Glasgow Songs
By Romare Haller
During the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow music is everywhere. With festivals and concerts everywhere all you have to do is walk down to a park to hear bagpipers practicing for the big show. The sound of the drummers practicing can be heard all through the park. The unmistakable sound of bagpipes draw you in closer. You can spend an afternoon just listening to the bands practice.
If you leave the park you can still hear the music echo through the city and you feel Scotland. The modern look of Glasgow makes it easy to mistake it for any other city but the sound of pipes makes it unmistakably Scottish.
During the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow music is everywhere. With festivals and concerts everywhere all you have to do is walk down to a park to hear bagpipers practicing for the big show. The sound of the drummers practicing can be heard all through the park. The unmistakable sound of bagpipes draw you in closer. You can spend an afternoon just listening to the bands practice.
If you leave the park you can still hear the music echo through the city and you feel Scotland. The modern look of Glasgow makes it easy to mistake it for any other city but the sound of pipes makes it unmistakably Scottish.
The Dark Side of Edinburgh
By Romare Haller
Taking a tour of Edinburgh at night is a must. Touring the maze of streets with a top hat wear tour guide is a thrilling excursion. The tales of torturing of suspected witches and warlocks is disturbing and shed light on what it was like during the Middle Ages.
A man is arrested for suspicion of practicing the dark arts. He is tortured to get him to admit his crime. They lock his feet in a board is hammered in crushing his toes into his foot. He doesn’t deny or admit anything. They try an even more horrific form of torture to get him to confess. A tiny cage with a hole on one side is strapped to his chest. The hole faces his chest. In it there is a rat. They then heat the cage and as the rat gets hotter and hotter it must escape by chewing its way out. The man says nothing to the end. When his body is returned to his mother the guards say “he was very brave all the way to the end he never said a word”. His mother answers back while sobbing, “He wouldn’t… He’s was blind, deaf and dumb.”
As you advance on the tour the guide recants another story you will never forget. When Edinburgh was the medical science capital of world there doctors were great because of their understanding of the human body. They would inspect recently deceased people to learn how the body worked. The doctors would pay handsomely for recently dead and undamaged bodies. People looking to make a quick buck would dig up bodies after the families buried them. It got so bad that people started putting metal gates over their graves. Two Irishmen named William Burke and William Hare found a better way of procuring bodies. Being the stereotypical Irishmen that they were they would hangout and drink in pubs. They got an idea of how to make a quick buck. They would find tourists drinking alone and they would befriend them and get them sloshed. They would lead them away and when they were passing out they would pin them down in their bed and stick hand down the unsuspecting traveler’s mouth. It would appear to anyone else the person had gotten too drunk and choked on their own vomit. They were doing fine with their new business venture until they got lazy and started killing locals. When they bodies that were brought to the university started getting recognized Burke and Hare were quickly figured out. But not before they killed more than 60 people.
The stories and places of the late night Edinburgh tour chilling and thrilling. And the trip through the city’s dark past on a dark night is well worth the price.
Taking a tour of Edinburgh at night is a must. Touring the maze of streets with a top hat wear tour guide is a thrilling excursion. The tales of torturing of suspected witches and warlocks is disturbing and shed light on what it was like during the Middle Ages.
A man is arrested for suspicion of practicing the dark arts. He is tortured to get him to admit his crime. They lock his feet in a board is hammered in crushing his toes into his foot. He doesn’t deny or admit anything. They try an even more horrific form of torture to get him to confess. A tiny cage with a hole on one side is strapped to his chest. The hole faces his chest. In it there is a rat. They then heat the cage and as the rat gets hotter and hotter it must escape by chewing its way out. The man says nothing to the end. When his body is returned to his mother the guards say “he was very brave all the way to the end he never said a word”. His mother answers back while sobbing, “He wouldn’t… He’s was blind, deaf and dumb.”
As you advance on the tour the guide recants another story you will never forget. When Edinburgh was the medical science capital of world there doctors were great because of their understanding of the human body. They would inspect recently deceased people to learn how the body worked. The doctors would pay handsomely for recently dead and undamaged bodies. People looking to make a quick buck would dig up bodies after the families buried them. It got so bad that people started putting metal gates over their graves. Two Irishmen named William Burke and William Hare found a better way of procuring bodies. Being the stereotypical Irishmen that they were they would hangout and drink in pubs. They got an idea of how to make a quick buck. They would find tourists drinking alone and they would befriend them and get them sloshed. They would lead them away and when they were passing out they would pin them down in their bed and stick hand down the unsuspecting traveler’s mouth. It would appear to anyone else the person had gotten too drunk and choked on their own vomit. They were doing fine with their new business venture until they got lazy and started killing locals. When they bodies that were brought to the university started getting recognized Burke and Hare were quickly figured out. But not before they killed more than 60 people.
The stories and places of the late night Edinburgh tour chilling and thrilling. And the trip through the city’s dark past on a dark night is well worth the price.
The Fringe
By Romare Haller
The Fringe festival in Edinburgh is a sight to see all itself. Thousands of people and performers come from around the world for the festival. There are all sorts of acts to see including knife juggling tightrope walks, invisible men, all sorts of musical acts and even the Predator from the movies. It is its own attraction so if you want to see Edinburgh and the festival you be busy for a week. The Fringe is a must if you like the arts and comedy because you can’t take more than ten steps without being handed a flyer for a comedy show. The free plays and concerts on the streets are charming and you can picture yourself inside castle sounded by jesters, wizards and street preformers.
The Fringe festival in Edinburgh is a sight to see all itself. Thousands of people and performers come from around the world for the festival. There are all sorts of acts to see including knife juggling tightrope walks, invisible men, all sorts of musical acts and even the Predator from the movies. It is its own attraction so if you want to see Edinburgh and the festival you be busy for a week. The Fringe is a must if you like the arts and comedy because you can’t take more than ten steps without being handed a flyer for a comedy show. The free plays and concerts on the streets are charming and you can picture yourself inside castle sounded by jesters, wizards and street preformers.
