Ive had the best day, with you, today

one hundred fifty two thousand six hundred forty eight minutes.
How you measure time so dear?
In daylight?
In sunsets?
In midnights?
In cups of coffee (or tea)?
In inches? In miles?
In laughter? In Strife?
How about love?

My last week in Glasgow was amazing. On Tuesday, after meeting Kersley for coffee, he joined me for christmas shopping in the city centre. As much as I dont like dragging people into tourist shops, I was glad for the company. And at one point, as we were walking down Argyll street, he saw a Mt Dew in a shop window (so of course that was going to happen!) When we left the store, he had a Mt Dew and I had an Irn Bru- we were quite the sight. Later tuesday night, I met up with my friend Katie and we went to a carolling service at University Chapel. It was a little different than what I was used too- very somber-esque. But I felt like it could officially begin to feel like Christmas :)

Wednesday I ventured back into the city centre and out to the Glasgow Cathedral. Though my only purpose was for the gift shop, I am really glad that I took the time to go inside and look around. It was really cool for my inner architect to see how the Cathedral came to look like it does today and how each designer took into consideration the work of the previous designer in order to make it look cohesive and continuous instead of multiple tastes and styles. On the way home I also stopped in the modern art museum. Wednesday night Kate, Ginny, and Tyson returned home from their Italian adventures. Kate called me and asked if I wanted pie- did she really even need to ask? So I went over to hers and we had chat over pecan pie and chocolate pie. Lovely.

Thursday, Ginny and I went to see the Nutcracker (who says you cant have christmas traditions in scotland?) at the Theatre Royal in Glasgow. Unbeknownst to us, it was a very different interpretation of the Christmas classic. I didnt know that you could have creative license with with the Nutcracker, but trust me- you can. During intermission, Ginny got a text saying that it was SNOWING!!! We took off outside just to get a glimpse of the pieces of falling happiness that we see so little of. (We didnt realize at the time how wrong we were). After the show I went over to Becca's for tea. I helped decorate their christmas tree (I use that term loosely) and we even made an angel for the top. It was a very productive afternoon. Now I was supposed to go over to Kersley and Iain's flat for dinner, but while Becca and I were on our way over there we happen to see the boys walking toward us! They just said they had forgotten something. I was confused but it honestly didnt surprise me. So I ran a quick errand and Becca told me she needed to make a dinner reservation for her parents. But when we walk into the restaurant, everyone is there: Kersley, Iain, Ross, Jiff, Kirsten, and Paul, and right after I walked in- Claire, iona, Ginny, Tyson, Kate, Andy and Matt walk in. I love being naive about surprises!! it was so great to have a last dinner as a big group like that. Like I have said many times before, I am so lucky to have the friends that care so much about me. Later, Ginny, Kate, Iona, Kersley and I joined Iain and Ross to celebrate the completion of their dissertations. :)

Friday was the longest day ever.
I woke up earlier than I should have after a night out to finish packing. Then Robbie came over from Edinburgh for the afternoon so that we could spend just a little more quality time together and then say a proper "see ya later" ( i dont do good-byes). After lunch we went to one of the Charles Renee Macintosh tea rooms that are pretty well known around Glasgow. The tea was extra fancy- Robbie ordered one that said something about being a tea connoisseur. When did that happen? hah. Then he came back to the west end so that he could see the guys, and yes- we had more tea :) I said good-bye to Robbie and headed home in order to get ready for Daft Friday. Daft Friday is a formal end of term party at the Glasgow University Union, and it lasts for 12 hours (8pm-8am). If you made it to the end then you got a free breakfast, but since Kate and I had to be at the airport at 7 am then that really wasnt an option for us. That did not stop us from having a good time. The GU was decorated in a Looney Toons theme. There was a swing band and a Ceilidh band and a radio one dj and lots of kilts!! There were entire too many people in the debate chambers for a ceilidh, but we tried it anyways. I have never fallen during a strip the willow until daft friday, and I have the bruises to prove it (ahem!). I will miss ceilidh dancing with boys in kilts. We spent our last hour in the hive, breaking it down one last time. And then we said goodbye. it seemed kind of strange to tell everyone goodbye in the bottom of the GU- but I wouldnt have spent my last hours any other way. Kersley, Iona, Claire, Kate and I got our last chips and cheese/chips and curry sauce and went back to QM for our last pizza chat. We blasted Runrig in the kitchen while eating pizza and pretending that this was just like any other night. But it wasnt. The cab came at 615 to take kate and I to the airport.

When we were checking in, the man told me that all flights from Newark to RDU had been canceled. Kate and I decided just to get to Jersey and we would figure out what to do from there. That was the longest seven hours ever. I hadnt slept in 24 hours. And my heart was hurting. And I wanted to be home (and I knew that probably wasnt going to happen). I am going to miss Scotland alot. It's crazy to think that I was only there for four months. And how can four months of an entire lifetime really change a person or make that much of an impact? I dont know how, but I know that I will never be the same. I have met some amazing people and reconnected with old ones. I look forward to seeing how we all grow up and I know I will keep in touch. I have actually already started planning my trip back :) I think it was a tim mcgraw song that said "No matter where we go in life, we take a little of each other everywhere."I dont think that I could have said it better myself. Anywhoo- it was a long flight.

When we arrived in Newark, there still were not any flights going to Raleigh. But fortunately, Kate has family that lives twenty minutes from the airport- so we called them and they very graciously allowed us to come and stay with them! We walked into their home and James Taylor Christmas was playing and Carolina basketball was on TV. I was close to tears. I was sitting on their couch, watching UNC play ball and watching the snow fall. if youre going to be stranded, might as well be stranded in style. I went to sleep on Saturday night at 730 pm and slept until 730 sunday morning. And when I went downstairs, there was coffee and talk of grits and eggs for breakfast. I almost cried again. We spent the day curled up on the couch watching fa la la la lifetime. After a fabulous dinner at the Cowherd's country club, we went to sleep anticipating the trip home.

Newark liberty was a mess Monday morning, after all of the cancellations from the weekend and christmas coming soon. Kate and I made it. I kept singing "nothing could be finer than to be in Carolina in the mornniinngggg" (cheesy I know). I spent the entire flight writing this blog entry. I am really glad to be home, but I miss Scotland and my home there already. If there is any way to measure my time their- it could be in daylight (though that significantly decreased as i left) or sunsets or midnights or cups of coffee (or tea since i now drink many cups a day) or smiles or hugs or laughter. I could count it months or days or in one hundred fifty two thousand six hundred forty eight minutes. But if I could choose any way to measure my time in Scotland- I would choose love.

until my next adventure.
Love. always,
Rach :)

ps- this is my last blog entry. I hope you have enjoyed reading it as I have enjoyed sharing my adventures with whoever is reading this. Please keep in touch by email or skype or snailmail!!

