Fried Haggis

So today was the second day of lectures. Not too exciting.  This morning at 7:20 am, my hall had a fire drill. We have to exit the building quickly, otherwise the next drill is 30 minutes sooner. I had no idea what was happening as I was abruptly awoke, and did not think to put on shoes when I left. I am right on ground floor so walked out into the dewy grass and stood there for a few minutes. We all did, but I just had no shoes. Luckily I went back to sleep and wake up and walk to town for lunch. I convinced Callum, my scottish friend, to join me for lunch at Fritos where you can get fried haggis, chips (fries) and a drink for 3.75 pounds. Great deal. So we did that. I have eaten a few bites of regular haggis, but never friend. It tastes just the same as regular haggis but is easy to hold because of the fried batter. It was really good. I was glad to have chips and a drink though. Haggis usually uses a lot of pepper and can sometimes stick to the top of your mouth. That may sound gross to some, but you cannot judge it until you have tried it.

In the evening I went with Brendan and John to the 'Blue Stane' where we watched a really good football game. By football I mean soccer, although they do show American football here which surprised me. The game ended with a tie at 3-3. The English team was hardly ever lost at home and were expected to crush the other team. The game was 2-0, but the underdog scored 3 in quick succession. In the last minute England was able to put another in for the tie. A great game. Afterwards I wanted to go to the Whey Pat which has traditional irish and scottish music on tuesday nights. But the place was packed. I think the Irish society was there. There was no place to sit and was just too busy.

When I got back to DRA, I spoke with my flatmate Sabrina (from Baylor University Texas). She too goes to a private Christian Baptist school and has shared the same sentiments as I in regards to differences from home. We talked about places where we want to go and such. It was nice. I never really saw here that much.  My flatmates all seem to be cool, I just have not spent a lot of time with any one of them yet. I am planning to get to know them all better at some point.

Ceilidh (Sep. 26)

To start off, today is the first day of lectures. I have it really tough with class at 3, so I have to get up super early. Not really, its a good deal. The Latin class is actually quite large. It was about 26 people. So the class has the main professor and two graduate students teaching the class. My teachers name is Juan and he is from Spain and has a really heavy accent making it hard to understand what he is saying. I was just placed in the group that has Mattijs and Nora as our teachers. I think it might be for the better since I believe they speak clearer english. My class takes place in the new Arts Lecture building next to the library on the Scores. So not a super old building, but I guess it will have to do. I did need to buy a text book because I need it in class. Hopefully I won't have to buy another book for my other class.

I was looking forward to my evening. At 7, I was going to be meeting the Celtic Society at the Union where we would walk somewhere where we would have Ceilidh lessons. A Ceilidh is traditional Scottish/Celtic Folk dancing. I am a beginner, so this was a beginning class. [note: Ceilidh pronounced 'kay-lee']. The class was a lot of fun. First you warm up with some running and stretching, then you pair up with someone / get into groups where they walk you step by step how to do the dance. Eventually after we walk through the dance a few times, we actually do the dance to music. The music does not always work since it uses cassettes. I was lucky to have been with some of the committee club members for the Celtic Society. They were able to help me along and get the dances. Typically after the lessons, the committee members take whoever is interested to a pub and socialize. We went to 'The Rule', and I was one of two I believe who where not committee members. So I made a few new friends and talked to them. I found some like minded people which was really cool. I am definitely going to go back and learn more dancing. Never thought I would be dancing in Scotland.

Fresher's Fayre (Sep. 24-25)

Fresher's Fayre is similar to Saint Sports Wednesday but for the non-athletic societies. All of the societies are in the Student Union building. When I got to the Union, the place was packed. The area where they have all of the dancing was super warm, the air was thick with sweat, and was just unpleasant to be in there. But I was on a mission to find the Celtic Society, History Society, and Shire of Caer Caledon. I saw the shire first cause some guy was dressed up in medieval clothes and was carrying a big banner. I got some information about when they meet. Sadly they have a 12 course feast this Saturday when I am going to be in Edinburgh visiting with Sam Kampa (studies at Oxford this semester). I asked them about the fighting and what they use. They fight with spears, swords, and axes. He lifted up his legit metal axe and said "this." I am totally in. [This is a shout out to Tim Larson, I found the place to do broad sword fighting]. I next found the Celtic Society. They had Ceilidh lessons on Monday that I think I will go to. Other groups that they had in the main room where the typical groups. There was a pokemon thing (super hard core people doing pokemon). My friend Callum joined that group, but decided to leave. Too nerdy. The people had sponsors. The weirdest one I saw was a Pole Fitness club. Basically its the fitness of a stripper on a stripper pole. It was quite odd to see that at a school. Apparently its legit, but back at Bethel you would never see that.