The Maze of Edinburgh
By Romare Haller
Exploring Edinburgh is like exploring a castle or a labyrinth. Streets crisscross over each other. One minute you might be walking north and you take a turn and you’ll be walking west underneath the same street. There are tunnels and bridges everywhere you go. You sometimes expect the city to start folding in half only to awake from a dream after being three layers down.
Edinburgh Castle sits on a hill in the center and overlooks the rest of the city. The remnants of the outer castle wall can still be seen on buildings throughout the city. A pub named The World’s End marks were the castle walls ended and where the villager’s world ended safe inside the castle.
As you explore the maze of old buildings you come across modern architecture. One of these is the parliament building. The black Duplo-like siding next to the windows are supposed to symbolize the drawn back curtains of an open government. Combined with the protruding thinking pods it makes for one of the ugliest builds in the world. The locals agree that it ruins the feel of the city.
A few more turns though and you’re back in the beautiful city. You enjoy getting lost in the maze medieval architecture. The giant castle of a city is a spectacular place to get lost in.
Exploring Edinburgh is like exploring a castle or a labyrinth. Streets crisscross over each other. One minute you might be walking north and you take a turn and you’ll be walking west underneath the same street. There are tunnels and bridges everywhere you go. You sometimes expect the city to start folding in half only to awake from a dream after being three layers down.
Edinburgh Castle sits on a hill in the center and overlooks the rest of the city. The remnants of the outer castle wall can still be seen on buildings throughout the city. A pub named The World’s End marks were the castle walls ended and where the villager’s world ended safe inside the castle.
As you explore the maze of old buildings you come across modern architecture. One of these is the parliament building. The black Duplo-like siding next to the windows are supposed to symbolize the drawn back curtains of an open government. Combined with the protruding thinking pods it makes for one of the ugliest builds in the world. The locals agree that it ruins the feel of the city.
A few more turns though and you’re back in the beautiful city. You enjoy getting lost in the maze medieval architecture. The giant castle of a city is a spectacular place to get lost in.
The Highland Games
By Romare Haller
Going to the fair in Scotland and logging in some fun. The highland games on Arran are like a state fair in the States. There’s fried food, beer and plenty of trinkets to look at. But the Scottish are tough and it wouldn’t be a show with a log toss. They have your normal track and field events like races and shot-put but it’s the hammer throwing and log toss that are the most interesting. It’s a must see and a fun small town feel that makes it great.
Going to the fair in Scotland and logging in some fun. The highland games on Arran are like a state fair in the States. There’s fried food, beer and plenty of trinkets to look at. But the Scottish are tough and it wouldn’t be a show with a log toss. They have your normal track and field events like races and shot-put but it’s the hammer throwing and log toss that are the most interesting. It’s a must see and a fun small town feel that makes it great.
The Lingering Dissolution: By Bobbie Watson
By Bobbie Watson
Samuel Beckett once said “It is suicide to be abroad. But what is it to be at home, Mr. Tyler, what is it to be at home? A lingering dissolution”,
there are many people that are born, live, and die without ever taking a step out of their native land. There are people who never have the chance
to taste the sweet freedom of experiencing what it is like to be in another culture. The biggest problem with this though is that once you have returned home from being abroad you have to readjust to normal life again. It’s been one week since I returned and I can already feel that lingering dissolution happen to me, Webster’s Dictionary defines dissolution as “the act or process of dissolving: as, separation into component parts, decay, disintegration, death”. These are pretty harsh words for a person returning to the land he was born in, how can someone readjust to the world around themselves again when they have experienced so much?
I turn on the news and see propaganda again, news designed not to inform but tap into my emotions and try to gain some sort of political allegiance. The difference between American news and outlets abroad is that many times I don’t feel like there is a hidden agenda, heck a majority of the time when I was across seas I ignored the news. In my return I feel like I am yet again engulfed in the belly of the beast. There are remedies that have helped coming back home, last night I spent time with a few of my new friends that I met on the trip in Scotland at a little pub called Mcgurks, that evening the beer flowed and so did the music. Even though this was an Irish Pub the bag pipes were blown by Jake and one of his friends, trying to get a grasp on life means taking some of the things that you learned being abroad and applying them to here. The beer and music can flow just as much in Saint Louis as it can in Scotland, the news can be turned off and ignored here too. Last night was a reminder that you don’t have to travel thousand’s a miles escape the pressures of home.
Samuel Beckett once said “It is suicide to be abroad. But what is it to be at home, Mr. Tyler, what is it to be at home? A lingering dissolution”,
there are many people that are born, live, and die without ever taking a step out of their native land. There are people who never have the chance
to taste the sweet freedom of experiencing what it is like to be in another culture. The biggest problem with this though is that once you have returned home from being abroad you have to readjust to normal life again. It’s been one week since I returned and I can already feel that lingering dissolution happen to me, Webster’s Dictionary defines dissolution as “the act or process of dissolving: as, separation into component parts, decay, disintegration, death”. These are pretty harsh words for a person returning to the land he was born in, how can someone readjust to the world around themselves again when they have experienced so much?
I turn on the news and see propaganda again, news designed not to inform but tap into my emotions and try to gain some sort of political allegiance. The difference between American news and outlets abroad is that many times I don’t feel like there is a hidden agenda, heck a majority of the time when I was across seas I ignored the news. In my return I feel like I am yet again engulfed in the belly of the beast. There are remedies that have helped coming back home, last night I spent time with a few of my new friends that I met on the trip in Scotland at a little pub called Mcgurks, that evening the beer flowed and so did the music. Even though this was an Irish Pub the bag pipes were blown by Jake and one of his friends, trying to get a grasp on life means taking some of the things that you learned being abroad and applying them to here. The beer and music can flow just as much in Saint Louis as it can in Scotland, the news can be turned off and ignored here too. Last night was a reminder that you don’t have to travel thousand’s a miles escape the pressures of home.
ONE MAN WOLFPACK
By: Bobbie Watson
The rest of the class is back home, with Linda and Jake gone I stand alone in Europe. Its bit of a weird feeling knowing that in a few days this trip will be over and that although my experience in Scotland has been done for almost a week my heart still yearns for Arran. The experience I had their changed me, we all have moments in our life where an action or place changes the course of direction. The week I spent on Arran had that effect on me, the peace and quiet can give a person somber splash of life. The reality is that over the past couple years I have been overloaded with academic progression, papers, films, technology the list could go on and on. The week in Arran took me away from that.