I know that I am the Luckiest

It is 7:50 pm (aka 1950) glasgow standard time. I just had the famous G Flat dinner of Mac and Cheese with Iona and Claire. I am done with my last exam of the fall semester. and my Christmas music came in the mail today. Life does not suck.

I have had alot going on the past few days. My photography presentation went really well on Friday. Basically I just had a conversation with my professor and two other professors from the Art School about my photographs. They said some really nice things, and it made me really want to continue photography when I get back home. apparently SLR cameras (non digital) can be purchased relatively cheaply, so it is definitely a possibility. They told me to check and see if I could use UNC's darkroom facilities. I had never though about really picking up photography as a hobby, but the thought has definitely crossed my mind. (and dont worry, I will be more than happy to show everyone my pictures when I get home)

After my presentation, I hopped on the train to go to Oban. I wanted to make sure that I got to see the Kurpris' one last time before I left, and it was such a great visit. I think what I miss the most is being able to relax in the afternoon on the couch and watch the news with a good cup of tea. That is what makes me feel like home, and that is what we did. We talked about Christmas traditions (and I learned about a few new ones) and our respective plans for the holidays. We (Mr and Mrs Kurpis, Colin, and Louisa-Robbie's younger cousin who is actually going on the Laurinburg/Oban exchange this year) went out to a great dinner and then watched Local Hero. Side note: Iona has been introducing me to "scottish movies" like Shallow Grave and Trainspotting. So it was kind of nice to watch a movie about scotland that did not involve heroine. Then, in true mother/daughter fashion, Muriel and I stayed up until 1 am talking (there was not a dance party this time). I woke up Saturday morning to a good up of coffee and breakfast. After a wee walk around the beautiful sunny Oban bay, I said good-bye and got on the train back to Glasgow. It was my first good-bye.

After the long, three hour (slightly tearful) train ride, I had made plans to go out with my flatmates. However, we didnt quite make it out, but we had a great night anywho. The lyrics of Plain White T's come to mind: you and me, we should be, making memories, as long as we are together. And that is what I have to do in my week left- make lots of memories.

Sunday I studied. yes, I hate exams with a burning passion, but studying had to happen. And I was relatively productive. However, by Sunday night, I was struggling. So for one of my "study breaks", Claire, Michael (a guy from her class), Iona, and myself spent three hours watching youtube videos. it started out as old Irn Bru advertisements, and then we moved on to British Christmas music, and then their favorite comedians. Then we started reminiscing about our favorite 90's tv shows on Nickelodeon and we ended up watching a complete episode of Recess. So great.

This morning my Christmas music finally came, so I knew it was going to be a good day! I have spent all day listening to my fantabulous Christmas mix, James Taylor Christmas, and Josh Groban. To top it all off, i am done my exam. it has been a good day. Actually, it has been a good few days. Now I get to spend the rest of my time in Glasgow shopping and packing and spending time with my favorite people, and making memories.

Until my next adventure,
Love always,
Rach :)
xx

I dont get many things right the first time. In fact, I am told that a lot. But I know all the wrong turns the stumbles and falls brought me here. and I know, that I am, the luckiest. (Ben Folds)

Counting my blessings

So December 10th is always a sentimental day in my family, because six years ago our lives changed dramatically. However, one year later, someone told us that instead of being sad, we should count our blessings. So, while I try to be thankful everyday, today I am counting my blessings and sharing some of them on my blog :)

1. It is Christmas time- and Christmas in Glasgow is particularly amazing. The streets are all lit up with brightly colored lights. On my way back to my dorm, there is a man selling Christmas trees, so every day i get to walk by this street corner wafting of sweet pine. I have also began the tradition of watching Christmas movies at night, including Love Actually and The Holiday. Nothing brings in Christmas like Jude Law! Also, in the Holiday, there is a section where James Taylor is singing "have yourself a merry little christmas" and my heart kind of melted when I heard his voice crooning over my laptop speakers. Seriously, it really is the most wonderful time of the year.

2. In the spirit of movie watching, I am truly fortunate that in all of my adventures in life (Gov school, twb, college, glasgow) that I have found people who share my love for Disney music. After spending all day studying in the library on Monday, Claire, Iona and myself come back and had a disney jam session in the kitchen, and I think that Iona and I scared Claire by our uncanny knowledge of disney music. it was definitely a good stress reliever. Following our dinner, we the continued to watch Aladdin and the Little Mermaid :) Life is good.

3. Also with Christmastime comes gingerbread lattes at Starbucks! It seriously is one of my favorite things about the Christmas season. AND i have also found a coffeeshop in Glasgow that has free wifi and gingerbread lattes. And throughout my studies and various stressful or happy or sad or relaxing situations, I have discovered the power of a good cup of tea. it is a habit that I will most definitely bring back to Chapel Hill.

4. Yesterday, for a studybreak, I went to Edinburgh to meet Ginny and Tyson to see We Will Rock You- the musical featuring the music of Queen. Honestly, I did not know much Queen when I went in, but the show was excellent, and when i get home I will promptly purchase Queen music. Robbie and his flatmate also took a study break and had lunch with me, and we ate at the place in the grassmarket called Oink- which was essentially a barbecue place. Ahh it was a taste of home!

5. Speaking of good friends, those definitely count in my blessings. I dont know how I get so lucky sometimes, but I am so fortunate to have great friends wherever I go- whether is it watching Return of the Jedi on Saturday nights, or singing disney music in the kitchen, or traveling halfway across the world to see you, or leaving happy notes on my facebook wall or giving me their ticket to a show. Everyday I am thankful for the people that I have in my life. And no matter the way our stories end, I know you have rewritten mine by being my friend (Wicked)

6. And finally, through the wonders of technology, specifically Skype, I got to watch my little brother open his first college acceptance letter. Yes, as I already announced on facebook this week, Walter got into clemson! No he has not ruled out being a Tar Heel for a Tiger just yet, but that first letter is always exciting. Then I got to watch as walter read it out loud to mom when she got home a few minutes later. I was glad to be able to be a pert of this family moment, even though I am an ocean away.

I hope everyone has a great day! Remember to count your blessings and enjoy the holiday season :)
Until my next adventure,
love always
Rach :)
xx

You ask me to believe in Magic

Sensational.
That is one of the many adjectives that I could use to describe the Runrig Show.
Fantastic.
Amazing.
Epic.
Happy.
Those are just a few more.

