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