And so it begins!
So much has occurred over the course of this past week; Due to this, I apologize in advance for the lengthiness of this post, and in the future will hopefully start updating a tad more frequently!
Following four very full days of packing, last minute shopping, visiting DC-Sewanee friends and spending copious amount of quality time with da parentals, I left mid-afternoon on the second of August to take a night plane from Dulles to London (on which I had some chicken mansala, the national dish of London--Aimee isn't the only one having delicious Indian food!) to take a morning plane to Edinburgh, where I met up with the rest of the group.
Another half-hour bus ride later, we arrived at Pollock Hall (part of the University of Edinburgh)where we promptly dropped off our luggage in our rooms to begin a trek through the highlands of Holyrood Park to combat the dreaded jet-leg.
Afterwards, my roommate and I caught up on some of the Olympics (watched LIVE from London!), and showered and dressed for our welcome dinner at The Dome. After three extremely rich courses we left completely stuffed yet fueled for the rest of the night's adventures--which included a visit to a traditional pub, Biddy Muligans, as well as a more dance-y club, The Three Sisters. Pascale said it all when she told me "I've never felt so awake and so tired at the same time!"
After a mere few hours of sleep we awoke for breakfast, which, with its large and delectable spread of food, was definitely worth the early wake-up call. Following the meal, our director led an optional tour of Edinburgh, in which he lived for three years after attending Sewanee, through the 'Old' as well as 'New Town.' Notable sights include the botanical gardens, walking the Royal Mile, a visit to the museums. That night we attended the Military Tattoo to view an assortment of dances based upon important historical events prior to visiting Frankensteins, a pub built in 1818.
I was skeptical as to whether two nights would be enough time to get a good feel for the country, however, after the completion of our stay I can confidently say that was not the case--walking through Edinburgh on foot, especially guided by a fellow resident, assuaged such notions.
After another yummy breakfast, the group had a picnic lunch in Almouth at the North Sea before parting ways--we went to Durham while the Eastern track ventured to York.
**these blocks along the sand were placed there during World War II to deter the German tanks from entering England! kewl.
Monday-Friday we had a morning lecture by a Durham professor which was typically followed by a bus ride to various significant locations. The fact that we were bused to the locations of which we spoke greatly amplified the interest of said talks--additionally, I thought there was a perfect balance between the work load and exploration the city and the surrounding area. We would arrive back on campus around five or so and headed to dinner at seven. Afterwards, we typically went to a pub or cafe to talk, drink, and, in some cases, study! One night I booked a flight to Amsterdam the weekend of September seventh--can't wait!
During the class time we ventured to....
Monday--excursion to Hadrian's Wall, specifically the sector of the Wall at Steel Rigg and we also visited the Vindolanda Museum
Tuesday= Excursion to the Holy Island (Lindisfarne) and Bamburgh
Wednesday=Bus ride to Escomb Church, Hexham Abbey, Jarrow Church
Thursday=explored Durham in greater depth
Friday= went to Warkworth and Edlingham Castles
Similar to the Sewanee/Monteagle area, tension exists between the "town and the gowns" at the University. Fortunately, we never ran into any trouble during our stay; however, I have to mention the Durham spin-off of Jersey Shore, called Geordie Shore...omg the outfits. Look it up--It's real. Friday night the majority of the track went to Love Shack, which was an absolute blast.
Currently, I am sitting at my desk at Lincoln College as I write this jumbled post, following yet another long day of *exploring* the city. We have a formal welcome dinner tonight at seven (pre-dinner drinks @ 6:30...woohoo) and our classes will begin tomorrow (8-3:15...i thought we were done with those kinds of hours with the end of high school?)
More updates to come--I miss you all and anxiously await your own departures!!
Cheerio!
CLF
So much has occurred over the course of this past week; Due to this, I apologize in advance for the lengthiness of this post, and in the future will hopefully start updating a tad more frequently!
