End of the Beginning (Dec 17)

Well here it is. It's 7 hours till I take off from Edinburgh Airport and begin my journey home. It is sad leaving St. Andrews and friends that I have met. I am not sad though because I am sure I will stay in contact with my closer friends. My time here has been short, but it is time to get back. I am not homesick, but it just feels like its time to get back to normal life. Life is going to change drastically from what I am used to, for better and worse. But it is a new journey in itself. With my new experiences, I am prepared to take on new challenges.

Today was rough though. I had my 4th regular latin exam (4 throughout the semester) plus the final a half hour after I finished the other test. The 4th exam went well I believe. The final was tough. It was a lot harder than I thought it would be and I really have no idea how I did. But I am not thinking about that now. I am leaving so I have to take care of all that stuff, I want to see friends for the last time, and its Christmas.  Tonight I saw my newest friends maybe for the last time. It is kind of sad. Most live on the east coast or in the south, no one is really near Minnesota. Things will work out hopefully to see them sometime later in life. I would not be opposed.

My experience has sure been grand. I got to take a course on castles and see castles in the flesh. It gives my interest in medieval history and history in general a whole new outlook. It's rather exciting. I found out that I want to go abroad for grad school and study medieval history. This is not for sure, but its a definite option at this point. Throughout the term I also feel that my writing has improved. You may not be able to tell from the blog, but my essay writing has improved. It is going to be strange to walk through a town that is not old at all. St. Andrew's is over 600 years old, with cool ruins interspersed in the town. I won't be seeing that or be able to look out at the ocean from Minnesota. I am truly grateful for the opportunity that I have had to study abroad. I would definitely recommend anyone interested to have this experience. I feel that my experience has not had many obstacles which has been great. Things turned out wonderfully.  I shall miss Scotland and St. Andrews and the people here. I have grown quite fond of it, but not so much so I forget Minnesota. Minnesota is where the heart is.

I am not sure if this will be my last post or not. It depends if I feel like writing some other things. This blog was primarily used as a journal and record of my experience in Scotland. After I return, I won't be in Scotland anymore, thus my blog will most likely come to an end.  Thank you to everybody who glanced, read, or looked at pictures on my blog. It is nice to know that people to care to read up on what I was doing. I hope it was rather enjoyable, because it sure was for me.

Thanks and Farewell
Parker

Fish and Chips (Dec 14)

This afternoon, Callum, Grace, and I travelled to far off (not really that far) to Anstruther. In orientation back in October, I remember hearing about Anstruther Fish n'Chips being voted the best in the UK. So obviously I had to find out for myself. In the time that I have been here, I have had numerous fish 'n chips from various places within St. Andrews, around St. Andrews, and beyond. Where some people have spent lots of money on pubs, I spent it on fish and chips.

The Anstruther Fish Bar is said to have had the best fish n' chips in the UK. It was also fitting that I got there with only two days left in Scotland.  I am making this my last fish and chips while abroad. I am ending while on the top. And I have to say, they were quite delicious. I have liked all of the fish and chips I have gotten here, but Anstruther does stand higher in the rankings. I won't go into much detail, and this might sound goofy, but I would rate fish and chips on the batter, cripsy-ness, flakiness and so on.  For example, I like the Tailend Fish and Chips, but you can't pick it up with your hands without it breaking apart. Anstruther was able to be picked apart and picked up with relative ease, so I liked that about it. The fish is extremely fresh, as the bar sits on the harbor and fresh catches are brought in twice a day. I would like to think that you say you want a fish and some guy jumps in the water to catch one.

Just look at this fish... you can see that it looks crispy and yummy, which I can assure you it was indeed. For all those who are coming to Scotland at some point in their lives, this is a stop that you should stop and eat at. It's worth the trip. 

Haldane Flat 2

It only took me to the end of the semester to realize that I have no pictures of my flatmates. I suggested we all take a picture together as a group so we can remember what we all look like. All of them are great people and I wish them the best with their future endeavors.

We are a very diverse group of people and come from very different parts of the world. Yukiko is originally from Japan, Ivan is from Bulgaria, Alberto from Italy, Sabrina from Texas (another world in itself :p and I hail from the frozen land of Minne-snow-ta. It was interesting for me to meet people from all around the world in such a small timeframe. 

From left to right: Yukiko Kishimoto, Ivan Damgov, Alberto Micheletti, Sabrina Triola, and myself.

