Dear my mothaaaaaa,
You are the funniest thing since sliced bread. Which isn't funny, unless you mold it into a bust of a clown or something. So, nevermind. But you are twelve kinds of hilarious!
xoxo
Hayley
Moving on... Yesterday was quite the adventure, I must say. It began with a trip to the Robbie Burns heritage museum. I don't mean to be ungrateful for the experience, but it was a bit anti-climactic. We drove three-ish hours on a coach to see a house, garden, mini-museum and some cool monument/bridge bits. I mean, it was cool but not as cool as Disneyland. I will say though, that Robbie Burns was rah-ther attractive. Rock on, you cheatin' dog, genius poet, you!
When we returned to the grand Pollack Halls, we ate some convenience store food (moldy bread not included) and Cait and I decided that we would likely benefit from a short walk. We headed in the direction of Arthur's Seat (read:big-ass mountain) and I suggested we go ahead and make a go of it! I should really be shot. We head up this beheamoth thing and it's going fine until we suddenly realize we have to climb on hands and feet up some rocks. Ok. We can deal with that. At this point it's gotten super windy and rather drizzly and we've been at it for a while. We reach the tip-top and the view is absolutely incredible. You can see out across the ocean and all around Edinburgh. It was one of the most beautiful scenes I'd ever seen! Despite nearly being blown off a giant rock, I was elated. Then we decided it was time to go down, and as we had not exactly stuck to the beaten path prior, we figured "Why start now?". So, Cait thinks she's found a better way down and we get started. Suddenly the trail just ends. There's a drop off and we can't go back up so we have no choice but to literally fall off this drop. Cait goes and then about five minutes later, I manage it (they cal this "being a big fat chicken") and Cait begins sliding down the rocks on her butt. Hilarious. I try to stay vertical but fairly frequently just slip and fall, bouncing like a beach ball down the side of the mountain. At one point we hit another drop off and I call down to Cait, "Is there really no way from there?" She just doesn't answer. Later she said she just didn't want to give me false hope. I thought I was going to have to just change my permanent address to: Arthurs Seat, Scotland. Hitch up your mule and drop me a line.
Luckily, we found a glimmer of hope of a trail that was lined with prickle bushes that we happily held onto to slide down the hill. At some point they just didn't hurt anymore. I was over caring, really. When we finally get to the bottom, we look up and it's nothing but a crack-lookin' deal. It's not even a friggin' trail! We hit the bottom and start walking, relieved to finally be done and realize we've walked past the dorms and have to turn and go back. Completely insane.
It was quite an adventure. I mean, despite it being a bit scary (read: totally freaked me out) we totally rocked that bad boy! We kicked that mountain's butt! Rock on us!! Yahhooooooo!!
Welp, moving on. Today is the National Library of Scotland. We'll see some rare editions of children's books. Rock and roll.
Love y'all!
xoxo
Haylezzz
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Buses, Fart Whistles, and Police, Oh MY!!! (Thanks to Cait for the title!)
Ok. Let me begin by expressing my supreme love of the art of interpretive dance. Every now and again, I get a divine inspiration and there is but one medium of expression. It can't be stopped. It is spontaneous and wild and I think that ultimately, if you don't love it, you can learn to appreciate it. I think it will grow on Doris, despite her scrunched nose at the site of it. Otherwise, I feel as though my dance interpretation of the land of Scot has gone off like gang busters. I concur. ("Sweet," says Cait.)
Monday was a longish day, although fairly enjoyable. We began by taking the bus to the Writer's museum. It was in a great old house in a close along the Royal Mile. I was really fascinated by all the art in the building as well as the history there. We followed that with a trip to the museum of childhood. I embraced this idea by reclaiming my youth. I put my hair in pigtails and spent about half an hour making a cootie catcher in the "Make your own art room". Ultimately, we left and walked around forever and I started feeling sick and had to head back.
When I returned, I hit my second wind and I suddenly couldn't contain myself. My Ipod hit "Levon" by Elton John and I suddenly had an explosion of desire to bust a sweet move. I probably danced for a good twenty minutes. And by "danced," I mean flailed around in the dark. It was pretty much amazing, although I did have a nervous moment where I was afraid that there may be cameras in my room.
