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.