Seriously though, I had high expectations for Runrig, and they exceeded them all. The venue was really interesting: it was basically a big ballroom with a stage set up at the front. But it was great because it meant that we could be really close to the stage, and I was essentially 3 rows from the front. it was awesome. But what was almost better than the music was when I would turn and look over my shoulder and see Robbie, Kersley, and Ewan singing and grinning like crazy- they were so happy. and I tend to get joy from other peoples happiness. Those guys are the reason I love Runrig and the reason I went to that show tonight. i owe them alot.

Of course, they encored with Loch Lomond. I had this nostalgic moment. I felt like it had all come full circle. I remember being at a disco at Oban High School with everyone on the exchange, standing arms linked in a circle-singing and dancing to Loch Lomond. And there I was, standing in a circle, arms linked, AT RUNRIG, singing and dancing to Loch Lomond. True story, I almost cried a little. It was another happy moment. Actually, it was a happy two hours.

And to make the night even better, we went to a Celidh at the Glasgow

University Union- which meant men and kilts and dancing (a lovely combination

if you ask me).

Until my next adventure,

Love always

Rach :)

xx

You ask me to believe in magic
Expect me to commit suicide of the heart
And you ask me to play this game without question
Raising the stakes on this shotgun roulette
But you came to me like the ways of children
Simple as breathing, easy as air
Now the years hold no fears, like the wind they pass over
Loved, forgiven, washed, saved

Every river I try to cross
Every hill I try to climb
Every ocean I try to swim
Every road I try to find
All the ways of my life
I'd rather be with you
There's no way
Without you.

The Friday Five

1. Today was my last day of class at Glasgow University. Holy Highland Cow!! How did that happen? Tyson and I were talking about how we cannot believe that it has been 3 months (do the day) that we arrived, and all that we have done in between. I have 15 days left here, and I am determined to fill them with amazing memories.

2. Life is all about those little moments of happiness, and since my time is winding down, i find myself having these moments all of the time. Example one: Claire brought Iona and I Fun Dip yesterday. You know, the sucker that is shaped like a foot and you dip it in poprocks and it makes an awesome crackly noise? The three of us were just sitting in the kitchen with our mouths open, listening to the candy and laughing at how goofy we must look. It's moments like those that I am going to miss the most.

3. Tonight I am going to see Runrig with some of my Oban friends: Robbie, Ewan, Kersley, and his sister Jodie. My memories of Runrig go back to 2005 on our exchange, and involve all of my group singing and dancing to Loch Lomond. I have heard they are phenomenal live, so I could not be more excited for this concert tonight. And it is more than just the music I am excited about, but I have to see as much of all of my Scottish friends as I can before I go...

4. Since Walter does not read this blog, I can say that I was excited to get to talk to him yesterday. he said to me: "Rach, I know you dont want to come home, but I am ready to have my sister back." He is one cool kid, and I havent gotten to talk to him as much as I typically do while I am at school. But yeah, he made my day.

5. To add to the happiness of my day, the sun was shining today and we had blue skies. it was a crisp, december day, and I love it when the weather matches my mood.

Happy Friday!
Until my next adventure,
love always,
Rach :)
xx

Wild and Sexy Skye

As I walk along these shores
I am the history within
As I climb the mountainside
Breaking Eden again (Runrig)

At Oh dark thirty on Monday (yes that is the second oh dark thirty in a row) I woke up and caught a train to Edinburgh, where the Skye High Haggis tour was leaving. There were twenty people on my tour, most of them were Australian who were on summer holiday. Our first stop was at Dunkeld Cathedral, and we stopped in Kingussie for lunch. One of my favorite places from day one was Culloden Moor. Yes, I know that it is just a big battlefield, but it was the site of the final Jacobite rebellion, where Bonnie Prince Charlie and his not so fine leadership skills, led the last battle before the English finally stopped and eventually dissipated the entire highland culture: they banned the Scots language and the wearing of Kilts (sadness!!) I know it is weird to say that a battlefield is beautiful, but it was. We kept venturing north to Inverness, where we stopped at Loch Ness. Unfortunately, I did not find Nessie. Another stop as the sun started setting was at Urquhart Castle. We stayed our first night in Fort Augustus, where the guys who owned the hostel had made us Haggis with potatoes (along with Chili for those who were not so keen on the Haggis). There was even live music the first night!!

Day two:
We woke up and saw the morning light over Loch Ness and searched one last time for Nessie, with no such luck. The next stop was at Eliean Donan Castle, the "famous castle" that is in all of the movies, such as Braveheart, Highlander, and my personal favorite- Made of Honor. Then we went over to Skye for the day. it was so beautiful, stopped somewhere for Lunch- it was a quaint little harbor town. Then we went up to Storr, which is the name of a peak (i think). There is a legend which says that an old man and his wife used to climb up this peak everyday to admire the view, and when they got old, the fairies (who are also present on skye) turned them to stone so they culd admire the view together forever. But we climbed to the top of this peak, and once again, I felt like I was on top of the world. it is kind of a cool feeling, to look at the sea and the mountains around me. Oh, and on this peak, we had a SNOWBALL fight!!! Jealous? You should be. Night two at the hostel included certain card games and a dance party! Yes, theme number two: dance parties :) I love them.

Day Three:
The last day of the trip seemed to be the busiest. We saw Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in Scotland. We stopped in Glencoe, which was the site of another massacre. But the landscape was beautiful. And we stopped in Fort William, a place I had actually been before, to see Inverlochy castle ruins. Had lunch at the Green Welly Shop, which is something that I pass on the way to Oban. We saw Hamish, the Hairy Coo (yes pronounced that way!) and our last top was in Stirling at the Wallace Monument. I still maintain that Stirling has been one of my favorite cities. We arrived back in Edinburgh around five, and I caught the train back to Glasgow.

It was really nice to come back to Glasgow. it's nice to feel like Im coming home and catch up with everyone in my flat. I made Shells and Cheese (yes from the box) and enlightened Claire (the Mac and Cheese expert) to the fabulousness of Shells and Cheese.

Skye was excellent, and a great adventure for the last few weeks of my life here. it is cool when you learn about a place in a classroom, and then you can go and see the places where all of this history happened. Nerd moment, I know. But still.
Until my next adventure,
Love
Rach :)
xx

Thankful.

Wow. I do not even know where to begin. I have had one of the best weeks- seriously. Because Thanksgiving was Thursday, I have been thinking alot about what I am thankful for (yes, I know it seems cheesy- but whatever)- and the list is quite long. But on top of the little things and the big things, I am most thankful for the experience that i am having in Glasgow (and all of scotland actually): all of it- the people, the city, the nights out, the nights in, even the weather. I am thankful for my friends who visit (and the love that they brought from the people at home who couldnt sneak over with them in their suitcases) and I am thankful for my friends here- who's time is the most valuable thing they can ever give me.