Today was kind of long. I wasn't feeling so great but I figured it would pass, so I hopped the train to Glasgow with the rest of the class. Photography is apparently not allowed in the Edinburgh train station, which we learned the hard way. I must say, at the risk of offending someone, I think that cop was a total jackass. Love, Hayley.
Glasgow is cool, but much less picturesque than Edinburgh. We visited the Art School, which I loved, and to which Dr. Rushing told me I looked like I belonged, which I absolutely took as a compliment. We followed it with a trip to a neat tea room and I had an amazing mocha and a croissant. It was lovely. By then, though, I was completely exhausted and had to stop. We headed back on the train and then, of course, we got lost on the city bus. Navigation be damned! I was sitting down though, so I minded way less than I probably should have. We finally got back and Cait and Beth partook of moldy sandwiches and we had a hilarious conversation. It may just be delirium, but I'm ok with that.
Tomorrow is Robbie Burns. Rock on!
Love y'all! xoxoxo
Haylezzzz
P.S. Ketchup flavored chips = rockin'!!
Monday was a longish day, although fairly enjoyable. We began by taking the bus to the Writer's museum. It was in a great old house in a close along the Royal Mile. I was really fascinated by all the art in the building as well as the history there. We followed that with a trip to the museum of childhood. I embraced this idea by reclaiming my youth. I put my hair in pigtails and spent about half an hour making a cootie catcher in the "Make your own art room". Ultimately, we left and walked around forever and I started feeling sick and had to head back.
When I returned, I hit my second wind and I suddenly couldn't contain myself. My Ipod hit "Levon" by Elton John and I suddenly had an explosion of desire to bust a sweet move. I probably danced for a good twenty minutes. And by "danced," I mean flailed around in the dark. It was pretty much amazing, although I did have a nervous moment where I was afraid that there may be cameras in my room.
Today was kind of long. I wasn't feeling so great but I figured it would pass, so I hopped the train to Glasgow with the rest of the class. Photography is apparently not allowed in the Edinburgh train station, which we learned the hard way. I must say, at the risk of offending someone, I think that cop was a total jackass. Love, Hayley.
Glasgow is cool, but much less picturesque than Edinburgh. We visited the Art School, which I loved, and to which Dr. Rushing told me I looked like I belonged, which I absolutely took as a compliment. We followed it with a trip to a neat tea room and I had an amazing mocha and a croissant. It was lovely. By then, though, I was completely exhausted and had to stop. We headed back on the train and then, of course, we got lost on the city bus. Navigation be damned! I was sitting down though, so I minded way less than I probably should have. We finally got back and Cait and Beth partook of moldy sandwiches and we had a hilarious conversation. It may just be delirium, but I'm ok with that.
Tomorrow is Robbie Burns. Rock on!
Love y'all! xoxoxo
Haylezzzz
P.S. Ketchup flavored chips = rockin'!!
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Man! This land is High!
First of all, I have decided that Scotland's most hilarious attribute is the signage. Seriously, in America, even the instructional signage is lazy. Not Scotland! In Scotland, there are Action Androgenous Sign People! It's absolutely rad! Just wait until you see the photos. I mean, have you ever seen a small androgenous character being struck by lightening? Because after that, I would be SURE not to touch the electrical wiring, whereas before... I can't be sure! Right on, Scotland!
We left Edinburgh to head for the highlands at 845 in the morning on Friday. We made our first stop in St. Andrews, which is incredibly beautiful and is definitely one of my favorite places so far. It reminds me a lot of the Hamptons, as it is on the water and has a lot of quaint shops and homes and is just entirely beautiful. There were quite a few golf courses, although I can hardly understand it. It's not as if golf is significant in St. Andrews. We just pretended not to notice the blatant silliness of it all. We wandered throught the cathedral and castle ruins and took approximately a bazillion photos (That's a rough estimate. I'll count and get back to you all.) Bekah and I ran into Heather in the castle and she was trying to find a siege tunnel, which we were game for so we were ladies on a mission. When we ultimately found it, it was well worth the hunt. I felt like a secret agent crawling into that dank little hole in the ground. We crawled around and took the obligatory silly face photos and crawled out. It was a highlight, honestly. Who gets to crawl through a siege tunnel?!