Although our main goal on the Isle was to find internet where ever it shot out its Wi-Fi signal, we as a class were for the most part cut off from the outside world. Over the last couple years I have wondered why someone wouldn’t want to have a fast paced life, be on the constant go. I stayed in London the week before Arran thinking that being there would inspire the “Ah” moment we all wish for, the moment where the next great idea or ambition comes from. The city was fast paced and always on a constant move, how can someone have an “Ah” moment when you’re being herded out of the freaking tube? The “Ah” moment I had was on Arran where I realized or maybe re-realized that life isn’t moments flickering away at a fast pace, rather they can be taken in slow and enjoyed for what they are, parts of your life. It’s not about how much you can do in the time you have but what you do with the time you have. Sounds like saying on a Church bulletin right? Well Screw it.
The rest of the class is back home, with Linda and Jake gone I stand alone in Europe. Its bit of a weird feeling knowing that in a few days this trip will be over and that although my experience in Scotland has been done for almost a week my heart still yearns for Arran. The experience I had their changed me, we all have moments in our life where an action or place changes the course of direction. The week I spent on Arran had that effect on me, the peace and quiet can give a person somber splash of life. The reality is that over the past couple years I have been overloaded with academic progression, papers, films, technology the list could go on and on. The week in Arran took me away from that.
Although our main goal on the Isle was to find internet where ever it shot out its Wi-Fi signal, we as a class were for the most part cut off from the outside world. Over the last couple years I have wondered why someone wouldn’t want to have a fast paced life, be on the constant go. I stayed in London the week before Arran thinking that being there would inspire the “Ah” moment we all wish for, the moment where the next great idea or ambition comes from. The city was fast paced and always on a constant move, how can someone have an “Ah” moment when you’re being herded out of the freaking tube? The “Ah” moment I had was on Arran where I realized or maybe re-realized that life isn’t moments flickering away at a fast pace, rather they can be taken in slow and enjoyed for what they are, parts of your life. It’s not about how much you can do in the time you have but what you do with the time you have. Sounds like saying on a Church bulletin right? Well Screw it.
The End Is Only The Beginning
Jake Trost
This trip did exactly what I thought it would do, and then some. First off, it went way too fast. Like they always do. It seems like only yesterday that I had started planning this (it was two years ago). Coming back to St. Louis is proving to be tougher than I expected. It is like culture shock all over again, and I'm still waking up thinking I'm overseas and the text message I look at in a still-half-asleep-state does not seem relevant. I am a very sentimental person so this makes it even harder. I just want to keep traveling and being on the open road, building relationships with other people, and never knowing what will happen next. The thrill of adventure comforts my rowdy soul.
But, just as I had expected, parts of my soul stayed over there. I had a truly spiritual experience on the Isle of Arran with the beauty of the culture and experiencing Scotland on local terms, and in Glasgow with all the music (music meaning piping, of which I am very passionate about). Before meeting the class I made my own journey and also lost parts of my soul in the Norwegian wilderness. Maybe one can't really say parts of their soul were lost, but maybe their soul found where it wants to be. And that's what I listened to on this trip--my soul.
New perspectives on life have been acquired. I have a new outlook on what I want to do with my life. I have reached a sense of internal calm that I have not had for years. Above all, I really feel I have also acquired new friends. Great friends--that I have needed for some time. This is not my first time being in a foreign land, and after you have been there, your way of thinking enters a whole new realm of thinking. Being with people for two weeks, everyday, and living with each other under the same roof really gives people a chance to make strong connections. Especially since we all now have that level of international thinking. I hope to keep these newfound relationships flourishing here in St. Louis.
I am severely looking forward to my next trip overseas. Aside from friends made through the class, I managed to make new friends all over the world--people I hope to see again one day, people that impacted me, people that had the same mindset. The world is becoming a smaller place. The world is becoming a much more international way of thought. But for now, it's time to get back into the swing of reality and keep striving at school so I can continue my journeys to foreign lands. It's been extremely hard for me to come back, but I know I'm not the only one going through this right now. I look forward to seeing my classmates again and reminisce about our travels together. The stories will continue. But, I sure would just like to hit the rewind button and do it all over again, with what I know now, and with the same people. One journey may have ended, but a new one begins.
This trip did exactly what I thought it would do, and then some. First off, it went way too fast. Like they always do. It seems like only yesterday that I had started planning this (it was two years ago). Coming back to St. Louis is proving to be tougher than I expected. It is like culture shock all over again, and I'm still waking up thinking I'm overseas and the text message I look at in a still-half-asleep-state does not seem relevant. I am a very sentimental person so this makes it even harder. I just want to keep traveling and being on the open road, building relationships with other people, and never knowing what will happen next. The thrill of adventure comforts my rowdy soul.
But, just as I had expected, parts of my soul stayed over there. I had a truly spiritual experience on the Isle of Arran with the beauty of the culture and experiencing Scotland on local terms, and in Glasgow with all the music (music meaning piping, of which I am very passionate about). Before meeting the class I made my own journey and also lost parts of my soul in the Norwegian wilderness. Maybe one can't really say parts of their soul were lost, but maybe their soul found where it wants to be. And that's what I listened to on this trip--my soul.
New perspectives on life have been acquired. I have a new outlook on what I want to do with my life. I have reached a sense of internal calm that I have not had for years. Above all, I really feel I have also acquired new friends. Great friends--that I have needed for some time. This is not my first time being in a foreign land, and after you have been there, your way of thinking enters a whole new realm of thinking. Being with people for two weeks, everyday, and living with each other under the same roof really gives people a chance to make strong connections. Especially since we all now have that level of international thinking. I hope to keep these newfound relationships flourishing here in St. Louis.