Following four very full days of packing, last minute shopping, visiting DC-Sewanee friends and spending copious amount of quality time with da parentals, I left mid-afternoon on the second of August to take a night plane from Dulles to London (on which I had some chicken mansala, the national dish of London--Aimee isn't the only one having delicious Indian food!) to take a morning plane to Edinburgh, where I met up with the rest of the group.
 |
| Edinburgh: Pollock Halls |
 |
| Holyrood Park Highlands |
Afterwards, my roommate and I caught up on some of the Olympics (watched LIVE from London!), and showered and dressed for our welcome dinner at The Dome. After three extremely rich courses we left completely stuffed yet fueled for the rest of the night's adventures--which included a visit to a traditional pub, Biddy Muligans, as well as a more dance-y club, The Three Sisters. Pascale said it all when she told me "I've never felt so awake and so tired at the same time!"
After a mere few hours of sleep we awoke for breakfast, which, with its large and delectable spread of food, was definitely worth the early wake-up call. Following the meal, our director led an optional tour of Edinburgh, in which he lived for three years after attending Sewanee, through the 'Old' as well as 'New Town.' Notable sights include the botanical gardens, walking the Royal Mile, a visit to the museums. That night we attended the Military Tattoo to view an assortment of dances based upon important historical events prior to visiting Frankensteins, a pub built in 1818.
I was skeptical as to whether two nights would be enough time to get a good feel for the country, however, after the completion of our stay I can confidently say that was not the case--walking through Edinburgh on foot, especially guided by a fellow resident, assuaged such notions.
After another yummy breakfast, the group had a picnic lunch in Almouth at the North Sea before parting ways--we went to Durham while the Eastern track ventured to York.
**these blocks along the sand were placed there during World War II to deter the German tanks from entering England! kewl.
Monday-Friday we had a morning lecture by a Durham professor which was typically followed by a bus ride to various significant locations. The fact that we were bused to the locations of which we spoke greatly amplified the interest of said talks--additionally, I thought there was a perfect balance between the work load and exploration the city and the surrounding area. We would arrive back on campus around five or so and headed to dinner at seven. Afterwards, we typically went to a pub or cafe to talk, drink, and, in some cases, study! One night I booked a flight to Amsterdam the weekend of September seventh--can't wait!
During the class time we ventured to....
Monday--excursion to Hadrian's Wall, specifically the sector of the Wall at Steel Rigg and we also visited the Vindolanda Museum
 |
| Bamburgh Castle |
Wednesday=Bus ride to Escomb Church, Hexham Abbey, Jarrow Church
Thursday=explored Durham in greater depth
Friday= went to Warkworth and Edlingham Castles
Similar to the Sewanee/Monteagle area, tension exists between the "town and the gowns" at the University. Fortunately, we never ran into any trouble during our stay; however, I have to mention the Durham spin-off of Jersey Shore, called Geordie Shore...omg the outfits. Look it up--It's real. Friday night the majority of the track went to Love Shack, which was an absolute blast.
On Saturday, our free day, we had lunch out at a quaint restaurant overlooking the River Wear and explored the city a bit more before our final farewell dinner.
 |
| Frequently painted view of the Durham Cathedral and River Wear |
I recently received a letter which included a newspaper printout ("never stop exploring") reminiscent of my high school senior theme (the eXplorers): I intend to take this mantra to heart as I venture to all these wonderful places, exploring and absorbing all that this trip--which has so far exceeded any and all of my expectations--has to offer.
Currently, I am sitting at my desk at Lincoln College as I write this jumbled post, following yet another long day of *exploring* the city. We have a formal welcome dinner tonight at seven (pre-dinner drinks @ 6:30...woohoo) and our classes will begin tomorrow (8-3:15...i thought we were done with those kinds of hours with the end of high school?)
More updates to come--I miss you all and anxiously await your own departures!!
Cheerio!
CLF
1. i want to thank you for linking me to the b-52s song, otherwise i would have to look it up on my own.
ReplyDelete2. it sounds like you are having a wonderful time!!! my apologies for stalking you across multiple platforms (i'm just trying to live vicariously through you...) hadrians wall is wonderful and i am so glad you got to walk so much across scotland. :)
much love! -mstrat