mocha and a homemade brownie. It was very delicious. After we went to the cemetery behind The Elephant House where she got some of the names for her characters books. It's crazy imagining JK Rowling sitting at the same coffee shop and wandering the same cemetery as I did when she began one of the greatest series of all time. It's easy to see how inspired a writer could be in a city like Edinburgh. There's inspiration everywhere you look from the people, the history, and the architecture.

Thomas Riddell grave

My treat at the Elephant House

That is the one thing I like more about Scotland that the United States is how much more history they have preserved. We then made our way back to Dalkeith and got some takeout Chinese to eat back at the Palace while we watched Braveheart. It's funny watching that movie and realizing how bad their accents are after hearing them for real and how most Scot's today so not want independence from the United Kingdom. This morning I met my host family. They are a nice older couple who have been a host family for 25 years. Their names are Rachel and Michael Wilson. One girl from a previous semester in the program actually married their son. They know a broad range of knowledge and know so much history. I think I will learn a lot from them. On Thursday they are picking me up and we are going to her sisters for dinner. I am very excited for the experience of knowing them and having a family in another country. They said we will probably get together at least once a week. They also have a dog I am very excited to meet because I miss my own pups. This afternoon I am going to get some homework done and then possibly go out to Mayson's later tonight. Tomorrow is the Carboot sale so I am excited to interact with the locals and find some good deals! I love how independent I have become here and how we can just take off and do our own thing with this program, but they also provide us with so many resources. I like being able to navigate a big city like Edinburgh and not being terrified of becoming lost, I think I've become much more patient from this experience so far. I can't believe I will have already been here two weeks soon, time is flying by. I am so glad I took this opportunity because I know it has aleady forever changed my life.

Sometimes you find yourself in the middle of nowhere and sometimes in the middle of nowhere you find yourself.

I also found out this weekend when we go to London the original animals from the Harry Potter movies will be at the studios we visit. How cool is that that I get to meet them!

Cheers,

Morgan

Wandering the Estate

The Orangerie

Today I got to explore more of the grounds on the estate a bit. It's so beautiful and I found the animals! There are horses, cows, a very friendly donkey, sheep, and llamas on the estate grounds. The donkey followed me along the fence line as I walked! He kept trying to eat my jacket. There is also another bridge on the estate and a beautiful piece of architecture called The Orangearie. It said it was built as the focal part of the garden. It is for sure something that you can't miss. It is a very alluring building and very historic looking as well. One of my favorite things about not only the estate, but Scotland in general how every building, monument, path, and structure has so many stories to tell from the past, from other lives. It's such an inspiring and charismatic place. I can see why some people come here and never want to leave. I already know it's going to be so hard to say goodbye to this land in 3 short months. I will never tire of walking down these paths lined with cobblestone and hedge fences. Green grass in Scotland is so much more vibrant than green grass in the states, I love the dreary feeling of this country. The air here also feels so fresh and not contaminated. Sometimes I feel like this is all a dream and it isn't really happening like I'm not really seeing this country with my own eyes because for so long traveling to lands of the unknown was just a dream. Feels like just yesterday I was applying for this opportunity and now a year later I'm here. It amazes me how much beauty can be packed into one place. I have one more class today and then it's officially my weekend. I feel so much more inspired to learn in a place like Scotland. Not only do I learn in my daily classes, but I learn something every second I spend here, even by just walking into town. 

Donkey!

Being in a place like Scotland makes you see things in life like you never have before. I think traveling is something everyone should experience even just doing it alone where you no no one it almost makes it more worthwhile. I know when I leave Dalkeith I will leave with have making friends out of people who started of as strangers in 3 months time. So many of my friendships here have started with, "wait no way you too?". Every night my roommates Kyra, Lauren, Hannah, Karina, and I talk about our days and it's nice to bond with them and here stories about where they come from. Last night we signed up for the Highland Games. Its an event the faculty board puts on for us and we compete in our clans. It sounds like it is going to be a fun time, but it;s not till April. Everyone is figuring out what they want to do for spring break. Katie is coming over for spring break and I think we are going to go to Ireland together. I can't wait for that and to see my sister, my other half. She's always wanted to see places like this with me, so I am glad I can show her a little of Scotland before we go to Ireland. It's crazy how much your siblings are your worst enemy when you're little and then somewhere along the way they turn into your best friend who you would do anything for.

Another Bridge on the estate.