I am unsure if I described the set up of my apartment. I am on the ground floor of Haldane, which sits next to the main building. Each flat has around 5-6 occupants. Behind the main door is a hallway with several doors and rooms attached, with the final room in the hall leading into the kitchen living room area. It is a different set up than I am used to at home where the main door would open into the living room, but it worked.  Each occupant had their own bedroom, desk, closet, and bathroom which was nice.  David Russell Apartments are rented out during the summer season to golfs visiting St. Andrews and are in need of a cheaper room than the ritzy golf hotel. 

Thanks for being awesome flatmates. Maybe our paths will cross in the future down the road. Until then, so long. 

St. Andrew's Oldest Tradition: Pier Walk (Dec 11)

The final Sunday before I leave, and the final Sunday service for Salvator's Chapel this year, I partook in the worship at Salvator's Chapel followed by one of the oldest traditions, the pier walk. The service was normal, and rather odd. The sermon started talking about politics and fat cats. It was a weird comment and I was lost for a few moments. Anyway, after the service it is normal for students to don their red gowns (I borrowed one) and walk to the pier and back. This happens every sunday except when bad weather threatens to throw students off the pier into the ocean.

This excerpt is from a website describing the pier walk:
The origins of the Pier Walk are veiled in obscurity though most people believe it was started to commemorate the heroism of John Honey, a student of the university. In 1800 he rescued five men from a ship sinking in St Andrews Bay. Five times he swam out and each time he returned with a rescued man.

Whatever its origins, the Pier Walk is one of the oldest traditions in St Andrews. Every Sunday, after chapel service, students in their gowns walk down to the end of the pier, climb up the ladder and walk back along the top. Doesn't sound too interesting, does it? Try and picture the scene - the wind is howling in off the sea, your gown is flapping, whipping back and forth, pulling you around, and a drop onto rocks (or, if you're lucky and they're not, onto your fellow Pier Walkers) awaits if you make a mistake. All in all, the Pier Walk certainly adds spice to a Sunday morning stroll.

Did I mention yet that the highest part of the pier is also the narrowest part? In the past, students have been blown clean off the pier and never seen again. Hmmm, that might be a slight exaggeration. What isn't an exaggeration is that no one leaves St Andrews without doing the Pier Walk at least once (be it on the Sunday morning or not).

It was very fitting that I participated in this momentous occasion the last weekend I am here. It was an excellent way to end my experience in St. Andrews

 left: Chelsea White, right: Me

The robe is a very important part of University life. It is often donned during important and ceremonial occasions. The robe symbolizes academics as does the way one wears the robes. First years where the robe complete closed around the next which symbolizes the students eagerness for learning. Second years wear it open, starting to show some relaxed state as compared to the previous year. Third years wear the robe on the lower shoulders for a more relaxed fit. Seniors only wear the robe on one shoulder, cause they don't care anymore cause they are graduating. I am wearing mine like a second year. I am a third year back at home, but I did not feel like wearing lower on my shoulders, especially considering its not my robe and it did not fit that well. The robe itself (the one I am wearing) was my flatmates, who is smaller compared to me. It would not shut nor was it the right size, but it worked for this occasion.

 The iconic photo for all golfers around the world. The little stone arch bridge and the Royal and Ancient in the background.

 Chelsea on the Bridge

 Robust

 Aww inspiring

Classy

This week is going to be interesting. I have a final for my honors medieval history class tomorrow morning at 930. I have one hour to write an essay out of 4 questions. I am not too worried about it though. My latin final is what is worrying me. The Latin class has 4 regular exams throughout the semester. The 4th exam is on friday. I also take the final (2 hours) right after the class. So after Monday, the rest of the week is going to be used revising for Latin. Fun stuff. I then get on the giant steel bird to cross the icy sea at 855 in the morning, which means I leave here around 6 am. Fun last days in Scotland. But the good news is, I am coming home.

Kebab (Dec 9)

I was hearing that no Scottish experience was complete without experiencing a kebab. To achieve this experience, I needed to consume only the best, which is why I conferred with Callum Kenny, a kebab connoisseur of kebabs. He claimed KFB had pretty damn good kebabs, so that is where we went. KFB had a special deal for two meals (aka kebabs) you get one free, so we had three. But each of us only ate one. They are super filling. Our kebabs got mixed up so I had his and he had mine. Callum's was quite delicious. It was FILLED with chicken and doner (lamb) in a baked dough (like pizza dough). I was really full that night for dinner.