[break] This is a great experience for me. Bethel and St. Andrew's are so different and they environment is different too. Here drinking and getting drunk is commonplace for some. At St. Andrew's they have a contraception clinic, sexual health clinics, welcome to academic subjects and dorms use alcohol. It's really evident how different my experiences have been. I appreciate not having to drink to have fun, so kudos Bethel. [end break]

Upstairs in the Union I found the classics group that watches movies like 300 and troy and wear bed sheets. I also joined the archeology group and some other ones that I do not recall. It was a good day.

For dinner, I met up with Ivan and Alberto (two of my flat mates) and two of their friends at pizza express. The other people were from Italy and Germany. So at the table there where two Italians, one German, one Bulgarian, and one American. They asked me about America and if I like it. We talked about Scottish food which I have had a lot of. It was fun. Then Ivan and Alberto went to a concert and I went back to DRA. Oh, I learned that Ivan loves western movies. He does not understand what is said in the movies because of the accent, but he likes them. He loves American history too so he asks me about that often.

Sep. 25
I went to the Cathedral again. I saw Liz and Cooper there. While we were talking, this lovely newly wed couple came to the cathedral in this sweet old car. She wore a lovely white dress and he a kilt and jacket. Very nice looking. There were Asian tourists that were snapping pictures of them left and right, and they even got in pictures with the couple. Cooper and I were just at a loss for words, cause we would never think to do that. So that was odd. After that I met with Julia Markoe from WBL (close to home). We had been emailing so we finally met in person. So at least there is one person from White Bear Lake here.  I ended up being late for dinner with IFSA Butler people and Bella Italia. I just got there as everyone got their food. But it turned out ok. Afterwards, Brady, John, Liz, and myself went to the pub 'The Rule' and got some sticky toffee pudding. It was so good. It's like chocolate melting cake, but better I think.

Sticky Toffee Pudding and Ice Cream from 'The Rule'

Some pictures of David Russell and a museum I walk by everyday to get to town

The Bop (Sep. 23)

The Bop is a ticketed dance at the Student Union. It was supposed to be cool, but was really lame. Should have figured that out earlier in the week. But this is how it started... Got up and got lunch with Caroline and Grace at the Pitcher House. For lunch you can usually find a cheap place to eat (DRA does not offer lunch during the week, only breakfast from 8-10 and dinner). It was serving a two meal course for 6 pounds. Not bad I think. Following lunch we watched the Opening Ceremony for the School of Arts and Divinity. Outside Younger Hall there was a bag piper. That instantly drew me in. I love bagpipes. The Ceremony began with all of the professors and principle marching in their robes (robes here are worn to everything with ceremonies and church). All of the professors have cool hoods that they wear, some with fur and others really colorful. Each hood represents their area of study. Personally I think they all looked like wizards. Sometimes I think I might be at a school of wizardry. The professors follow two medieval maces. One was made 50 years ago, so not old, but the other was from the 1400's and is used every year. They are decorative maces, but I don't have a picture to show you. Some professors gave addresses. One from a history professor was very entertaining. St. Andrew's is the only Medieval university to have more than 2 medieval maces, and St. Andrew's has five. It has a 98 percent completion rate and satisfaction. The school is celebrating its 600 anniversary over 3 years because the first dates are debated (however, 1411 was the year classes began). Lastly, the professor put down the rumors that Lord Voldemort founded the school in 1411 for wizards. The St. Salvator's Chapel Choir sang and then the professors left and that was the ceremony. It was cool I thought. 

St. Andrew's really has some interesting traditions. One called Rasin Weekend I will explain when it happens. But there are just small things that I think are cool, like the robes for example. I am not going to buy a robe because they are 80-100 pounds and I cannot afford that.  St. Andrew's is unique in that it is a small town, holds its medieval charm, yet has modern conveniences. Other Scottish University's don't have that same appeal.

Now to the Bop. In short, the Bop was really lame. We hung out in the Union with people so the party could get started. When we walked in, there were only a small amount of people, and the music was not even dance music. They played Skaterboy and barbiegirl. Seriously, what are we, 12? The music was bad, so we ended up leaving. As with most nights, a popular stop is the Kinness Fry Bar. They have pizza, kebabs, fried food, and deep fried Mars bars. I don't remember when I had the fried candy bar, but it was not this night. We go there often because its open till 2, so its the only place to get food at night, but its so greasy but good at times. 