Of course today begins the Olympics, I wouldn't forget that! I am watching it as I write this. This is the first year the Olympics has been on and I haven't watched it with my family. 10 hour Olympic marathons on the couch with Katie? Yeah I'll definitely miss that this season. It's been tradition to watch them together every year, but I guess coming to Scotland was worth giving it up for this year.  Watching it from the British perspective is a lot different from back home in the states. To me it's not as emotional like they make the Olympics on TV in the U.S.A. with all the life stories of the athletes. They also don't highlight the American athletes as much either since they are British. At least I can still watch to find out who wins though! U.S.A. ALL THE WAY. I'm glad their is some other Olympic junkies in the house as well!

Highland Cow

 Tomorrow we go to Cramon Island. Its a tidal Island so it's only above the water when the tide is out. It should be cool to see and I'm excited to go into Edinburgh again as well. Two days and I meet my host family. I am getting nervous. I hope they like me and I like them. It would be amazing to have a second family in a different country that I stayed close too. I could learn so much more about the culture from them and see more of Scotland. Missing everyone back home.

Cheers,

Morgan

One Week Down

Daily Sunrise in Dalkeith

I've officially spent a week here in Scotland and I'm loving every minute of it. I will never tire of the beautiful sunrises that shine right on Dalkeith house every morning. It's a beautiful scene to wake up to. Yesterday I had social dance class and that was a lot of fun. I was partners with my roommate Kyra and my friend Riley. We learned how to two step to some Brooks and Dunn, it was nice hearing something that reminds me of home, something familiar. I also had Interpersonal communications I think that should be a fun class the teacher is quite energetic. I then worked with my clan for dinner shift. We helped prepare for dinner and cleaned the dinning hall and kitchen. The more I work with Henry the more I like him. He cracks me up with the stories he tells. Yesterday he told me "Life's a bitch then ya marry one, have some kids, and ya die." He doesn't beat around the bush he tells it like it is. He also swears a lot, but I can't help but laugh every time because it's so funny hearing cuss words in his Scottish accent. He also likes to make people laugh so he told us a story about how he's trying to lose weight and the doctor told him to exercise. He decided to get his son's old bike out of the garage and get it fixed. "It cost me 100 pounds to get the damn thing fixed!". He then told us he went to take it out shoved his feet in the pedals and off he went, he went to stop at a stoplight and couldn't get his feet out so he just slowly toppled over. The way he gestures when telling a story is so funny.  I love working with my clan they are a blast. I also paid for my London trip cant believe that will be here in less than two weeks! I can't wait to ride the Eye and take a double decker bus tour! After dinner we decided to go to Mayson's.

Heart of Midlothian 

 My roommates Lauren and Kyra, my friends Anna, Jenna and Riley, and the Assistant Resident Director all came with. Later though pretty much everyone was there. It was fun and we talked to some locals who were very funny. The one guy was on his 17th drink and he looked fine! Crazy how high their tolerance level is for alcohol here. It was a good time. Today I only had one morning class and I worked the lunch shift.  After I got off I went for a run around the 

estate. It felt so good to go for a run, especially in this beautiful area. It started to pour right when I got back so I timed it perfectly. I am done for the day so I might work on some homework. Anna and I might go into Edinburgh to explore! I also forgot to add a photo the other day after our scavenger hunt around Edinburgh. It's called The Heart of Midlothian that is the "territory" in Scotland where I am. It's a heart in the bricks in Edinburgh and it is the exact center. People spit on it to show respect. Weird I know I didn't think spitting was considered respectful. It's crazy how much this place is becoming my second home. I think it will feel even more so when I meet my host family this Saturday. Missing everyone back in the states. I'll be seeing everyone soon.

My clan Wallace.

Cheers,

Morgan 

Last Day of Orientation and Beginning Classes

Yesterday was the last day of orientation here at the palace and today we started classes. I am excited for classes so I have some sort of structure to my schedule. For the last day of orientation we did a scavenger hunt around Edinburgh to get to know the city better.

