An exciting point that I can’t wait to write about till the end is that this is the week Emily Lauren Ginsberg lands in Glasgow. In fact, Emma and I will pick her up TOMORROW from the airport. I am so ready to share the excitement of our travels together, and not just over texting. And not to mention I was getting used to seeing her every day before this and I am having some withdraws.
Anyways to pick up from where I left off
Emma and I started out the week by going to the Dundee History Museum and Art Gallery in the city. It showed the history of the city while simultaneously showing art during that time period coming from the area. We learned about the wildlife from hundreds of years ago to the Dundee football team jersey from the 50’s. They showed the importance of boat building had on the town and the other major industries that belongs to Dundee. For a few fun facts, the man who invented the concept of stamps on letters came from Dundee and the town was known for “Juke, Jam and Journalism”. We had lunch at the museums cafe along with some tea (per usual).
The next day we woke up and were off to see The Discovery! The boat sits docked in Dundee where it was built and set sail in 1901 to explore the Antarctic, which at the time was an unknown land to the world. 40 men set sail, led by Capitan Scott, on the boat on its first expedition and did research of the land and wildlife. The exploration brought back major scientific breakthroughs that spread rapid around the world. The museum was really cool and had a bunch of interactive activities (most likely for children but we enjoyed them) and some “re-enactment” videos which were quit entertaining. They had an exhibit showing how the boat was made and what new innovations they created for this type of journey. They showed all the food that went in the boat, all the local companies that donates non-perishable items and the meal plane to last the planned, 2 year journey. The exhibit mentions that along with all the food they brought, there was a small amount of fishing done, including penguin which tasted like rotten fish. This was a disappointment because A. How would anyone ever eat a penguin?? B. If I did, I would imagine they would taste delicious. Anyways, it was freezing outside but we went into the ship. It had been cleaned up and restored over the years but it still gave you a good idea of what it was like to work and live on it. I would not mind the Captions cabin...much nicer than the men who were working in the coal room.
If you are interested, check out the website! http://www.rrsdiscovery.com/index.php?pageID=54 at least to see some pictures of the boat.
 |
| The Discovery! |
Philip made us pancakes, on account of Shrove Tuesday. Check out my food blog for more details of the occasion!! truelifeimafoodie.blogspot.com
Thursday night we took the drive into Glasgow and walked around town to do a bit of shopping. Specifically the time was spent in Primark, which is similar to Forever 21 but 3 times the size, cheaper and more organized. Quality is not at its best but it is a dream land of clothing under £15. After a coffee and a much needed nap Emma and I met her friends Sam and Ben at an Old Mans Whiskey Bar in the city and stayed for a few drinks.
 |
| The Pot Still- Whiskey Pub |
Friday up and early to meet Ben for breakfast right near George Square where we were getting the Glasgow Bus tour! It really was the best way to see the city in a short period of time. We sat on the open top to get the best view and they had earphones so that we could get a proper history lesson while on the tour! We travelled from the East, down the River Clyde, passed the Glasgow Cathedral, Glasgow Green, the squinty bridge then right by where Emma and Phil will be going to University next year! I had no idea how huge the city was and became very impressed by the cities character. A huge amount of Historic buildings mixed with more modern and up to date architecture. Next to the churches, 100 year old brewery and historic homes were art galleries, music venues a science museum.
 |
| Emma and Phil's College (or part of Hogwarts??) |
Although the bus tour was a wee bit cold it was the perfect way to see the entire city. I can already see my apartment in the west end above a coffee shop...Anyways we hopped off in the west end, which is a young part of town with lots of shops, culture and of course food. We had a late lunch and a pint before heading back to Bens place in Pollaksheilds. The area has less hustle and bustle and one of the more diverse areas of the city. There is really great food from all over the world in his neighbourhood, which we took full advantage of. Ben had a lovely flat with two other girls, and was a wonderful host!
After some nap time and a shower we got ready for a night on the town! Ben took us to all his favourite spots for drinks then we ended at Polo/ Club X, a bar in the Merchant city. There was loads of dancing, face painting and drinks that came in buckets to share. The night ended at four AM with a subway, leftover naan bread from dinner, loads of laughing and passing out in sleeping bags on Ben’s couch.
 |
| our bucket to share |
We picked up Emma’s friend Katie the next morning, feeling a wee rough and made it to a late breakfast. We all drove back to Kingoodie for lots of tea, talking and an early night to bed.
Yesterday while Emma and Phil slept in, their mum took me out for a treat to Abernite for some coffee. The view of the drive is unbelievable since they are in this valley, so everywhere you go is surrounded by rolling hills, farms of SHEEP and old farm houses. We got coffee at a cafe in an antique shop and looked around a bit. Had scones as well that came with whipped cream, which was odd but I was not going to complain, I love whipped cream. She also took me on a drive through a few farms to get the best view of the area, and it was truly breathtaking.
Yesterday we went into Fife, across the Tay to get my first real Fish and Chips! You can also read about this on my food blog! Truelifeimafoodie.blogspot.
Adventures this week were great! I am mostly looking forward to my other EG getting here so we can start our chapter of the adventure. We booked our flights to Ireland, and are leaving on Tuesday to Ennisymon to start working on the farm!
I was able to talk to a bunch of my family this week which was really nice. My uncle told me that when he was on his post-college Eurotrip he only got to phone home once every 3 weeks or so. Although it feels like weeks since I have spoken to them I am glad that I have the internet and the phone to be in contact with them to share about my time here! I feel a little selfish in my conversations with people from home. It is not that I don’t care about what is going on in my friends life, I just feel very engulfed in my experience. I think that is a good thing though.
I also need to take a moment to talk about how wonderful the company has been since I have been in Scotland. I sort of feel like the Gentleman’s third daughter and part of the family. We have dinner together, talk about politics and have banter over drinks. It has been great. I am also really grateful that Emma has such good friends that have made me feel comfortable here. Ben and Sam have welcomed me into their homes, fed me and most of all made me laugh loads! Audrey Hepburn said it well “I love people who make me laugh. I honestly think it's the thing I like most, to laugh. It cures a multitude of ills. It's probably the most important thing in a person” I could not agree more. Surrounding myself with people who make me laugh and whom I can laugh with is really important. Without knowing it, it heals you and brings you back down to earth when you get caught up in the dramas of life. Anyways, they were not just nice to me I really became their friends, which is even more special.
Life is good here. Really really good.
Emma works for a bit today, so I am sitting in Henrys having a french press, listening to Ed Sheeran and working on some work for this summer. I can’t really imagine being at camp at the moment, but I am excited about the work I have done for it. My time in BBYO has proven to help me plan for this summer which is great. I never thought I would plan an induction for anything ever again...no candles this time though.
Ok so now an even briefer Scottish Dictionary Lesson
Tea-Tea
Tea-Dinner
Dinner-Lunch
Mint-Cool, awesome
Aye-Yes, Sure
Tea-Dinner
Dinner-Lunch
Mint-Cool, awesome
Aye-Yes, Sure
Well the Countdown clock for Emily can finally be at 1!
I am so grateful to be here. So grateful for the love I am getting from my friends in the states and the support for my adventure! It has only just begun...
Jacklyn
No comments:
Post a Comment