So much meat

Farewell IFSA-Butler (Dec 9)

I feel the need to say thank you to IFSA Butler, Ruth Casey, and Deirdra McCourt for all of their help this past semester. Ruth and Deirdra have been responsible for setting up so many great opportunities while in Scotland, such as Inverness which I would not have been able to do on my own, and made the transition to living in a new environment smooth. IFSA Butler is great and any student who is considering studying abroad anywhere, look to see if there is an IFSA Butler program, and I would definitely recommend it. They work so much behind the scenes to make your experience enjoyable and take an interest in how you feel about the experience. Ruth and Casey and all of the other IFSA Butler people deserve a lot of credit. Thanks Ruth and Deirdra, maybe one day we will meet again.

Left: Ruth, Middle: Me, Left: Deirdra

They both said they are not good at photo's, I would have to disagree

Images of St. Andrews (Dec 6)

Some of you who have been looking at my blog might have been asking "why don't we see pictures of where Parker lives." I find it an interesting phenomenon that when one lives in a area and lives in that environment for sometime, the thought of taking pictures to immortalize those places and memories just does not cross ones mind. However, I took it upon myself to walk around town between a meeting and class in the afternoon to capture images of my favorite places, and images that have yet to be seen. Take a look and see the places that have become 'hot spots' among my travels in St. Andrews.

 St. Katherines Lodge, home of the Department of History. My professor for the Medieval Castle in Scotland 1100-1550, Michael Brown, has his office on the 3rd floor.

 The Scores

 Great photo of St. Andrews Castle. Almost a perfect postcard

I visited the cathedral again to try and get some different angles and images of the cathedral ruins. Plus I had not been in the square tower nor the museum. When I was there, the museum was closed for lunch, but I did go up the tower.

 I went up this tower. This tower is quite tall and gives one of the best panoramic images of St. Andrews. To get in you must go through a extremely small turn style and continue up a skinny metal spiral stair case which opens up into an equally small stone stair case that goes up and up. It's a decent climb. 

 I liked the lighting of most of these pictures. When these were taken, it was only around 1 pm but it looks more like 3 or 4.

 Image from the top of the square tower at the cathedral.

 Another architectural shot of the square tower

 I have seen this shot in postcards, so I wanted my own version of it. I never noticed it before

 Framed shot. I am getting so artistic

 St. Andrews Pier. 

 Every Sunday, students who attend the church service at Salvators Chapel and wear their red robes go on a pier walk. The pier walk is memorial for a student who in the past saw a shipwreck off the pier and swam to the wreck saving several men before drowning himself. This pier is famous within St. Andrews and beyond. As it turns out, my last Sunday, this coming Sunday, I will participating in the pier walk. A fitting end to my experience in St. Andrews

 Although there are signs for now swimming, at the end of the pier is a set of stairs that come out of the water. This being the case, in May, students take part in the May Dip and jump off the pier. Many students do this in their experience in St. Andrews. I have not decided to do a pier jump with how cold it has become. I am sure it would be similar to a polar plunge. 

 The pier stands quite high over the water and has no rails. So obviously I walked on the highest part. I know my Mom will cringe at this though :).  It was a worthwhile walk.

 Younger Hall, where St. Andrew's students go for matriculation. Located on North Street.

 Salvator's Chapel and Tower. Located on North Street

 This is a popular stop for me when I am going to the library. Often I get a sandwich, pasty, or scotch pie to eat for lunch on my way to the library. When have a sweet tooth, Fisher and Donaldson has excellent fudge doughnuts and chocolate cream towers. All of their items are really good.

 Butler and Company is a local butcher and the only place that sells Jiffy peanut butter, lucky charms, reeses peanut butter cups and other American food items for a high price. However, the only thing besides reeses that I have bought here are really good wraps. They use really interesting ingredients and combine them in wraps called "dirty harry, ploughmans lunch, Indiana Jones etc..."

 Curiosity, the local thrift store of odd items. They have so many cool and odd items. A great place for silly gifts. I have looked at its contents many times. Located on South Street.

 This looks really non impressive or significant, but on contrary is where I attend my history class. My class room is the door next to the blue door. The building is St. John's house, which is one of the oldest buildings in St. Andrews that has been restored. It houses the Department of Medieval History

 St. Johns House and Department of Medieval History. Located on South Street

 Jannetta's is a popular ice cream shop. They have many flavors of ice cream ranging from the classics of chocolate, cookies and cream, rocky road etc... to Scottish Tablet, Irn Bru sorbet and more.  When it was warmer, I made many stops at Jannetta's with friends to experience good ice cream. Located on South Street.