I am severely looking forward to my next trip overseas. Aside from friends made through the class, I managed to make new friends all over the world--people I hope to see again one day, people that impacted me, people that had the same mindset. The world is becoming a smaller place. The world is becoming a much more international way of thought. But for now, it's time to get back into the swing of reality and keep striving at school so I can continue my journeys to foreign lands. It's been extremely hard for me to come back, but I know I'm not the only one going through this right now. I look forward to seeing my classmates again and reminisce about our travels together. The stories will continue. But, I sure would just like to hit the rewind button and do it all over again, with what I know now, and with the same people. One journey may have ended, but a new one begins.
The World Pipe Band Championships 2013
Jake Trost, Photos and Video by Jake Trost
There is something truly unique about the Highland Bagpipes. It seems to me you either love them or hate them. There doesn't seem to be a real middle ground when it comes to the music. Also known as the "war-pipe," the music is either meant for battle and gets the blood flowing, or extreme sadness and honoring the fallen. But, at the World Pipe Band Championships (and really any other competition circle), that is not true. The seriousness of the instrument and its music get taken into an entirely different ballgame.
This year at the Worlds there were 225 pipe bands from around the globe, which meant upwards of 8,000 pipers and drummers. Outside of "Piping Live", the sound of the pipes not only filled Glasgow, but Glasgow Green where the Worlds were hosted. From Stuart Liddell's Inverary and District, 78th Fraser Highlanders, Terry Lee's Simon Fraser University Pipe Band from Vancouver, Richard Parkes's Field Marshal Montgomery from Northern Ireland, to bands like St. John's College Pipe Band from Zimbabwe, and Bergen Pipes and Drums from Norway, the music of the bagpipe brings the world together for one weekend that ends up being truly magical.
This year was divided into a two day event. Saturday consisted of Grade 1 and Grade 2 Heats to qualify for the finals on Sunday. Sunday consisted of the Novice/Juvenile bands and the Grade 1 finals. And both days also consisted of rain and cold, miserable weather. One band, Shotts and Dykehead, brought the rain with them into the circle, and marched out with it revealing the warming sun once again. I found it quite hysterical given the conditions.
The Sunday Medley finals were absolutely brilliant. I really don't know how the judges can make a clear decision. Of course, I don't have that Grade 1 ear by any means. All the bands sounded great. The creativity of the medleys really stood out to me this year. Specifically Inverary's, Scottish Power (who did some really crazy round/fade-in/fade-out trickery that I, nor my friend who plays in a Grade 2 band, could grasp), and Cullybackey (other than their early-E).
After the bands had played the finals, the pipe bands were announced at the closing ceremony along with the winners. Field Marshal Montgomery was announced World Champion for the third year in a row. And frankly they deserve it. Richard Parkes has that band right where he needs it and right where any pipe major in that level of piping wants their band. This "ballgame" was a completely different one. The pressure and nerves of the musicians before competition could be felt. But, once the competition was over and the winners announced, the pressure lifts into quite possibly the most positive energy I have every felt. Field Marshal Montgomery led the march out of Glasgow Green, playing away with everyone following. The cheers and happiness after were the most energetic I have ever experienced. And I will gladly watch and support the world coming together to play music and share this energy. It is an absolutely beautiful thing.
There is something truly unique about the Highland Bagpipes. It seems to me you either love them or hate them. There doesn't seem to be a real middle ground when it comes to the music. Also known as the "war-pipe," the music is either meant for battle and gets the blood flowing, or extreme sadness and honoring the fallen. But, at the World Pipe Band Championships (and really any other competition circle), that is not true. The seriousness of the instrument and its music get taken into an entirely different ballgame.
This year at the Worlds there were 225 pipe bands from around the globe, which meant upwards of 8,000 pipers and drummers. Outside of "Piping Live", the sound of the pipes not only filled Glasgow, but Glasgow Green where the Worlds were hosted. From Stuart Liddell's Inverary and District, 78th Fraser Highlanders, Terry Lee's Simon Fraser University Pipe Band from Vancouver, Richard Parkes's Field Marshal Montgomery from Northern Ireland, to bands like St. John's College Pipe Band from Zimbabwe, and Bergen Pipes and Drums from Norway, the music of the bagpipe brings the world together for one weekend that ends up being truly magical.
This year was divided into a two day event. Saturday consisted of Grade 1 and Grade 2 Heats to qualify for the finals on Sunday. Sunday consisted of the Novice/Juvenile bands and the Grade 1 finals. And both days also consisted of rain and cold, miserable weather. One band, Shotts and Dykehead, brought the rain with them into the circle, and marched out with it revealing the warming sun once again. I found it quite hysterical given the conditions.
The Sunday Medley finals were absolutely brilliant. I really don't know how the judges can make a clear decision. Of course, I don't have that Grade 1 ear by any means. All the bands sounded great. The creativity of the medleys really stood out to me this year. Specifically Inverary's, Scottish Power (who did some really crazy round/fade-in/fade-out trickery that I, nor my friend who plays in a Grade 2 band, could grasp), and Cullybackey (other than their early-E).
After the bands had played the finals, the pipe bands were announced at the closing ceremony along with the winners. Field Marshal Montgomery was announced World Champion for the third year in a row. And frankly they deserve it. Richard Parkes has that band right where he needs it and right where any pipe major in that level of piping wants their band. This "ballgame" was a completely different one. The pressure and nerves of the musicians before competition could be felt. But, once the competition was over and the winners announced, the pressure lifts into quite possibly the most positive energy I have every felt. Field Marshal Montgomery led the march out of Glasgow Green, playing away with everyone following. The cheers and happiness after were the most energetic I have ever experienced. And I will gladly watch and support the world coming together to play music and share this energy. It is an absolutely beautiful thing.
The End of Our Journey
by: Kelsey Deters
I’ve now been back in the US for about a day and a half. I can’t believe our two-week adventure came and went that quickly! It already seems like a kind of dream… although that could be caused by the jetlag.
I will never forget the amazing things I got to experience while I was in Scotland. It was truly amazing to dive into another culture for a few weeks and come out with a fresher outlook on life.
These two weeks have made the world seem so much more accessible to me. Now more than ever, I want to see new things and travel to new places.
I’ve learned that is necessary to live in the present and enjoy the adventures that are unfolding around me even if not everything is going according to plan. I’ve also been reminded of how far a smile and a few friendly words can go. It is so much more rewarding to have a positive outlook on a situation than a negative one.
