I’m going to Scotland, bitches! Well, hopefully. I’m trying to. I made my final decision mere minutes before handing in all of my goodies to the International Center early this morning. It was a long battle – first Switzerland, then Scotland, then England, then Scotland, then Denmark (which I found out I was allowed to apply to because I’m older and have great grades) – but, ultimately, the ginger and the brogue won in the end.
As you can see in my mosaic above, I plan on visiting Glasgow (and Edinburgh, which are about forty-five minutes away each), the Loch Ness Monster (which doesn’t exist; the legend came about when someone photographed a circus elephant taking a bath, but I digress), the 1950s so I can drive that car, and Shirley Manson (obviously?). And as you can’t see from the mosaic above, but can from the photo below, the city of Stirling itself (where I will be) is absolutely gorgeous:
The entire town surrounds a castle, man! My lifelong dreams of Princessdom will be so close to coming true! The University of Stirling (where I will be attending) has a little city of its own, too, on its three hundred and ten acres of land, even housing a movie theatre! I’m not sure yet whether I will live on- or off-campus, but I hope I hope I hope I can live alone. I really don’t want to have a teenaged roommate. Or any roommate for that matter. Firstly, because people are annoying. Secondly, because I want to know what it’s like to take care of me and only me (well, aside from the next thing). And thirdly, because I want to bring Agnes with me, as a little piece of home. Plus, she’s gotten so cuddly and affectionate with me (finally! She’s come a long way from being independent, pound kitten), and I don’t want that to go away with me being gone for six months. Of course, then we’ll have to worry about managing our flight together, sneaking her past the people picking me up from the airport and then sneaking her into my place, and reintroducing her and Jack once it’s all over. I think it’ll be ok.
I was looking forward to learning a new language and having a really out-of-culture experience, but going the “safe route” is all for good reason(s): this program starts in February (the first day is February 15th), so I’ve got over a month to really prepare and work myself up for it. It also ensures that I receive all of my financial aid money ahead of time. I can only take three classes there (as opposed to the four I take here), so I won’t feel myself becoming too overwhelmed; and one of my classes is on Witchcraft! I’m going to be Hermione, you guys!! And, most importantly, I get a week and a half-ish break in the middle of term. Flights and trains to the surrounding Europe are much cheaper when I’m already there, and I can go wherever I’d like! I can visit Switzerland and Copenhagen and Berlin, Germany (obviously, I can visit London on the weekends, so that’s not even an issue).
One downside, though, is that I’ll be celebrating my birthday there. Well, it’s not a downside, but a sadside, yeah? Hopefully someone or someones can come visit then! And anyone can visit anytime, especially during that week off! We can travel all around! And, if I’m not required to leave at as specific a time as I am supposed to arrive, I hope to get in a little more traveling and seeing at the end (the last day is June 5th); and someone can come travel with me then!
I’m excited. I hope this all works out. I handed in my things, the woman looked it over and told me to expect word from them (the program with which this is all possible) before Halloween about the next steps – housing, flights, payment amounts and dates, etc. Fingers crossed!
dude, i totally want to come visit you. it looks gorgeous.
You should!! I wish travelling were cheaper so everyone could come with me.
Ohh. My friend discovered your blog, because we have a friend we refer to as Titian and she was typing in things and, you know. Anyway, you are similiar to us, what with the Harry Potter fandom and The Beatles and 30 Rock and popular culture.
But the point of this comment is, I’m planning on going to Edinburgh for a year next September.
Because who wants to be unique.
That sounds awesome! I wish I could stay some place for longer than a semester. I might try to study abroad another time before graduation, too. And I’m stoked you found me and we like the same things!
(Not sure what your last sentence is in reference to, though.)
if you were looking forward to learning a new language you should TOTES try Scottish Gaelic and REALLY impress the natives~
I’m on it!!
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