On Sunday, I finished my paper :) and went with Kersley to pick up Emily, the first of my guests to arrive this week, at the airport. Even though her flight was a little delayed, it was so great to see her walk through the gate. Then Kersley and Iain (who had never been to my flat at Queen Margaret) joined us for dinner. I made spaghetti, and while they were a little skeptical of the way i tend to doctor my sauce, it turned out really well!! Em and I spent a few hours catching up; even though we have been in contact the whole time I have been gone, its not the same and we had to fill each other in on our lives.

Monday we met Jodie and Kersley for lunch on Ashton Lane, and then we went to visit Andy and Brady and Matt at their flat. Because Emily has been here before (on both the exchange and for a visit this summer), she knows alot of my Oban friends and we wanted to make sure that we got to spend time with everyone while she was here. On monday, all of my classes involved watching movies, so she went with me to my various movie screenings. And then we made a very colorful dinner (it involved chicken curry, rice, and a various assortment of veggies). it was tasty and pretty :). I took her to Open Mic night at Nice and Sleazy and we finally saw Sean Biggerstaff (aka Oliver Wood- the quiddich captain in HP 1 and 2) play! I am not going to lie, one of the reasons i kept going back to sleazys (besides for my obvious love for all things acoustic) was because I wanted to see him, and I was not disappointed.

Tuesday
FYI- the weather in scotland for the past week has been...well...very scottish. it has been windy and raining and cold. So emily got a great taste of a scotland rain. We trekked through the monsoon to my comp lit class, and then I took em to Tchai Ovna- a quintessential tea house, where we sat for two hours drinking our tea and eating biscuits. When you are cold and wet, nothing is better than a cozy couch, a cup of tea, and your best friend. That night we convinced Andy and Kersley to take a study break and meet us at Curlers and then go to a movie. We saw 2012, which was a typical oh-my-god-the-world-is-ending movie, but it was not all bad.

Wednesday: JORDAN ARRIVED!!
We were supposed to wake up at 630 and go and meet Jordan at the airport, however, due to extenuating circumstances (aka Emily and I slept through my two alarms), we did not make it to the airport, so Jordan took a cab to QMR. I felt really bad, but i think the rest of her trip to Scotland made up for that!! While Em and I went to my 12 o clock class, Jordan napped (since she had just flown overnight). After lunch and a relaxing afternoon, we moved emily to Kerlsey and Iain's flat (one: she knew them already and two: there was no way 3 people could have comfortably- or uncomfortably- stayed in my room) and then we ventured out into the city centre for a little bit of shopping and dinner at a local pub. The weather was again in top form (blustery and raining) so Jordan got a taste of the fine Glaswegian weather as well. Wednesday night, I took Emily and Jordan to Oran Mor, and then we met up with Kerlsey and Ross in the city centre for a night out. Kersley's sister Jodie and her flatmate Zoe met us out as well, and a good time was definitely had by all. I was so impressed with Jordan, who had arrived at 730 this morning and then survived a late night out. Welcome to Scotland!! as we like to say: Go Hard or Go Home :)

Needless to say, thursday, we slept in. Actually, Jordan slept in while I had to wake up early to go to the dentist. Leave it to me to leave the country and have dental issues. But the nice thing about Thursday was that it was sunny!! Woot. So the three of us bought sandwiches and had a picnic :) We then met up with Ginny and Tyson to go to Kate's drama performance. It was very interesting: it was like a haunted tour of the drama building- but they were all dressed up like demon clowns and such. But I am really glad that we all got to see her perform. Then it was time for thanksgiving dinner. Since we arrived in Glasgow we have been talking about having a Thanksgiving Dinner in Glasgow, so a few weeks ago I created a facebook event and invited a bunch of our scottish friends, and the next thing I know, there are 30 people saying that they are coming! Holy Turkey! So yes, I had a mild type a freak out, but we asked everyone coming to bring a side dish and their own plate and cup. The night turned out to be amazing. If i was not going to be in Wilson with my family, Glasgow, surrounded by my new family, was exactly where I wanted to be. We had so much food: turkey, mashed potatoes, three alarm yams (made by me- they were all intrigued by the idea of sweet potatoes with marshmallows), broccoli casserole, mac and cheese, carrots, haggis, FIVE pumpkin pies, three chocolate ones, a ham roast, and a bunch of other stuff that i didnt get too. I think a good time was had by everyone, and who knows, maybe now Thanksgiving will be a new tradition in Glasgow?

Friday, while I was in photography, Emily and Jordan did some shopping and exploring around the city centre. I finished printing my pictures for my final project- which i am really excited about. After a wee bit of shopping myself, Jordan, Emily, and I went ice skating around St Georges Square! it was only for about 45 minutes, but it was a fun thing to do! After eating dinner with Iain (which he had made for us), we introduced Jordan, Emily, Nicki (iona's younger sister) and Tyson's younger brother (who was visiting) to Cheesy Pop! It was probably one of the best cheesy's that I have been to yet! Oh, and I sang Karaoke. That is all i am going to say about that. But the group of us had such a good time, and as always, cheesy does not let us down!

Saturday morning, after a mere 3.5 hours of sleep, Emily, Jordan, Kate and I went to Edinburgh: I wanted Jordan to have a chance to see the city, and everyone involved wanted to see/meet Robbie. He met us at the train station, and then we went to the Elephant House for lunch. The Elephant House was where JK Rowling sat everyday while she was writing the first three HP books. Surprisingly, the whole place was not a shrine to her- it was covered in Elephants (obviously) and the food was really good too. Our plan for the day had been to see the castle, but when we walked up there, the queue was outrageously long, and an executive decision was made to not go in. Plus, we were informed that we could not be fairytale princesses when it was foggy. Our other plan for the day was to go see a Hibernian football match (the Hibs are in the Premier Scottish Football league). After an adventure figuring out how to get our tickets, we finally made it inside the stadium- and we were seated in the section of Hib's fans closest to the visitors. Oh, and even though it was dry in Edinburgh, it was absolutely freezing! I mean it almost compares to how cold I was at the Army/Navy football game in philly a few years go (and that comparison will only make sense to a few people). But I enjoyed the game regardless of the fact that I could not feel my toes. Also, I have learned that I have almost as much fun watching football fans at games than the actual game. The Scots are very into their football. We walked back to the city centre and had a very warm mexican dinner. Then we caught the train back to Glasgow. I had so much fun with everyone, and I am glad that Jordan and Kate got to meet Robbie (who is one of the last oban-ers that my american friends have not met yet) and he had graciously taken a study break (all day) to show us around. Great day. and a great way for Jordan and Emily to end their trip.