 This is not usual for St. Andrews. Usually in this area, musicians usually do "busking" (playing for entertainment and money). I heard the music from far off and decided to investigate. To my surprise, it was three guys playing music and selling their CD. Well, they are Native Americans, in Scotland of all places. It was odd to see them in a place like St. Andrews. The music was entrancing and mystical in a sense. I did not purchase a CD unfortunately.

 The Whey Pat Taven is a popular pub for those who enjoy traditional Scottish and Irish music. Every tuesday nights are reserved for this style of music. The atmosphere is quite friendly. I had my first Guiness here, and I liked it.

 Kinness Fry Bar has had the pleasure of my business, and the business of my friends. As with everything in St. Andrews, every place shuts down for the night (excluding pubs). After a certain time, even pubs do not make food. That leaves only 2 options, the Kinness Fry Bar and Empire. Both deliver and are open till two in the morning. I prefer the Kinness Fry Bar. As the name implies, most things are friend. However, they are known for doner kababs, and pizza. I have not had a doner kabab yet. This is where I experienced my first deep fried mars bar (not first fried candy bar). When I am hungry late at night, Kinness is always there. 

 The Rule looks rather silly with the big red sign stating "book for christmas." Many places have notices like this on or outside their restaurant.  The Rule has been a popular stop for people as it usually shows American Football on a large screen. This is also the normal stop for the socialization after Scottish Country Dancing. This is also where I had Sticky Toffee Pudding for the first time, and it was delicious. Located on South Street.

 The Noodle Bar...really good noodles. You pick a sauce and can add meat if you want. Just the veggies and noodles are really good. Its really fast too. I usually get this when I want to sit down, but for not too long. On Market Street.

 My whole time here, Market Street has been under construction. It finally got done this week. They spent the whole time re-cobbling the road. So it looks really nice now. It did not a week ago. For most of my time here, cars could not drive so walking on the street was completely fine. Now pedestrians have to watch for cars and buses. At least it looks nice.

 Le Rendez-Vous is an Italian sandwich, pizza, and pasta shop. I have gotten taste panini's here on occasion. Also located on Market Street, right next to the Noodle Bar. So I sometimes have to choose my allegiance.

 Fritto fish and chips is probably my favorite fish and chips stop in St. Andrews. I don't know what it is, but it has always been good. It is also where I ate my first deep fried haggis which was equally tasty. 

 The Central is the only english style pub in St. Andrews. I enjoy going in for Bangers and Mash (sausages and mash potato with gravy). The dish is really good, and is usually included in the lunch special every day from 12-5 for 3.75 pounds. A really good deal. When I was in London, I ate at the Silver Cross which is the same establishment with the same menu. So they are all over the UK. 

 Fat Face is where I bought my red knit sweater. I bought it in Oxford, but this one is in St. Andrews.

 Le Rendez-Vous and Noodle Bar

 shortcut to reach the library from Market Street

 Boots is a pharmacy where I buy my soap, razors, hair clippers for my head and other necessities that I need in my time in Scotland. It has never let me down.

 The Tailend is a higher end fish bar. The fish is a slightly better quality than Fritos and is just as good. I go here when Fritos is not open for lunch or dinner, depending on what I am feeling.

 Tesco, the main grocery store in St. Andrews. This Tesco is actually the most expensive in the great expanse of the whole UK. They can raise prices for the high demand. Mind you a grocery store in Scotland is very different from home. There is far less selection. Take your grocery store at home, and cut it down to a 4th that size and you would get Tesco metro. It's rather small for the number of people it serves. 

 Bibi's cafe is a place where I go with friends to have a lovely lunch. It is the first place where I ate when I got to St. Andrews in October and the first place where I ate haggis for the first time in a panini. They have really visually stunning and delicious shakes and hot chocolate. They are really bad health wise I am sure, but they are so good.

The Library. The main level was just redone before the semester started. The main level is set up very logically and looks appealing. This changes as you go up to the 2nd and 3rd floors. Those floors have yet to be refurbished. It has mustard yellow (plus added dirt over the years since the 70's) carpet that looks really gross. But the library has a decent amount of books. The library is where all students read for class as we do not purchase books for class, but rather read them in the Library. I rather like the system.

So that is a brief view of what St. Andrew's is like. I like to say the pictures don't do the city justice. What this refers to is the fact that there was sun. The sun does not shine for very long at this time in the season, so I took advantage of having sun and nice lighting for pictures. I hope you all enjoyed seeing where I have been living. I hope to have more up about my accommodation and buildings that I have missed. Little more than a week left before I come home. Until then, keep reading.