It’s amazing to me that two weeks ago we set out on a journey as 8 strangers. That is certainly not the case anymore. I want to give a huge thanks to Linda for being our fearless leader throughout the trip.
I think the best part of our trip was that we received college credit for traveling around Scotland! That is defiantly the best way to earn 3 credit hours that I can think of!
I’ve now been back in the US for about a day and a half. I can’t believe our two-week adventure came and went that quickly! It already seems like a kind of dream… although that could be caused by the jetlag.
I will never forget the amazing things I got to experience while I was in Scotland. It was truly amazing to dive into another culture for a few weeks and come out with a fresher outlook on life.
These two weeks have made the world seem so much more accessible to me. Now more than ever, I want to see new things and travel to new places.
I’ve learned that is necessary to live in the present and enjoy the adventures that are unfolding around me even if not everything is going according to plan. I’ve also been reminded of how far a smile and a few friendly words can go. It is so much more rewarding to have a positive outlook on a situation than a negative one.
It’s amazing to me that two weeks ago we set out on a journey as 8 strangers. That is certainly not the case anymore. I want to give a huge thanks to Linda for being our fearless leader throughout the trip.
I think the best part of our trip was that we received college credit for traveling around Scotland! That is defiantly the best way to earn 3 credit hours that I can think of!
The real value of travel
By James Dundon
This trip went by way too fast.
We spent our final night together listening to some beautiful music at the Piping Live concert in Glasgow.
It was a great way to end such a wonderful trip.
This trip had it’s ups and downs for everyone, we did a lot of traveling in a short amount of time. People are bound to get burned out and go through rough patches when thrust into unfamiliar environments and situations. I had moments where I felt overwhelmed, as I’m sure everyone did. But I hope the good times will bury any negative memories anyone has because I genuinely enjoyed spending time with our entire group.
I made some great friends and I’m really going to miss everyone.
I’ve learned a lot about myself and a lot about the rest of our group. This has been much more than a holiday as many folks we met called it.
It’s one thing to follow what seems to be the traditional way people vacation: go sightseeing, call it an early night and head back to your hotel for a couple drinks. Or even hit the bars at night and sleep all day. This was something entirely different.
We could never have experienced half of what we did without Linda’s passion for Scotland and desire to share the places and experiences she loves with all of us.
I felt like I was a part of the community, especially in Arran. I didn’t feel like an outsider. I made myself at home and threw myself into the culture. I felt more like a tourist in Edinburgh and Glasgow. I don’t know if city life jades people, or if the people of Arran are really just that special. But there was something special about Arran that touched me in a way our other stops didn’t.
While it’s important to go sightseeing, it can’t be the central focus of the trip. You have to mingle with the locals. You have to go off the beaten path and out of your comfort zone. And to accomplish this, you must approach the trip with an open mind. You have to live as a local, and not a tourist.
An integral part of journalism is to provide information through sharing personal experiences with others. You have to make people feel what you feel when they read what your writing. One of the greatest struggles I’ve had in accomplishing this lies in the fact that finding the words to do this is incredibly hard.
The most important lesson I have learned form our travel journalism course is that as travel journalists, we need to have a deep understanding of the places we’re visiting. It’s impossible to gain this understanding if you don’t immerse yourself in the local culture.
I hope I’m leaving Scotland a stronger person. I hope I’ve developed a deeper understanding of the real value of traveling. It’s not about what you do while you’re traveling. It’s about what you experience. It’s about the lessons you can take away from other people and places. But most importantly, it’s about how you apply what you’ve learned to your daily life when you get home.
As I'm finishing my final blog on my train to London, the realization of how great of an impact this trip has had on me is hitting me really hard and I can’t believe it’s already over.
This trip went by way too fast.
We spent our final night together listening to some beautiful music at the Piping Live concert in Glasgow.
It was a great way to end such a wonderful trip.
This trip had it’s ups and downs for everyone, we did a lot of traveling in a short amount of time. People are bound to get burned out and go through rough patches when thrust into unfamiliar environments and situations. I had moments where I felt overwhelmed, as I’m sure everyone did. But I hope the good times will bury any negative memories anyone has because I genuinely enjoyed spending time with our entire group.
I made some great friends and I’m really going to miss everyone.
I’ve learned a lot about myself and a lot about the rest of our group. This has been much more than a holiday as many folks we met called it.
It’s one thing to follow what seems to be the traditional way people vacation: go sightseeing, call it an early night and head back to your hotel for a couple drinks. Or even hit the bars at night and sleep all day. This was something entirely different.
We could never have experienced half of what we did without Linda’s passion for Scotland and desire to share the places and experiences she loves with all of us.
I felt like I was a part of the community, especially in Arran. I didn’t feel like an outsider. I made myself at home and threw myself into the culture. I felt more like a tourist in Edinburgh and Glasgow. I don’t know if city life jades people, or if the people of Arran are really just that special. But there was something special about Arran that touched me in a way our other stops didn’t.
While it’s important to go sightseeing, it can’t be the central focus of the trip. You have to mingle with the locals. You have to go off the beaten path and out of your comfort zone. And to accomplish this, you must approach the trip with an open mind. You have to live as a local, and not a tourist.
An integral part of journalism is to provide information through sharing personal experiences with others. You have to make people feel what you feel when they read what your writing. One of the greatest struggles I’ve had in accomplishing this lies in the fact that finding the words to do this is incredibly hard.
The most important lesson I have learned form our travel journalism course is that as travel journalists, we need to have a deep understanding of the places we’re visiting. It’s impossible to gain this understanding if you don’t immerse yourself in the local culture.
I hope I’m leaving Scotland a stronger person. I hope I’ve developed a deeper understanding of the real value of traveling. It’s not about what you do while you’re traveling. It’s about what you experience. It’s about the lessons you can take away from other people and places. But most importantly, it’s about how you apply what you’ve learned to your daily life when you get home.
As I'm finishing my final blog on my train to London, the realization of how great of an impact this trip has had on me is hitting me really hard and I can’t believe it’s already over.
Realizations about being disconnected
By James Dundon
I’ve been fortunate enough to see what both country and city living are like in Scotland. Both have what I saw as benefits and negativities but overall, my time on Arran still wins hands down.