Matriculation and Ruins (Sep. 22)

For those who have never heard the word Matriculate, it simply means to become enrolled. As a JSA (junior study abroad), my time to meet with advisors and finish matriculation took place on Thursday.  I met with my advisor at 915 where my classes where approved. I am taking Beginning Latin for 20 credits and Medieval Castles 1100-1500 for 30 credits. A normal class load is 60 credits, but I have permission to take less. Its not recommended to take more than 60 unless you really have to. After that I was set. I walked to Younger Hall, which was across town, to hand in my medical forms. So it was only 1020 and it was a bright and sunny morning. Younger hall is just down the street from St. Andrew's Castle and the Cathedral. So of course I took the chance to get some good pics of the two. The castle is by paid admission only, so I took some pics from the outside, plus it was not open. The Cathedral is free unless you take a tour and go up into the tower. The ruins are really cool. There are several towers and gates that are still standing, and the foundation outline is still visible. The is only one place in the cathedral that a section of the floor still remains. It looks like the stone table Aslan was sacrificed on. It was nice to have had an art history class where we discussed the composition and design of churches and temples. I knew what all of the terms referred to. It was a great experience.

On my way back to DRA, I stopped at the travel agency at the Student Union. There I bought my young persons railcard and bought my train ticket to and from Edinburgh this next weekend. The hard part about traveling though is that I have weekends and 1 week off from school (its a reading/study week, but most people travel). Since I have latin everyday except wednesday, and my castle class meets only on Fridays, long weekends are hard. I could come back early monday if need be, but on Sunday's is when the medieval Shire of Caer Caledon meets. So I would want to be back for that. Some of you may read this and think its awesome to have 1 class a day and at 3. The system here is very different from back in the states.  In all of my free time, I am supposed to be studying and reading for my classes. Classes here are taught on an equal level with the professor/lecturer. Students here are fellow researchers and this gets reflected in time in the library. For example, my castles class has a list of 300-400 books to read from. It's our responsibility to read what is necessary and to draw from those sources for our exams. I have not yet got into classes yet, so I don't know if I like it, but if I do I might consider grad school in St. Andrew's or the UK.

One last note. Getting a C here on a test or paper is like getting an B+/A- back in the states. Getting an A is nearly impossible. So that kind of scares me. It's not something that I am comfortable with. The standard here just seems to be really high and the way they grade is just different. After I have had classes and tests, I will be sure to let you all know how it went.

Saint Salvator's Chapel

Saint Salvator's Quad

St. Salvator's Hall. This is where I wanted to stay. It's one of the oldest and looks like the epitome of academia. (note: also where Prince William and Kate lived)

St. Andrew's Castle

St. Andrew's Cathedral. Back in the Middle Ages, St. Andrew's was a site of religious fervor.

Some architectural shots

The Great Stone Table from Narnia. This is actually the only piece of the floor that is still intact. Its pulled back so you can see the tombs underneath.

Younger Hall

Saints Sports Wednesday (Sep. 22)

Saints Sports Wednesday is a huge day during Fresher's week. It gives Fresher's a chance to watch and participate in any of the numerous sports clubs on campus. There are so many. Ones that I was interested in where fencing and archery. I found the archery club first. I am a natural. Out of the 40 people there trying, I got the closest to a bulls-eye on the smallest target (nbd). The excitement was short lived though. The archery club has practice from 3-5 on tuesdays and thursdays. Unfortunately for me, I have class everyday except wednesday at 3. So I would be missing most of the time. I did not feel like I should pay for a membership for the club and the sports facility. Fencing was actually the same kind of thing. Their beginner lessons are at 3 too, so not conducive to my schedule at all. So I was a little bummed. But there is a light at the end of the tunnel. There are many different non-athletic societies that I could join.

My goal at St. Andrew's is to do stuff that I have not really done before. Fencing would have been cool, but it did not work out. But I did find out there is a medieval group that feasts and fights every sunday. So that might be my best bet. This semester is odd because its the first 3 month span where I am not in some music organization. I talked to some a cappella people, but its really hard to join a group then leave half way through the year. The other choir is open to everyone but I don't really have an interest in that at this point. Their performance would be after I leave anyway.

The rest of Saints Sports Wed. was planning other trips that I would like to take in Scotland and skyping with my family. It was a good day.

Beginning of Fresher's Week

It's about time I updated this blog to let all you know whats been going on. The first week of St. Andrew's is called Fresher's week. A Fresher is someone who is new to the university, either a new 4 year student, transfer, or JSA (junior study abroad). So I am a Fresher for the second time at a university.  During the week they have lectures to help make yourself acquainted with campus, social events in the evenings, and chances to try sports and societies. There were many events and things to do, doing them all is impossible. I will do my best to give you a description of my activities this past week.