Following our secret tunnel adventure and a short stop at the garden where Beatrix Potter vacationed as a child and dreamed of all her woodland friends, we headed out to Pitlocherie, which was an interesting place. We walked all around and as we passed a pub along the way a lovely gentleman who appeared to have enjoyed perhaps a beer or two (read: was totally sloshed) is flailing his arms and yelling at all who would listen that he would "bite your face off! I'll bite all your faces off!!!" Wouldn't that suck?! I of course cannot wait to use this particular phrase and found my opportunity almost immediately. Dr. Rushing, our fearless leader, enters the lobby of the hotel as we're all assembled doing nothing of note, to be sure, and says something that was jokingly threatening regarding something like being on time (which I have absolutely no issue with, of course) and I turn, seizing my opportunity and say " Watch out, or I'll bite your face off!!"
We left Edinburgh to head for the highlands at 845 in the morning on Friday. We made our first stop in St. Andrews, which is incredibly beautiful and is definitely one of my favorite places so far. It reminds me a lot of the Hamptons, as it is on the water and has a lot of quaint shops and homes and is just entirely beautiful. There were quite a few golf courses, although I can hardly understand it. It's not as if golf is significant in St. Andrews. We just pretended not to notice the blatant silliness of it all. We wandered throught the cathedral and castle ruins and took approximately a bazillion photos (That's a rough estimate. I'll count and get back to you all.) Bekah and I ran into Heather in the castle and she was trying to find a siege tunnel, which we were game for so we were ladies on a mission. When we ultimately found it, it was well worth the hunt. I felt like a secret agent crawling into that dank little hole in the ground. We crawled around and took the obligatory silly face photos and crawled out. It was a highlight, honestly. Who gets to crawl through a siege tunnel?!
Following our secret tunnel adventure and a short stop at the garden where Beatrix Potter vacationed as a child and dreamed of all her woodland friends, we headed out to Pitlocherie, which was an interesting place. We walked all around and as we passed a pub along the way a lovely gentleman who appeared to have enjoyed perhaps a beer or two (read: was totally sloshed) is flailing his arms and yelling at all who would listen that he would "bite your face off! I'll bite all your faces off!!!" Wouldn't that suck?! I of course cannot wait to use this particular phrase and found my opportunity almost immediately. Dr. Rushing, our fearless leader, enters the lobby of the hotel as we're all assembled doing nothing of note, to be sure, and says something that was jokingly threatening regarding something like being on time (which I have absolutely no issue with, of course) and I turn, seizing my opportunity and say " Watch out, or I'll bite your face off!!"
... It's really a wonder I haven't been sent home yet.
Our dinner that evening was in the hotel and was, ladies and gents, lovely. I felt entremely fancy, which I usually do, but especially as there were at least two pieces of the place setting that I was unsure of how to use. Just kidding. Well, probably just kidding. It was pretty fair taste-wise, but it was extremely enjoyable if only for the company, conversation and odd foods to experience. Finally, Beth (my roomie) and I watched some hysterical British sitcoms. I must say, I am ten kinds of obsessed with the BBC. If I had been drinking milk, it would have shot out my nose to be sure. (I hope you appreciate my keen use of imagery!)
Saturday was exciting as we were introduced to the wild and wonderful world of midges (a.k.a. the demon man-eating bug)! At a quick photo-op stop, we exited the bus only to be attacked by the most irritating creature in all of Scotland. Seriously, if you ever need a really good insult, call them a midge. It will invariably lead to a good slap in the face.
We then stopped in Glenfidditch (?) which is the landing place of Bonnie Prince Charlie on his return to the country. More importantly, it's in view of a bridge used in the filming of the Harry Potter movies. Although, Charlie seems to be the bonniest Prince I've met of late. Bravo, sir. Bravo.
We stayed the night in Oban, which is incredibly beautiful. It's on the water and has such an expansive and breathtaking view, gorgeous houses and a marina. We took off up a large hill to try and find this Coliseum we could seee from the ground. When we made it (a feat to be sure!) we were so incredibly impressed by the view. It was absolutely unreal. Wehad dinner in this little Italian restaurant in the marina overlooking the water. The view was fabulous and the atmosphere was fantastic. Also, my trip-mates are some of the funniest people I've ever met. A+ for that, y'all!