At oh-dark-thirty this morning, Iain-bless him- took us to the airport. I was sad to see my two best friends leave, but it was one of best weeks. Im glad that they got to be a part of my new life, even if it was only for a short while. Now I need to get started on an essay because I am leaving for a three day trip to Skye tomorrow morning. I have twenty two days left, and I am absolutely determined to fill them with the best memories! I hope that everyone had a great Thanksgiving and a great weekend!

Until my next adventure,
Love
Rach :)
xx

lacking the creative energy to think of a title

This week has pretty much been filled with "I have to write my paper" and "my best friends are coming next week" and "uhhhh its raining" and "vampires" and "i love dance parties!"

Wednesday night I took a study break and went out with Ginny, Kate, and Iona to sports night at one of the clubs in the city. It was good fun (as dancing always is) but my favorite part of the evening was when we left. We got the staple chips and cheese on our way home, which is a requirement post-going-out. Then the four of us, who were not entirely ready for the evening to end, went to Kate's kitchen and had a dance party. We brought out her computer and continued to play our favorite songs, some that we had already heard that night and some that we had not. It was pretty excellent. And I love having moments like that, ones that are completely care free and happy: jamming out to Jay Sean or David Guetta in the kitchen, eating chips and cheese and 3 am with some of your best friends.

Thursday we supposedly got a months worth of rain in 24 hours. My mood reflected this sentiment. No me gusta.

Friday in photography we started organizing our final project. It was fun looking through all of my pictures that I have taken/developed with Peter (our way awesome professor) and trying to find a common theme and deciding which pictures to include in my presentation. He didnt tell me that I should change my major (like he told ginny) but he did say that I wasnt afraid to take a lot of different types of pictures- from different angles and different approaches. Friday afternoon was spent watching mindless tv (and on vampire diaries they had a discussion about so you think you can dance! ahhhh). We went to cheesy pop, which never disappoints. However my poor choice of shoes as resulted in numbness in my toes that has still not completely gone away.

Saturday morning Claire, her bff Steph, Iona and I went to see New Moon :) I am not going to ramble about my obsession with vampires or werewolves, but I am going to say that I liked New Moon 100 times more than the Twilight film (its amazing what a good budget can do for a movie, seriously). Team Edward. Team Taylor Lautner.
I spent the afternoon in the Library, and by Saturday night I had finished my paper (which is due monday- be impressed). At some point late in the evening, Iona knocked on my door and told me that I HAD to come and see this. Outside of her window, there were two guys dancing and jamming, quite loudly, to "i just cant wait to be king" from the Lion King. While their sobriety was questionable, they were hilarious. They then moved on the "under the sea" "chim-chim-chiminy" and "once upon a dream." As good as my saturday was in the entertainment department, I think their performance outside of Iona's window was icing on the cake.

Emily comes today and Jordan comes on Wednesday. I am so so so excited about both of them coming. I have reached a point where I am not homesick per say, but I do miss my friends, so their timing could not be more perfect. AND they will both be here for thanksgiving. We have organized (that term being used loosely) a thanksgiving dinner...and right now 30 people are supposedly coming. a type a personality freak out will probably happen. But it should be good fun so hopefully it will all work out.

Also: shout out to my Blank Canvas Girls! Good luck in your performance tonight! I know that you all will dance beautifully and I cant wait to be back on that stage with you next semester! (and if you go to unc and are reading this, go to Memorial Hall at 630 and support them!)

I hope everyone had a great weekend.
Until my next adventure,
love
Rach :)
xx

surprise surprise

Right now I am procrastinating. I know this is not really a surprise to anyone, but I have this horrible paper due on monday. But i knew that all I had to do was make it until next Wednesday because that is when my roommate from UNC, Jordan, is coming to visit. I have been looking forward to her arrival since she booked her tickets in September. I mean I had already sent her a tentative itinerary. THEN, today, my best friend emily very nonchalantly drops that she is going to be in Scotland for Thanksgiving too! I am so glad that we were video chatting when this information was shared, because I am sure that my face was priceless. I literally couldnt say anything. She continues to tell me that EVERYONE knew: all of my Oban friends (many of whom I have seen this week), Jordan, and my parents. I am really surprised that it did not slip out, but honestly, I am glad that no one told me, because it made the news that much more amazing. I am going to have my best friends with me in my favorite place in the world. That is definitely something to be thankful for.

Aberdeen

This weekend, I went home with my flatmate Iona to Aberdeen. Aberdeen is in the north east part of Scotland and about a 2.5 hour train ride from Glasgow. Friday was a beautiful day: it was sunny with blue skies. I was riding on the train, watching the Scottish hills go by, a stark contrast of dark green against the blue sky, speckled by little white sheep, and I had one of those moments where I just knew that I was in the right place. I call these "Carolina Moments" because more often than not I am walking around UNC and I stop and just appreciate where I am and realize that this is the right place for me. And i had one of those moments on the train outside of sterling on the way to Aberdeen.

Iona and her dad picked me up from the train station, and i was welcomed into their home with a nice chili supper. We had friendly banter about old episodes of Friends, we watched the news, I saw family photos. I think it is those little things about coming "home", like watching the news with your dad or having someone else cook you dinner and makes you appreciate home much more. Iona and I just had a relaxing night in on Friday since we were both pretty exhausted (traveling can wear you out, not to mention going out the night before ;) ).

Saturday morning we slept in, and after a quiet morning we went out to explore Aberdeen (actually I went to explore, Iona and Nicki (her sister) came along to show me around). We went to the Uni, which was incredible. Yes, some of it somewhat resembled a castle. That is something that I will never get used to or get tired of: castle buildings. Then we went into the city centre of Aberdeen to do some shopping because a bright and shiny new mall had just opened. Iona described it as "the mothership has landed." Haha. But then we walked back to her house for tea (aka dinner) with her family and her parents friends who were also in town visiting. Another random thing about the weekend: I somehow became the resident googler! Actually it started out as mr peddie, but then i got dubbed with the title. So when something would come on tv that we didnt know, I would google it. Stuff like "Who was the original writer of the song 'We Will Never Walk Alone'? (which is the anthem of the Liverpool Football Club). Answer: Rogers and Hammerstein, though Gerry and the Pretenders sing the version made famous by the LFC. Fyi. It just became the running joke that if someone had a question, then I would google it. Saturday night Iona and I went out to some of her favorite places around Aberdeen, and randomly enough we ran into a bunch of people that she knew. Granted, it was difficult to really talk to anyone because of loud music, but it was still cool to meet them. It was definitely a good night!