I enjoyed being cut off from the electronic world. It gave my classmates and I the opportunity to get to know each other. Had we begun our trip in Edinburgh or Glasgow, we wouldn’t have gotten to know each other nearly as well, if at all.
Since the only one who could drive the car was Linda, we did everything as a group.
It made us interact, and not just on a surface level. Talking was primary form of entertainment, along with exploring the island, but even when out and about we still spoke about everything. There didn’t seem to be any small talk.
Once we hit Edinburgh and Glasgow we kind of went our separate ways. The conversations drawn out until 3 a.m. seemed to disappear. This is due in part to the fact that we were split into rooms and suites by gender. But even then, everyone, including myself, felt compelled to get on Facebook at night to catch up with friends and family back home.
This makes me wonder how great of an impact constant Internet access and independence has on us at home, especially when you throw cell phones and texting into the mix.
At home we are able to do what we want, when we want, and go wherever we want at any given time. When a large majority of members of a culture aren’t used to making compromises out of necessity because they are so used to uninhibited independence 24 hours a day, there has to be some serious damage to society taking place that nobody notices. At least not until they experience what it’s like to lose that independence and live in a more traditional way.
Our interactions changed drastically in the time it took to get from Arran to New Lanark.
If the changes are this noticeable in this short of an amount of time, I think life would be much better in the U.S. if people took the time to live how we lived on Arran.
I think it opened my eyes to some serious issues in our society: strangers don’t get as close as we did at home in such a short amount of time. Everyone is too distracted with what they want to do that they lose the ability to really interact.
I’ve realized that this is really what I enjoyed about Arran most. At first it was just the beauty of the island that struck me. But now I realize that I learned some important lessons there that I hope will stick with me forever.
I’ve been fortunate enough to see what both country and city living are like in Scotland. Both have what I saw as benefits and negativities but overall, my time on Arran still wins hands down.
I enjoyed being cut off from the electronic world. It gave my classmates and I the opportunity to get to know each other. Had we begun our trip in Edinburgh or Glasgow, we wouldn’t have gotten to know each other nearly as well, if at all.
Since the only one who could drive the car was Linda, we did everything as a group.
It made us interact, and not just on a surface level. Talking was primary form of entertainment, along with exploring the island, but even when out and about we still spoke about everything. There didn’t seem to be any small talk.
Once we hit Edinburgh and Glasgow we kind of went our separate ways. The conversations drawn out until 3 a.m. seemed to disappear. This is due in part to the fact that we were split into rooms and suites by gender. But even then, everyone, including myself, felt compelled to get on Facebook at night to catch up with friends and family back home.
This makes me wonder how great of an impact constant Internet access and independence has on us at home, especially when you throw cell phones and texting into the mix.
At home we are able to do what we want, when we want, and go wherever we want at any given time. When a large majority of members of a culture aren’t used to making compromises out of necessity because they are so used to uninhibited independence 24 hours a day, there has to be some serious damage to society taking place that nobody notices. At least not until they experience what it’s like to lose that independence and live in a more traditional way.
Our interactions changed drastically in the time it took to get from Arran to New Lanark.
If the changes are this noticeable in this short of an amount of time, I think life would be much better in the U.S. if people took the time to live how we lived on Arran.
I think it opened my eyes to some serious issues in our society: strangers don’t get as close as we did at home in such a short amount of time. Everyone is too distracted with what they want to do that they lose the ability to really interact.
I’ve realized that this is really what I enjoyed about Arran most. At first it was just the beauty of the island that struck me. But now I realize that I learned some important lessons there that I hope will stick with me forever.
Scottish Indian food?
By James Dundon
Thinking about traditional Scottish food brings to mind a steaming pile of haggis with tatties and neeps.
Well, my first meal in Edinburgh strayed pretty far from what I had imagined.
I wasn’t sure what to expect as we approached a restaurant called Mother India. Despite assurances that Scotland was home to some of the best Indian food in the world, it was still hard for me to believe Scots could do Indian food right.
But to say they did it right at Mother India would be a huge understatement. They nailed it. Everything was perfectly prepared and turned out to be the best Indian food I have ever had.
I ordered two dishes from the tapas style menu and after polishing off my meal, proceeded to clean the plates of everyone else.
It turns out Indian culture has been integrated into Scottish culture over the past couple centuries. There is actually a really large Indian population in Scotland. A walk through Glasgow reveals more Indian restaurants than Scottish pubs.
The first visit was so good we chose a Mother India in Glasgow for our last meal together before going our separate ways.
While the haggis was surprisingly good, it’s the Indian food I’m going to miss most. And I’ll be hard pressed to find an Indian place in the states, or anywhere else for that matter, that can even come close.
Thinking about traditional Scottish food brings to mind a steaming pile of haggis with tatties and neeps.
Well, my first meal in Edinburgh strayed pretty far from what I had imagined.
I wasn’t sure what to expect as we approached a restaurant called Mother India. Despite assurances that Scotland was home to some of the best Indian food in the world, it was still hard for me to believe Scots could do Indian food right.
But to say they did it right at Mother India would be a huge understatement. They nailed it. Everything was perfectly prepared and turned out to be the best Indian food I have ever had.
I ordered two dishes from the tapas style menu and after polishing off my meal, proceeded to clean the plates of everyone else.
It turns out Indian culture has been integrated into Scottish culture over the past couple centuries. There is actually a really large Indian population in Scotland. A walk through Glasgow reveals more Indian restaurants than Scottish pubs.
The first visit was so good we chose a Mother India in Glasgow for our last meal together before going our separate ways.
While the haggis was surprisingly good, it’s the Indian food I’m going to miss most. And I’ll be hard pressed to find an Indian place in the states, or anywhere else for that matter, that can even come close.
Band of Brothers and Bananas
By:Bobbie Watson
The ties that bind us are based off the experiences we have with one another, the stories we tell later in life many times involve something from our youth. In the future when I tell my stories to the people that matter and come to the part where I studied in Scotland it will always involve three guys and an Isle named Arran. The week I spent on Arran was awesome, to be submersed in such beauty everyday cleared my already jumbled head and gave me purpose. Then there are several of these guys I am sharing a house with and although there were women studying with us it felt like the men of the group really connected. I suppose lack of internet does that to a person, also to be honest it felt like during the week it became a Double Dare challenge with girls versus boys and our professor hosting the show. On the Isle we were all nice to one another but we split off into our own sections.