When we returned to the hotel after a drink or two at the pub, we ran into the bride and groom from the wedding being held there. The groom had a good long chat with us and was incredibly entertaining. He had also had a beer or twelve and was yukkin' it up with all his might. I must say, the lot of the Scots so far are pretty cool. I'm a fan.
This morning, we woke up and headed down to breakfast. I had breakfast with Dr. Rushing, Dr. Bender and Lindsay. I love being around Dr. Rushing and Dr. Bender because they have the funniest interactions. My favorite quote of the morning was when Dr. Rushing asked if we thought people would laugh at him if he wore a kilt to school. Without missing a beat, Dr. Bender says, "Yes. W-E-I-R-D." Dr. Rushing just looked off like he was contemplating the revelation he had just been handed and I thought I was going to choke on my cereal. They are hilarious.
I will be sure to post again soon, but my money is now at it's internet limit. I love you all. I mean, unless I don't. Sorry 'bout that.
xoxo
Haylezzzzzz
P.S. Lots of sheep. No Sean Connery. Nuts.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
I feel the Earth move under my feet
Update: Not dead or arrested. So, all is well.
Today has been quite an interesting one. We started with class where we heard a few literary presentations and talked about our project ideas. Then, we headed out to Edinburgh castle, which is AMAZING! It's on top of an extremely large mountainside and it has the most spectacular views! It's also an amazing place in general.
Afterwards we had lunch in the Grassmarket, which is where they used to chop peoples' heads off. They don't anymore but I was careful to check that my head was still there every now and again, just to be safe. The pub we ate at was great, which is nice because so far the food in the cafeteria has been pretty inedible. Rock on pub food!
Finally we did some wandering with Dr. Rushing and Dr. Bender who are such a fun couple! They are seriously the funniest pair of people I've met in a long time.
I have other things to say, I'm sure, but I'm getting really tired. We're going out to the highlands early tomorrow so I likely won't be able to blog again until Monday.
Have a rockin' weekend, y'all!!
xoxo
Hayley
Today has been quite an interesting one. We started with class where we heard a few literary presentations and talked about our project ideas. Then, we headed out to Edinburgh castle, which is AMAZING! It's on top of an extremely large mountainside and it has the most spectacular views! It's also an amazing place in general.
Afterwards we had lunch in the Grassmarket, which is where they used to chop peoples' heads off. They don't anymore but I was careful to check that my head was still there every now and again, just to be safe. The pub we ate at was great, which is nice because so far the food in the cafeteria has been pretty inedible. Rock on pub food!
Finally we did some wandering with Dr. Rushing and Dr. Bender who are such a fun couple! They are seriously the funniest pair of people I've met in a long time.
I have other things to say, I'm sure, but I'm getting really tired. We're going out to the highlands early tomorrow so I likely won't be able to blog again until Monday.
Have a rockin' weekend, y'all!!
xoxo
Hayley
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Wish ewe were here!
Bonjour mes amis!
Alright, so I'm not in France but Scots speak English and that's clearly not as fun! So, another quick one today. It's been a really rockin' awesome day! We started the morning with a bus tour of Edinburgh which was literally amazing. The city is so beautiful and has so much history. It's really hard not to gawk at everything I see. Following the tour, we had the option of going to the Palace at Holyrood House, which is the Queen's residence when she visits. It was simply astonishing. What is incredible to me is that this beautiful but rustic palace (and by rustic I mean "old relic") is still in use by a modern monarch. I think to myself, "would I ever want to live here?" and I can say with extreme certainty "No." I am not, despite what I may generally tell myself, however, the Queen, so what do I know? The thing is, it's like a giant piece of sordid history smack in modern day and it's not even a mere relic! Someone actually lives and receives guests in this place that seems so far removed from the modern world! It's bizarre but also amazing!
Finally, we did a little shopping and got the fabulous shop-keeper at the bagpipe store to play us a little tune (rock on!) and then bought some highly inappropriate t-shirts (which I ADORE) and headed for a traditional meal of Pizza Hut. Seriously, heaven after experiencing the native cuisine. :/ Then we took a fabulous trek back to campus in the rain, which was made all the more hilarious when we got lost and ultimately had to hike down the side of Arthur's Seat in the mud and finally arrived. On the bright side, this is only the first rain we've had. Otherwise the weather has been wonderful, albeit chilly. It feels really good though.