Sunday afternoon we went to Iona's favorite cafe, Ki:Lau, for lunch/coffee/ catching up time with one of her really good friends who goes to school in Dundee. We spent 2 hours in the cafe just talking, and her friends were really cool! Then, as we were walking back, Aberdeen was having its "Christmas lights light ceremony" and there was a christmas parade!!! Now normally I am vehemently opposed to anything Christmas before Thanksgiving, but this can be an exception. The Parade opened with three big snow plows riding down the street, then Santa in the bed of a mac truck. THEN there was the 12 days of Christmas!! Yes, I saw lords a leaping, ladies dancing, maids a milking, swans a swimming, geese a laying, 5 golden rings, calling birds, french hens, turtle doves, and a partridge (without a pear tree). There were bagpipers (awesome thing number 2 I will never get tired of) and a confetti machine. It was happiness. We had one last homemade meal and then Iona and I caught the train back to Glasgow.

One thing that Iona said to me over the course of the weekend is that she spent her entire last year in Aberdeen wishing to be away, but going to Uni and hearing all of the small towns where people are from (ahem) she has realized that Aberdeen is not that bad. I think this is something that most first years experience (i know I did when I was a freshman) and I am glad that she recognizes the amazingness of home, and I definitely appreciated her home while I was a guest there.

This week is busy. I have another paper due as well as guests visiting at the end of the week. I hope you all have had a great weekend and have an excellent week.
Until my next adventure,
love
Rach :)
xox

ps-victories for Carolina Football and Basketball this weekend. Woot.

pps- shout out: Congratulations to Mark and Amanda Doerffel!! :)

Mental Health Day

So on Wednesday I decided to take a mental health day...and venture up to Edinburgh to see Robbie. Upon meeting me at the bus station, we explored Royal Mile, and then Rob showed me the University. On my previous trip to Edinburgh, I didnt get to see much of the city outside of the touristy areas of the Royal Mile and the castle, but wednesday that definitely changed. It was cool to see where he goes to school, and see how another Scottish University compares to Glasgow (Edinburgh was nice, but it does not have a cool castle building: point for Glasgow Uni :) ). However, Robbie majors in EXSS as well, and he was telling me about their pool facilities and how there are underwater cameras that can assist with bio mechanical analysis (point for Edinburgh over Glasgow AND UNC). But anywhoo, behind the liberal arts campus there is this huge park, so we ventured around there for a while. I saw where he used to live and he showed me where he lives now. His flat has this amazing bay window :) When I had previously visited Edinburgh, we climbed this awesome "hill" called Arthur's Seat. Well en route to Arthur's Seat is the Scottish Parliament, and while the group of us had posed in front of it for pictures, at the time it was closed for visitors. But on Wednesday Robbie and I got to go inside, and go into the debate chambers! We listened to them argue about World Heritage Sites somewhere for a while. I dont even know if I would be allowed to go inside the US Capital building anymore (without a Representative or Senator as an escort) much less drop in on a session! It was pretty cool. And the physical Parliament building is EXTREMELY modern; I think it is a neat design but kind of random for Parliament. Rob and I went back to his flat for supper (graciously prepared by his flatmate Ewan) and we just relaxed for a while, catching up on the news, seeing reports about Armistice Day, and watching a question and answer kind of show about the war in Afghanistan. I caught the bus back to Glasgow wednesday night, just in time for me to finish off my work that had to be completed by Thursday.

I had a great day in Edinburgh. Sometimes it is just nice to spend the day wondering around with an old friend, talking and catching up, as well as seeing new parts of a city. I think it was just what i needed to rejuvenate in order to get through my next round of essays that are quickly approaching.

This weekend I am going to Aberdeen with my flatmate Iona, and I cant wait!
Happy Friday the 13th.
Until my next adventure,
love
Rach :)
xox

Remember Remember the 5th of November (and the 6th...and the 7th...and the 8th)

I am not going to lie, before the movie V for Vendetta was released in 2005, I had no idea of the significance of the 5th of November. Before I came to Scotland, all I knew was that way back when, Guy Fawkes tried to blow up Parliament and was unsuccessful, and the day is celebrated throughout the UK. However, on the 5th of November in Scotland, thousands of people headed to the Glasgow Green (a park in the city centre) for fireworks and carnival rides (there was allegedly supposed to be a bonfire, but it was false advertising). Kate, Ginny, Tyson, Claire, Iona, and myself all went to the Green to enjoy the festivities, and while the fireworks were a little anticlimactic, it is fun to be a part of this tradition. After the fireworks the group of us stopped in a pub on Byres just for a pint and chat (I will miss the chat, and the capability to stop in a pub legally). Then we went back to our flat and started the BBC series of Emma (Jane Austen).

Friday's have always been my favorite day of the week (remember my days of "guesswhat? guesswhat?guesswhat? tomorrow's friday!) but only having photography on Friday's is the best possible way to start my weekend. I have been working on developing my second role of film and I am really excited about some of the pictures. Friday night, Claire and I were WOQuA's and went running around a cold, dark, and very wet glasgow. Do you know how in movies when a truck drives by and you get splashed? fyi: that actually happens in real life. Then I went out with some girls that I have met through Iain and Kersley (they were their flatmates in 1st year). I was really excited that they called and that they have accepted me "in" to their group of friends.

Saturday, Kate and i were tourists in Glasgow. Because the weather was nice (aka NOT raining...woot!) we went to the Barra's market in the east end of the city, and honestly, I will not be going back. We then ventured to the Glasgow Cathedral and the Necropolis. The Glasgow Cathedral is one of the last remaining cathedrals from before the Reformation, and it is magnificent. The necropolis was built "out of the city" because the planners thought it was prevent the spread of disease (the necropolis is now in the centre of the city). But it is basically this huge hill that is covered in tombstones (most of which are quite impressive). But there were also beautiful views of the city from the top, and once again I felt on top of the world. Kate and I then ventured into St Mungo's museum of religious life and art, which had lots of interesting information and relics from six major world religions. It was a good day to be a tourist :) (Is there any bad day to be a tourist?) Later Saturday night, we finished the last two episodes of Emma, and now I really want to read the book. Iona said : "Literature courses are making the list of fictional characters I'm in love with grow longer. I think I need to get a grip." word. haha

This morning, the three of us got up and made a nice breakfast :) We made pancakes, eggs, bacon, and toast. Because of our lack of syrup we had to improvise, and we topped our pancakes with deliciousness like nutella and whipped cream, or bananas and honey, or butter and jam. Ahh so good. There was one point where I was cooking bacon, iona was flipping pancakes, and claire was setting the "table" and the song Hey Valerie came on my ipod and the 3 of us just started jamming out. it was a great moment, and fabulous way to start my sunday. Now I am headed to the library to try and get some work done. I hope you all have had a great weekend!!
Until my next adventure,
Love always,
Rach :)
xox

We are tuesday people.