Arran kind of connected the men in our group by giving us obstacles on the Isle with nice long walks and climbing mountains to get to waterfalls, we did something that many people don’t do as much anymore, we talked. In a cyber-world many people text message, email, or even Facebook message one another. How can you prank your new roommate with a banana if he is on Facebook? One on one interaction makes a load of difference, in my opinion digital messaging really doesn’t give people time to talk on a personal matter, how can you really gauge who a someone is when you’re Facebook messaging them. On the Isle it was back to basics with the guys walking, talking, and cracking jokes. In real honesty the joke and prank part was a lot me, the fact is we all play to are strengths. I’m the chubby funny guy, Jake was the experienced man with a ton of wisdom, Romare was the quiet straight man of the group who must of thought we were all nuts, and James was the smart inquisitive guy who was always wanting to find out more while still finding time to wake me up in the middle of the night and offer me Dutch cookies.
During our stay we found common interest and banded together, I felt like in some ways we were in a WWII prison camp, minus the torture and bad food. We were somewhere that had not been touched by time with communication to the outside world being severally stripped away, so we depended on one another. They were engaging and lifted me up during some bad times, it was on top of a small mountain that we climbed I was able to admit to them of my Multiple Sclerosis. There were no assumptions made or pity thrown out, there was just support and encouragement shown to me. I think the Isle would have been different if it wasn’t for these guys, we all became good friends within a two week period. This is one of the things I was most grateful for studying abroad, finding a brotherhood even thousands’ of miles away from my home.
The ties that bind us are based off the experiences we have with one another, the stories we tell later in life many times involve something from our youth. In the future when I tell my stories to the people that matter and come to the part where I studied in Scotland it will always involve three guys and an Isle named Arran. The week I spent on Arran was awesome, to be submersed in such beauty everyday cleared my already jumbled head and gave me purpose. Then there are several of these guys I am sharing a house with and although there were women studying with us it felt like the men of the group really connected. I suppose lack of internet does that to a person, also to be honest it felt like during the week it became a Double Dare challenge with girls versus boys and our professor hosting the show. On the Isle we were all nice to one another but we split off into our own sections.
Arran kind of connected the men in our group by giving us obstacles on the Isle with nice long walks and climbing mountains to get to waterfalls, we did something that many people don’t do as much anymore, we talked. In a cyber-world many people text message, email, or even Facebook message one another. How can you prank your new roommate with a banana if he is on Facebook? One on one interaction makes a load of difference, in my opinion digital messaging really doesn’t give people time to talk on a personal matter, how can you really gauge who a someone is when you’re Facebook messaging them. On the Isle it was back to basics with the guys walking, talking, and cracking jokes. In real honesty the joke and prank part was a lot me, the fact is we all play to are strengths. I’m the chubby funny guy, Jake was the experienced man with a ton of wisdom, Romare was the quiet straight man of the group who must of thought we were all nuts, and James was the smart inquisitive guy who was always wanting to find out more while still finding time to wake me up in the middle of the night and offer me Dutch cookies.
During our stay we found common interest and banded together, I felt like in some ways we were in a WWII prison camp, minus the torture and bad food. We were somewhere that had not been touched by time with communication to the outside world being severally stripped away, so we depended on one another. They were engaging and lifted me up during some bad times, it was on top of a small mountain that we climbed I was able to admit to them of my Multiple Sclerosis. There were no assumptions made or pity thrown out, there was just support and encouragement shown to me. I think the Isle would have been different if it wasn’t for these guys, we all became good friends within a two week period. This is one of the things I was most grateful for studying abroad, finding a brotherhood even thousands’ of miles away from my home.
A taste of Scottish culture
By James Dundon
One of the main things I was looking forward to during my stay in Scotland was visiting the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh.
While I’m glad I got to see it, it wasn’t exactly what I expected. It’s billed as the largest arts festival in the world. And the size got to me after a while.
The massive crowds jammed sectioned off streets across the entire town. Promoters for performances stood every few feet shoving flyers into your face for acts of questionable quality.
I’m sure there are great comedians and musicians who perform at the Fringe, but the overbearing presence of mediocre street performers kind of killed it for me.
The performers really know how to sell their act. They spend a lot of time trying to build up anticipation with gimmicks and jokes. This technique seems to work because many in the crowds had no problem sticking around for the entire performance.
I usually found myself distracted by the next performer fifty feet away, drifting over to their performance and repeating the process over and over. And I rarely found anything related to traditional Scottish culture.
It’s not that the performers were bad. The biggest problem I had was holding my attention long enough through the buildup to make it to the actual performance.
With only 3 nights in Edinburgh I chose to see the sights of the town rather than watch the kinds of performances you can catch at any festival.
It seems the Fringe has become a venue for street performers from all over the world to showcase their talents of varying quality. So I got a taste of many different kinds of acts: theatrical, musical, comedic; yet didn’t have the time to fully appreciate any of them.
This is why it was so refreshing to go to The Queens Hall venue for a performance Battlefield Band, a traditional Scottish folk band.
I was blown away by their performance and was lucky enough to get to shake all of their hands afterwards and have a couple words with them.
This was the experience I really wanted.
The whole time I was wandering around the Fringe, I was looking for performances related to Scottish culture. Even though Battlefield Band was in Edinburgh for the Fringe, it still didn’t feel like a part of the festival.
I enjoyed the Fringe but it was a little overwhelming and disheartening to see how the festival was organized.
In the end, Battlefield Band gave me what I thought the Fringe was all about: a taste of Scottish culture.
One of the main things I was looking forward to during my stay in Scotland was visiting the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh.
While I’m glad I got to see it, it wasn’t exactly what I expected. It’s billed as the largest arts festival in the world. And the size got to me after a while.
The massive crowds jammed sectioned off streets across the entire town. Promoters for performances stood every few feet shoving flyers into your face for acts of questionable quality.