This day begins on Sep. 19. This may look odd to some of you cause I posted on the 20th, but I was catching up on stuff. My time at St. Andrew's started on Sep. 17. On the 19th of Sep. My experience as a St. Andrew's Fresher began. I got tickets for this Tribal Warefare event. It's a competition between all of the dorms on campus. Each dorm has a specific color, and most dorms paint faces. David Russell Apartments colors are black and white. Somehow, I got face painted to look like a panda. I thought I looked like a deranged Joker panda, but I guess thats ok. The event took place in the Student Union.  I was assuming this was like Homecoming back at Bethel. However the events where for one person from the dorm. The first event was St. Andrew's trivia and other lame stuff like that. It was nothing. It was just an opportunity to dance to some music. I threw down the q-tip, tossing the pizza, and the pizza roll. It was fun cause I was with some of my newly made friends Grace, Amanda, and Rory (1 of 3 Scottish people I am friends with). 

The next day, Sep. 20th, Brendan and I went to the library orientation. It was not in the library since the library was getting some renovation done. There was a huge line to get in, and we waited for about an hour and a half. They only let in 8 people at a time. The whole thing was watching a slide show of what the library looked like before and after renovation, a scavenger hunt on some computers to learn to navigate the library website, and some basic info like opening times.  I did get a free cloth bag out of it though and a free coffee mug.  I spent the rest of my day updating my blog during my time in Edinburgh. Later that night, I went to a showing of V for Vendetta in the St. Salvators Quad. The quad is beautiful I might add. The movie was shown by the left wing political group on campus. They are responsible for protests, blocking streets. They called themselves anarchists. So the movie was very fitting for the group. Afterwards they led us all to a bonfire on the east sands by the ruined cathedral of St. Andrews.  Then all of the anarchists did some fire spinning. I was not surprised that they could do that or would do that. Tonight was also the night that I tried a bite of Rory's fried black pudding. Black pudding is made with dried she eps  blood. It was actually pretty good. It looked like I was gagging, but it was just because it was super hot and it burned my mouth. Another food culture Scotland experience.

Freshers at St. Andrew's

I finally arrived in St. Andrew's. Although I am a junior at Bethel, here I am considered a first year fresher. There is a whole week of activities to get one acquainted with campus and to meet and friend other freshers that one might meet. Every night there is some kind of social event in which to meet people.

I am living in the David Russell Apartments, which is a complex of buildings with up to several flats in residence (1500 students live here). DRA (David Russell Apartments) is located more than a mile from town. There is a lot of walking to do to get to and from town. To get to the center of town, it might take 15-25 minutes depending on how fast you walk. When I walked to town for the first time, it was to get some food for my room and emergencies, and get other necessities. Lots of people went to buy bedding for their dorm, girls bought straighteners and blow dryers, and guys bought soap and tooth past. I found Kleenex that had man-sized tissues. They are as a large as a half sheet of paper. Then they had super man-size. So I could blow my nose with a sheet of paper essentially. I carried a few bags of stuff back to DRA and began to unpack somewhat (it would take me till Monday night to finish).  Before buying all of this stuff, a group of us had lunch at a cafe called Bibi's. It was really good food and they had awesome cupcakes. I had a haggis, bacon and cheddar panini. It was unusual but good.

I live in a ground floor flat in Haldane. There are 5 bedrooms and one common room. However, the set up is kind of weird. You enter through your flat door and enter into a hall with all of the bedrooms which uses a card to unlock your door. The common room is at the end of the hall.  Not really the best set up for being social. The common room has a counter with chairs, a kitchen (fridge, micro, kettle, sink, dishwasher) and two couches. Each bedroom comes with a combo shelf/closet space, a double bed, a small desk and two side tables. During the summer, families can rent these rooms, or golfers use them when they come to play golf. I actually have my own bathroom, which are in each room. It's a really compact bathroom, where the shower water gets all over the floor. It's interesting but it works. I was really tired, so I went to bed early that night.

St. Andrew's has many odd and cool traditions. The initials in the picture below are for a Protestant martyr called Patrick Hamilton. It is said that if you step on these initials, you will fail your semester and your degree. The only way to wash away the curse is to take the may dip in the ocean (happens in May), so I better not step on it, otherwise I can't be saved. Also, his face is said to have appeared above the initials. Look towards the middle of the picture and you will see a face.