Wait. What day is it? Tuesday? and Im blogging? WOAH. I know. I know. i dont usually blog at the beginning of the week, but I have had a good monday (shocker) and tuesday, and I feel like sharing my happiness.

1. I turned in my first essay (one of only two major assignments) for my Comp Lit class yesterday, and the paper was comparing Harry Potter and Oedipus. Yes, i spent 2000 words explaining how Harry and Oedipus have similar qualities and therefore are both heroes.

2. Claire and I have become running buddies this semester. I am glad that I found someone who has a similar pace, and we run well together: we push each other to "run strong" and I am the navigator :) So yesterday we had a lovely run, which is always nice and refreshing.

3. I made lamb curry last night for dinner and shared it with kate. My meals are slowly improving. the dinner and chat were both lovely.

4. There is a club in the city centre of Glasgow called Nice and Sleazy, which has an open mic night on Mondays, which apparently is pretty well known (Oliver Wood from Harry Potter sang there a few weeks ago- no i did not see him). Kelsey, one of the girls from UNC goes there every week, so I joined her last night, and this place was anything but sleazy. The open mic night was in a basement area that is lit only by christmas lights lining the ceiling, and the spotlights on a single stool and microphone that are on a stage. The music was excellent- basically anything acoustic just melts my heart. But the manager/mc of the night looked like Corey Smith and had the voice and attitude to match. Kelsey is also a 'regular" (yes im a little jealous) so she knew alot of the regular singers and they would come up and talk to us. It was basically an amazing few hours, and I will definitely be going back next week.

5. The Phillies beat the Yankees last night! Woot :)

6. Today, Claire, Iona, and myself made chocolate chip cookies from scratch! I found the nestle toll house cookie recipe online, which was great except my measuring cup with was pints and mL and not cups and teaspoons. Therefore this recipe required alot of math. But somehow, the three of us figured it out and now have a small mountain of chocolate chip cookies (chocolate chips made out of galaxy bars...yum) sitting in our kitchen. Happy Day.

7. In a few hours, for two pound tuesdays, we are going to see Fantastic Mr Fox. I dont know if I missed the Roald Dahl phenomenon, but apparently his was very popular and an ever present part of Iona and Claire's childhood. I am not going to lie, I am excited about this movie. I know nothing of the plot, but I know the cast is excellent, with people like Meryl Streep, George Clooney (and as iona pointed out- he has such a nice vioce ;) ), Bill Murray, and Owen Wilson.

8. While trying to think of a creative blog title, I came across a good quote from Tuesday's with Morrie- a book that changed my life when I read it many years ago. So decided that a quote from that book would be my title. I also wanted to include the following quote, just because I like it:

"Do the kinds of things that come from the heart. When you do, you won’t be dissatisfied, you won’t be envious, you won’t be longing for somebody else’s things. On the contrary, you’ll be overwhelmed with what comes back." -Morrie

To say the least, i have had a good beginning of the week- and I think it will just keep getting better.

Until my next adventure,
love
Rach :)
xox

Halloween Weekend

So this weekend, Hannah ( a friend from Laurinburg) and her friend MK came to visit me in Glasgow! No, they did not come all the way from NC: Hannah is currently studying abroad in Italy, so she came to London to see MK and they both made the journey north to see me. It turns out that MK is from Chapel Hill (and still a die-hard tarheel) so it was nice to talk about things form home with someone in Scotland who understands...liiikkeee a love for all things James Taylor and why the song Carolina in my Mind is go great, and the 80's dance at cats cradle and study nights in Davis Library (i cringed a little on the last one). But they arrived on Friday afternoon and we made some fantastic chicken fijitas (i was pretty proud of myself). Both Hannah and MK dance at Meredith, so we also discussed our common love of dance, and how jealous hannah and I were at the fact that MK is studying abroad at a conservatory, so she dances all the time.

On Saturday we and a leisurely morning and then I took both of then around the West End to see Glasgow University. We had lunch at a pub on University Avenue where Hannah had her first fish and chips since being in the UK :) I also introduced them to Irn Bru, and surprisingly they both liked it (i think its an acquired taste). Then we joined Iona and her dad for a Partick Thistle game! When we arrived in Glasgow, someone told us that if we were asked if we were either a Rangers fan or a Celtics fan, if we valued our lives, we would say Partick Thistle. It was my first football game in Scotland, and I really glad that Hannah and MK got to experience it too. The game was pretty exciting. I think my favorite part was the three generations of men that were sitting in front of us: there was a 10 year old boy, and 40 something year old dad, and a 60 something year old grandfather, and they were all yelling quite passionately, at everyone: the other team, the partick thistles, and refs, each other. Scots are so passionate about their football. It's awesome.

We had originally planned to go into the city centre for halloween, but a text from iain, who told us he was dressed up as a hula girl, convinced us to go to the QM. We got there at 930, and the queue was outrageous! We waited in line to get in for a hour and a half (after two unsuccessful attempts to jump in line with Iain and Kersley or friends from the dorms behind Queen Margaret). However, it wouldnt be Halloween if I wasnt standing outside in the cold. At least I had on comfortable shoes :) I dressed up as someone from the 80's: off the shoulder shirt, pink undershirt, denim skirt, purple tights, pink leg warmers, my chuck taylors, and bright neon yellow earrings to tie it together! So much fun. Once we finally got inside and properly hydrated ;) we hit the dance floor with my friends form Oban and their friends (four of whom were dressed as haggis!) and the people who live behind us. I think what makes any night out fun is the people you are with. SO even though I was not on Franklin, I was surrounded by good friends and dancing the night away. I couldnt have been happier. (However, after seeing all of my friends pictures from back in NC, i did get a little nostalgic).

We got back from the Union at O dark 30, just in time for Hannah and MK to catch the bus for their early flight. Today has been spent writing a paper that is due tomorrow and recapping fun memories of the night iona and claire, as well as friends from home. I changed my calendar to November today. Where did the time go? I realized today that I spent every weekend in october (except for this one) away from glasgow, so I am looking forward to spending time in this city I call home.

I hope everyone had a great weekend and a happy halloween.
unitl my next adventure,
love
Rach :)

oh. and go phillies.

Happiness

I had the most incredible weekend. (yes I do realize that most of my Monday blogs include this statement, but I am trying to live my time here to the fullest and therefore have many incredible weekends.)

Friday night was typical cheesy pop. But what Claire, Iona, and I tend to do when we come home from a night out is cook a frozen pizza and have "pizza chat." It has become one of my favourite traditions, and one that I will definitely miss.

