exploring stirling

I've now been in Scotland for a whole TEN days and it has been simply amazing. Class really started today and after ten weeks of sitting on my butt, it's weird. But I am so excited for a routine anddd to kick off my travels. I didn't make it on my Saturday trip this weekend, I had too much fun Friday. But, Sunday I got to walk around the city of Stirling and up to the castle. It was a beautiful day.. by Scotland standards.

The city of Stirling is a BEAUTIFUL place. It had played a significant role in Scottish history and is a major back drop in the stories of William Wallace (played by Mel Gibson in Braveheart) and Robert the Bruce. It is called the Heart of Scotland because of it's historical importance. Stirling did not become a city until 2002 when The Queen granted it city status as part of her Golden Jubilee (see Mom, I pay attention on tours).

Stirling is a city that keeps going up and up until you reach the castle. I took this shot from high up in the cemetery that lies below Stirling Castle. This picture does no justice to the amazing views of the distant mountains. On clear days, like this one, you can see mountain upon mountain that is normally hidden by the clouds and fog. The dates on the tombstones will also blow your mind. You realize how old the city is.

Stirling Castle! Just a tiny portion of it, of course. The castle and it's views are a dynamic combination. We spent and hour and a half walking through the castle and along it's walls. Walking where kings and queens once walked is crazy!

I have dubbed these the Mayan Mounds of Scotland. They are really of no importance except that they thoroughly entertain me. Next, I would like to see a crop circle. 

After spending a whole day walking around Stirling where do a couple of Americans go? A pub, of course. The City Walls was the name and the food was gooood.. or I was just really hungry. Food prices are no joke in this country and eating at pubs seems to be a bit more economical and college finance friendly. 

I'm having a blast in Scotland. I've met some great people, planned some great trips, ate some amazinggg food (still no haggis), and I am VERY excited for the next few months of my life.

Love till next time.

my first week in scotland.

I'm new at this blog mess. Give me some time, by then end of my trip I'll be a pro.


I've been is Scotland for a week. A whole WEEK. I feel like I've been here forever but the time is flying by. Adjusting took a few days and I'm still working at it. So far I have only had one rough day, my first one. But I was jet-lagged as hell, it was to be expected. You can feel pretty isolated from friends and family with the 5 hour time difference and all. But I'm slowly realizing that I don't need to be in constant communication with home. With that said, I LOVE hearing from you all back home. I don't want to be forgotten! Facebook, BBM Pin = 3262A636, Skype = ekburr! 

Lucky me, I got off the plane with some great girls. Having people around you that are going through the same exact thing definitely eases the stress. They're also just as eager to get out and explore as I am. We've had lots of fun exploring this new world. We've been to Stirling, the city nearby, several times. Some things I learned in town: mall = shopping center and driving here = SCARY. The driver being on the wrong side of the car and the car being on the wrong side of the road is down right nauseating. But there is an H&M is town, so the trip is worth it. Tomorrow we plan to go a little further than Stirling. I'll be taking my first TRAIN. We still haven't decided where we will be going, but definitely in Scotland. Living for the moment is new to me, I like it. I did pre-book a flight to PARIS in March, though. I am SO excited. I'm finally going to places I spent years reading about. 

So much has happened that I can't possibly type it all! Here are a few key points:

- The currency is SO hard to adjust to. Coins are worth something and they are   heavy. WEIRD.

- Minging = disgusting. This is not something you want to be called.

- The Scottish accent is practically impossible to  understand. The British one is   cute.

- Girls do not care what the weather is like, they will walk around half naked.     all day, everyday 

- The grass is green because of the rain and rabbit crap. :)

- You don't need the sun to survive.

- Fish & Chips are amazing but will kill you.

- The beef taste way different. Good, but different.

- BBQ Rib Crisp do NOT equal BBQ potato chips.

- I have not used a flat iron once. The air is a saturated mess.

- Sharing a kitchen with boys is awful. Dear my future husband, you will clean!

I promise pictures and lots of details in the future. Miss you all! See you in JUNE! :)