My Haggis Panini

Rainy Scottish Day

Today I experienced my first rainy day in Scotland. It was very exciting. Today I went with a group to the Edinburgh Castle and toured that complex. I saw the battlements, military museum, the crown jewels (not allowed to take pictures) and the stone of destiny. It was a very cool place, but our group got split up somehow, so when we found others in our group, we left the castle. Right next to the castle is an armory shop. Inside the shop are numerous swords, axes, armor pieces, and movie weapons. I saw remakes of the sword from braveheart, and recreations of several helmets and swords from LOTR. It was very exciting. I did a little shopping around.

For dinner, we were on our own, so a group of us went to this little Italian cafe. It was really good, but neither of us could understand the waiter, nor could he understand what we were saying. So it was all good. This night was our last night in Edinburgh, so like all of the other Scots, we went to a pub. Tonight we sought out a pub with live music (traditional music). We found a rock pub, not what I wanted but I went in. I enjoyed the interior and the atmosphere more than I thought I was going to. In the time I spent there, there was this guy and his girl friend. The girl friend went out for a smoke and came back with this large man who was holding her hand. I think the guy had some mental disorder but he was hugging and kissing this girl in front of the boyfriend. This went on for a while because nothing bad was happening. The guy left and that was the end of a very interesting pub experience thats for sure. I then walked back to the hotel, in the rain without a coat (it was clear when I left). That's one thing I have learned is to either have a waterproof jacket or umbrella with you at all times cause the rain can come with no warning.

Here is my disclaimer: a lot of evenings are spent in the pubs, especially the first few nights. The culture here is very centered around pubs. We were told in our orientation, that many of the student groups in St. Andrew's, where I will be studying, meet in pubs due to lack of space on campus.  It is ok not to order an alcoholic beverage if you do not want to. I have been to several pubs, but have refrained from drinking.

This was a cultural experience. In every other country in the world, Coca-Cola is the most popular drink, except in Scotland where Irn Bru reigns supreme. It is this intensely sugary, orange drink. To some it tastes like cough syrup, but to me the after taste was like bubble gum. I felt like I was drinking liquid bubble gum. It was really gross.  Although it is gross to me, but not the natives, I would encourage you to try it. Some like it, and it is a cultural experience one must have.

Munro Bagging

I guess you could say I bagged munro. Munro Bagging is a Scottish term for mountain hiking. Near the Hollyroodhouse and Scottish Parliament sits Arthurs Seat, a 250 m mountain in the center of the city. With Brendan and Brady, we walked across town and reached Arthurs Seat and began our accent. The begging was already sort of tough and only got tougher. The angle of the climb was tough then there were a bunch of stairs. The route we took was the longest and most scenic of any of the routes. Eventually we reached the top of mountain and looked over all the city. It was an awesome feeling. We had the best weather that afternoon and it was awesome. On our way back towards the hotel, we stopped to get some food at a pub called Tass. I ordered some Fish and Chips, and the other two ordered Haggis. I tried some of the haggis and actually really liked it, now I am looking for a place to get some really good Haggis. For those who are unsure what haggis is, its sheep heart, lung, and liver mixed with spices and oatmeal and cooked in a sheep's stomach. It has a creamy texture and looks like ground beef. Don't worry, you don't eat the stomach. Plus, you can get fried haggis in some places. I heard its good. Anyway we got together with others and went to some pubs to hang out on Grass Market.

Brendan, Brady, and myself returned to Greyfriars Kirkyard at night to find Tom Riddle. It was kind of creepy but not to bad, but then some man in a black trench coat walked out of the cemetery, and we heard lots of voices. Turns out it was a haunted tour group. We were ready with our petronas charms.  Another good day.

Edinburgh

Alright here I go with the first blog post since I got to Scotland. I'm writing a bunch of posts in a short time but are keeping them separated, so don't get confused when you see several posts.

I will briefly comment on the flight. Virgin Airlines was fantastic coming over. Only a 6 hour flight which was not that bad. I met some people from Ifsa-Butler who took the group flight over. I really like the people I am with. We arrived in Edinburgh in the afternoon. Before dinner, a large group of us went and explored the town around the hotel. Firstly, the hotel entrance looks up at the Edinburgh Castle. Fantastic view. We walked by the Elephant House where J.K. Rowling wrote the first HP books. After that we went to Greyfriars Kirkyard. It was an awesome cemetery with crypts built into walls with cool sculptures. Supposedly, Tom Riddle is buried at this cemetery. We did not find him though. After dinner, most of us were exhausted from our trip, so we just went to hang out along Grass Market (a street where our hotel sat). My newly made friends Brendan and Brady went up to Princes Street and went down Judge's Close (closes are narrow alleyways) where sat an authentic Scottish pub, the Jolly Judge. To reach the Jolly Judge one had to go into the close and go down stairs into the pub, which was small, no music, and was just plain awesome. It was a good first night.