In short, ('cause I'm running out of time) I'm having a fab time already and I'm so pumped for the rest of our time here. I'll upload some pictures as soon as I figure out how to get that accomplished.
I love y'all! You're prettier than all the sheep in Scotland! And that's a LOT of sheep!
xoxo
Hayley
Alright, so I'm not in France but Scots speak English and that's clearly not as fun! So, another quick one today. It's been a really rockin' awesome day! We started the morning with a bus tour of Edinburgh which was literally amazing. The city is so beautiful and has so much history. It's really hard not to gawk at everything I see. Following the tour, we had the option of going to the Palace at Holyrood House, which is the Queen's residence when she visits. It was simply astonishing. What is incredible to me is that this beautiful but
Finally, we did a little shopping and got the fabulous shop-keeper at the bagpipe store to play us a little tune (rock on!) and then bought some highly inappropriate t-shirts (which I ADORE) and headed for a traditional meal of Pizza Hut. Seriously, heaven after experiencing the native cuisine. :/ Then we took a fabulous trek back to campus in the rain, which was made all the more hilarious when we got lost and ultimately had to hike down the side of Arthur's Seat in the mud and finally arrived. On the bright side, this is only the first rain we've had. Otherwise the weather has been wonderful, albeit chilly. It feels really good though.
In short, ('cause I'm running out of time) I'm having a fab time already and I'm so pumped for the rest of our time here. I'll upload some pictures as soon as I figure out how to get that accomplished.
I love y'all! You're prettier than all the sheep in Scotland! And that's a LOT of sheep!
xoxo
Hayley
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
I'm sorry, what?
Hello lovely people!
We have arrived (finally!) here in Edinburgh and I couldn't be happier or more exhausted. I have to make this short because I only have 10 minutes left of my internet time, but needless to say that travelling half-way across the world is quite a trying journey. I will say, however that I love flying generally. I can't help but feel so spiritually connected when the plane slices through the clouds or when it cuts through the sunrise over the horizon. It's seriously magical.
Edinburgh is beautiful. What an amazing place. We haven't seen much yet, but I am incredibly excited for the days to come. I really wish I could have all the loves of my life (i.e. people who are willingly reading this) with me as it would be 10 times the adventure.
I miss and love you all and I will post again soon!
xoxoxo
Hayley
P.S. Mom!!! I don't know your e-mail address!! eeeeeEEEE. E-mail me please! Hope you guys are having fun in Maine! Love you!
We have arrived (finally!) here in Edinburgh and I couldn't be happier or more exhausted. I have to make this short because I only have 10 minutes left of my internet time, but needless to say that travelling half-way across the world is quite a trying journey. I will say, however that I love flying generally. I can't help but feel so spiritually connected when the plane slices through the clouds or when it cuts through the sunrise over the horizon. It's seriously magical.
Edinburgh is beautiful. What an amazing place. We haven't seen much yet, but I am incredibly excited for the days to come. I really wish I could have all the loves of my life (i.e. people who are willingly reading this) with me as it would be 10 times the adventure.
I miss and love you all and I will post again soon!
xoxoxo
Hayley
P.S. Mom!!! I don't know your e-mail address!! eeeeeEEEE. E-mail me please! Hope you guys are having fun in Maine! Love you!
Friday, June 6, 2008
You have to remember to breathe or you'll die.
That is sound advice ladies and gentlemen. On the eve of my mother's wedding and the eve of the eve of the eve of my departure to Scotland, I am both breathing and hyperventilating all at once. It's bizarre. I am in a very "Hey, man, whatever" sort of place in regards to my trip. People keep asking if I'm excited and while I am, I am also sort of worried about it. Are you AWARE that there is a whole OCEAN you are required to cross in a flying contraption?! Sah-weet lord. I love to fly, don't get me wrong, but it's just now sinking in how a person could be mildly afraid of it.
I feel like I'm not as prepared as I should be. I mean, I'm well aware that I have a ten-trillion hour flight to do more reading, but I feel like I'm going to totally bomb out on my project. Oh no. Let's not do this! No panicking.... ok, maybe a little panicking. It's whatever.
Things to remember:
- Matchbooks for Twinkie
- Well, that's really all.
xoxo
Haylezzz
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