Sir Walter Scott Monument

I definitely know how to get around better and know where more places are. It was a 2 and 1/2 mile course, but it seemed longer. Also we had to ask locals questions as part of it, I talked to a guy on the bus and he was very nice and friendly. I love Edinburgh, especially Princess Street with all the beautiful monuments, gardens, and places to shop. We saw a lot of light shows that happen during the night in Edinburgh. We intend to go back to see them one night because I bet they are magnificent. They also have a production of War Horse at the theater and I was sad it was sold out because I bet that would have been something amazing to see.  I finally got my phone set up and called home. Mom and Katie were home, but dad was at work. It was so good to hear their voices. I also got to talk to Stella! I miss them all. Even though I love it here an am having a great time my family is always in the back of my mind. I wouldn't be here without their support and helping to afford to take this opportunity. I owe them so much for the experience they have given me. Tonight at the palace we ate some traditional Scottish foods and had a Ceilidh (a party or dance) where we learned some traditional dances. It was a lot of fun. This upcoming weekend we go to see Cramon Island, meet our host families, and go to the Carboot Sale (like a flea market). I'm going to look for sweaters at the sale because I need more with the damp cold here. I could get used to this whole only 4 days of classes a week and wearing slippers to class. I have two communications classes, a social dance class, and a Scottish globalization class. The faculty is really nice so I think I will enjoy my classes a lot. Its a nice atmosphere having the faculty live here in the palace and learning about Scotland and touring with us too. Its nice so if I have a question about the work they are only a hallway away. Mondays will be my busiest day. I have Intercultural Communications from 8am-9:40am and Scottish Globalization from 1:30-4:30 and 6:30pm to 9:30pm that should be a long class! I like my Scottish Globalization teacher though, he is very entertaining. Scottish people have great humor. I learned from him today that Scot's hate Sean Connery a lot. They hate him because he always claims to love his country, but he doesn't even live here anymore. He lives in the Bahamas because he doesn't want to pay the taxes in his so called beloved country. He said "To hell with Sean Connery!". Scot's have a saying they say to one another when the other is thinking as himself as better than other's, "You're no better than me." They say this because the man thinking he's better than the rest often comes from the same background or not from wealth, but they act like it. Like with Sean Connery they say he's no better than me his father was a milkman.  

View of Edinburgh from the terrace 

We all also have house jobs I vacuum the grand stair case and clean the conference room every Monday. We also get assigned prep and serving duty. Every Wednesday for two hours during the day I will help prepare for that nights dinner. About 7 times during the semester, with my clan Wallace, we serve dinner and clean up after dinner is served. During out kitchen hours we work under the head chef Henry. He is Scottish and he has a very dry sense of humor. When we had our kitchen training we learned about how fast bacteria can spread on food and the do's and don'ts. He told us a story of one time when he had food poisoning and he told his wife he loved her and she told him they'd best get him to the hospital because he was delusional. His stories are quite funny. We also have trips and sightseeing about every weekend. Once I get into the flow of things it should be pretty easy. This morning I had toast and peanut butter for breakfast. It was nice having something familiar to eat, but the peanut butter did taste a little different. They also have cereal here in the castle for breakfast! Thank heavens I am saved! I love cereal a ridiculous amount. I tried a candy bar called a Kinder Bar. Its two pieces like a Twix but it's milk covered in hazelnut and chocolate. It is the most delicious thing I have ever eaten. One of my favorite things I have found here is how everyone says cheers as a way of goodbye, so I've decided to start using it. So till next time.

Streets in Edinburgh

Cheers,
Morgan

Castle

The Palace

It was a rainy, windy and cold day in Edinburgh today but then this afternoon the sun came out for the first time since I've been here. The beauty of the palace will never cease to amaze me. It's crazy thinking parts of the palace are still original parts of the 12th century castle that was here. The woodwork and marble in the castle are all original parts from the castle. I always wonder all of the people that have stood where I have stood in the castle and slept in the room I sleep in. So much history lies here in this beautiful palace and estate I call my home. There are rumors that the Palace is haunted, but I haven't had any occurrences. I honestly think it's an old myth carried on by students. At first the castle was a bit creepy to me its very roomy and spacious and it's so old. I have gotten used to it though and it's become my home away from home. I love living with my friends and only being a short walk away from Dalkeith, but getting on the estate and feeling like I'm in the country. On the estate there is a place where people board their horses and there are also llamas. It's makes this place feel more like home being around animals. I am getting better at understanding the accent. Today we had a speaker and we learned about pub etiquette. I feel a lot better and more sure of myself that I will fit in. Some people in the castle have gone out every night this week and come back plastered and are hungover. If that's the only reason you spent 10,000 dollars to come to Scotland to drink like you do every weekend in the states then I think you need to reevaluate your priorities. Your in a different country for gosh sake! Plus when you act like that, are loud, and in big groups the locals automatically know you're American. I want to fit in with the locals and not be irritating to them. I guess it might just be my own personal preference. Anna, Riley, and I explored the palace last night. We found passages we didn't know existed in this place and my favorite was the spiral staircases! They do make me dizzy though. I have been looking up flights to Ireland for when Katie comes to stay in March, we were thinking it's somewhere we'd like to go. Tomorrow we are doing the Amazing Race through Edinburgh with the clans we were assigned. Mine is "Wallace" and I think we should do pretty well!    

The Duke and I