Then Saturday I ventured up to Oban for Kersley and Calder's 21st birthday party. I was staying with Robbie, his older brother Colin, and one of Rob's friends from Edinburgh. When I walked in, dinner was ready- and it was a legit dinner of steak, potatoes, and corn on the cobb. A girl could get used to that. Then we all got dressed up for the night out- i had a fun party dress and the guys wore kilts (i am going to miss those too). However, I did decide that I do not like getting ready for parties while I am the only girl in the house. I mean, if I need help or an opinion or a shoe crisis, who am I supposed to ask? But I digress...

The party was an absolute sensation. The first two hours a Ceilidh band played traditional scottish music for dancing- and I actually knew more than I thought I would. And even when I didnt, it always helps to have a good dance partner. I also got to visit with alot of people, such as girls from my exchange that I have not seen since coming back, and people from Glasgow that I had not spent much time with. Hopefully we will see each other more in the upcoming weeks. After a few hours, the band changed to a DJ and the music was so much fun! Basically, I am happiest when I am dancing. Add kilts and good friends to that combination and I am in heaven :) I hope my 21st is half as good as theirs.

Sunday was daylight savings time so we all got a much needed extra hour of sleep. After a relaxing morning I took the bus back to Glasgow in time to see a Glasgow Rocks basketball game, and Mike Copeland is the starting Centre! It was so great to see a tarheel on the court, even if its not the deandome. The game was good, but it is played at a completely different caliber here. The Rock's lost by five. I did get to meet Cope after the game was over though, and he is really nice. I think he was glad to have support at the game, especially from people who understand where he comes from.

This week is reading week for my comp lit class, which means I only have one lecture. of course, I WOULD have to register for next semester's classes during my one lecture. Whatever. I do have a paper to write this week though because Hannah, a friend from Laurinburg who is studying abroad in Italy is coming to visit me this weekend!! Yay!

But I hope everyone has a great week!!
Until my next adventure,
Love
Rach :)
xox

Happy Friday!!

I know this is not news to anyone, but I absolutely LOVE Fridays! I have always loved them, but I especially love this day of the week because my only class is photography; Today I spent 5 hours in a darkroom, and I couldnt believe how fast the day went by. But I have finished developing my first roll of film, and today we got our cameras back. Peter, our super cool photag professor, met with each of us individually and gave us a focus for our new roll of film. Mine is reflections and portraits. My goal for the week is to find ways to take pictures of people showing emotion... we will see how it works out.

It has been a pretty calm week for me, which i gladly welcomed after London last weekend. On wednesday we had our scottish culture class, which I am really enjoying. This week we talked about Scottish Lit in the 18th and 19th centuries, which included people like Robert Louis Stevenson, Robert Burns, and Sir Walter Scott. It may sound kind of dorky, but i really enjoyed it. Also, a bunch of us went to a club called The Arches on wednesday night, which is located in the arches underneath Grand Central Station. The awesome part about The Arches is that there is a bouncy castle inside!! How amazing is that?! I think all clubs should have bouncy castles inside! Fabulous.

This weekend my friends Kersley and Ross are having a 21st birthday party in Oban, so I will be making the trip up there tomorrow. Though I am not sure why, 21 is also a big deal here. They have apparently hired a Ceilidh band and everything. It is guaranteed to be a good night. I will report back on that later ;)

I hope you all have a great weekend!
Until my next adventure,
Love
Rach :)
xox

The Second Star to the Right

So on Saturday (after Cheesy pop, let me add) at oh-Dark-Thirty in the morning (and by that I mean 4 am) I caught a bus to the airport and a 650 flight to LONDON!! Due to a ryanair debacle, Kate met me in London at my friend kesley's flat (she is studying abroad at Kings College). Then we started our 48 hour whirlwind tour of London. We walked down Southbank and saw the Globe Theatre. Kate and I went up to the London Eye. I think it is cool how wherever I go I find places that make me feel like Im on top of the world. It was an incredible 360 degree veiw of the city.

After the Eye we saw a sign for a Beatles exhibit at the Movieum- a museum about British film, and if we didnt do so many cool things while we were in London, I would say it was the coolest thing we did. There were mini bios about all of these film stars lining the walls. It also had the original costumes of so many great stars! For example: Russell Crowe's battle Armor from Gladiator, Christopher Reeve's superman suit, Ron and Harry and Hermione robes, and DARTH VADER!!! hello awesomness! Oh, and Harrison Ford's body cast from the Empire Strike's back, saw it!! so freakin cool! there were also images of the beatles. By far the coolest museum ever. Anywho...

after the movieum, we walked along Parliament and saw Westminister Abbey. We (and by we I mean Kate) mastered the Tube up to Notting Hill for the Portabello Road Market. We then meandered back to Leichester Square for theatre tickets, and we saw Les Miserables. Oh my stars. Those who know me know that when I see a fabulous musical that I get really happy and bubbley, and ramble. Oh yes, there was rambling. So great. Fabulous. Oh the magic of a power ballad! After the show, Kate and I met up with Kesley, Lauren Shore (another girl from UNC), and two of their friends for dessert. it was a chill night, but it is what I needed after being up since Oh-Dark-Thirty.

On Sunday, we crossed the Millenium Bridge, hoping that the Death Eaters didnt come and tear it down, over to St. Pauls Cathedral. Then we went to the changing of the guard, where there were too many people, and scary policemen on horses yelling at everyone. But it was a touristy thing to do and therefore it had to be done. Because sunday was a beautiful day in London, Kate and I went strolling through the parks. And Peter Pan was our theme for the day.

First (completely on accident) we discovered the Lost Boys tree. I mean it was not official, but it was perfection. and of course, where there is a tree, I will climb it. it was amazing. I made a friend, Jake, who was 9. He coached me up the tree, where we both made it all the way to the top. It's kind of funny really, I didnt start climbing trees until I was about 18, because I am kid of chicken. So when I was struggling, kate was like "Do NOT make me call Dr and Mrs Hughes and tell them you fell out of a tree in London." But I didnt fall out. We kept strolling a found the Peter Pan statue in Kensington Park. And lo and behold, a dog slightly resembling Nana walked up. Kate's inner five year old was so happy.

After the Park tour we walked to Oxford St, one of the main shopping streets in London. I lost my Christmas Spirit a little, but it was an experience for sure. We walked down Baker Street (Sherlock Holmes anyone?) and then to Trafalgar Square to see it all lit up at night. Then for our final scene we wanted to see was big Ben like Peter Pan did. So we found it, and it was a sight. Kate imagined that Peter and Wendy were sitting on the hands of Big Ben. We didnt see the second star to the right either, however that oculd be because London is to bright to see any stars (and I did suggest transplanting Big Ben to Chapel Hill to remedy that situation...)

Kate and I caught the 1145 bus to Glasgow and rode all night to make it back in time for class on monday.

What a great weekend.

Until my next adventure,
love
Rach :)
xox