I’m sure there are great comedians and musicians who perform at the Fringe, but the overbearing presence of mediocre street performers kind of killed it for me.
The performers really know how to sell their act. They spend a lot of time trying to build up anticipation with gimmicks and jokes. This technique seems to work because many in the crowds had no problem sticking around for the entire performance.
I usually found myself distracted by the next performer fifty feet away, drifting over to their performance and repeating the process over and over. And I rarely found anything related to traditional Scottish culture.
It’s not that the performers were bad. The biggest problem I had was holding my attention long enough through the buildup to make it to the actual performance.
With only 3 nights in Edinburgh I chose to see the sights of the town rather than watch the kinds of performances you can catch at any festival.
It seems the Fringe has become a venue for street performers from all over the world to showcase their talents of varying quality. So I got a taste of many different kinds of acts: theatrical, musical, comedic; yet didn’t have the time to fully appreciate any of them.
This is why it was so refreshing to go to The Queens Hall venue for a performance Battlefield Band, a traditional Scottish folk band.
I was blown away by their performance and was lucky enough to get to shake all of their hands afterwards and have a couple words with them.
This was the experience I really wanted.
The whole time I was wandering around the Fringe, I was looking for performances related to Scottish culture. Even though Battlefield Band was in Edinburgh for the Fringe, it still didn’t feel like a part of the festival.
I enjoyed the Fringe but it was a little overwhelming and disheartening to see how the festival was organized.
In the end, Battlefield Band gave me what I thought the Fringe was all about: a taste of Scottish culture.
Reflection
by: Kasey Morris
This is it. My last blog post and my last day in Scotland. It’s been a hell of a couple weeks, but I am very happy to be returning home. I like bagpipes just fine, but I definitely need to not hear any for a while after the Gaels and Gracenotes concert tonight.
This has been every bit of the adventure I hoped it would be. The Isle of Arran was the most beautiful place I’ve ever been. Edinburgh was quite possibly the most interesting city I’ve ever been to, so full of art and history and science and beauty. The people I’ve met have been so wonderful and welcoming. Oh, and I climbed a friggin mountain! I do wish my classmates and I could have met in less frictional circumstances. Seventeen hours a day for two weeks together with former strangers is a lot to handle.
I think I’ll be coming home a little wiser and a little worldlier, like I had hoped. I am definitely returning with some new music to find and a much better acquaintance with my camera. I took some absolutely beautiful photos at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum today, without using a preset mode. What a place. I will definitely do some more homework on that.
I doubt very seriously this will be my last time in Scotland. I look forward to coming back with a close friend or two, and seeing more of Edinburgh, and introducing someone to the breathtaking beauty and tranquility of Arran. I am very glad to have had such an enlightening experience in my 25th year.
This is it. My last blog post and my last day in Scotland. It’s been a hell of a couple weeks, but I am very happy to be returning home. I like bagpipes just fine, but I definitely need to not hear any for a while after the Gaels and Gracenotes concert tonight.
This has been every bit of the adventure I hoped it would be. The Isle of Arran was the most beautiful place I’ve ever been. Edinburgh was quite possibly the most interesting city I’ve ever been to, so full of art and history and science and beauty. The people I’ve met have been so wonderful and welcoming. Oh, and I climbed a friggin mountain! I do wish my classmates and I could have met in less frictional circumstances. Seventeen hours a day for two weeks together with former strangers is a lot to handle.
I think I’ll be coming home a little wiser and a little worldlier, like I had hoped. I am definitely returning with some new music to find and a much better acquaintance with my camera. I took some absolutely beautiful photos at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum today, without using a preset mode. What a place. I will definitely do some more homework on that.
I doubt very seriously this will be my last time in Scotland. I look forward to coming back with a close friend or two, and seeing more of Edinburgh, and introducing someone to the breathtaking beauty and tranquility of Arran. I am very glad to have had such an enlightening experience in my 25th year.
The Kicks of Glasgow
by: Kasey Morris
Glasgow is resoundingly different from Edinburgh. It almost feels like an American city with its plain architecture, busy people, and abstract storefronts. While it’s something I would never do in downtown St. Louis, I decided to wander by myself around downtown Glasgow on Wednesday night.
At first I was having a hard time finding someone to talk to because there was a very important soccer game happening: Scotland vs England. Scotland lost, sadly. But toward the end of the game I found a lonely looking older gentleman on the patio and invited him to join me. He spoke very quickly and had a deep Glasgow accent. I honestly didn’t understand about half the things he said. But he was nice to me and was happy to suggest places for me to go on a Wednesday night. What I didn’t expect is that he would accompany me for the rest of the evening. It bothered me a little because it prevented other people from talking to me, but Billy was sweet and obviously in need of company, so I bought him some beers.
We hopped to a couple different bars, and ended up at a “studenty” bar called Box. What kept us there until the wee hours of the morning was the band playing there, called The Kicks. It was a 3-man band, drums, bass, guitar and vocals. They played covers, which usually doesn’t do much for me, but these guys were incredible. And had good taste. They played everything from Prince to Roy Orbison to Daft Punk. The guitarist had an incredible voice and had no trouble singing the hell out of some Bruno Mars and Led Zeppelin. Toward the end of the set, he invited a friend on stage to take over guitar. His friend proceeded to rip through some Hendrix and AC/DC. Then he and the drummer had a little battle, back and forth. Then he did the same with the bass. Then he and the guys played one of the best improvised rock jams I’ve ever heard. They were all just so in tune with each other. I danced and yelled and had a fantastic time. There are few things in this world that please me more than live Rock n Roll.
Glasgow is resoundingly different from Edinburgh. It almost feels like an American city with its plain architecture, busy people, and abstract storefronts. While it’s something I would never do in downtown St. Louis, I decided to wander by myself around downtown Glasgow on Wednesday night.
At first I was having a hard time finding someone to talk to because there was a very important soccer game happening: Scotland vs England. Scotland lost, sadly. But toward the end of the game I found a lonely looking older gentleman on the patio and invited him to join me. He spoke very quickly and had a deep Glasgow accent. I honestly didn’t understand about half the things he said. But he was nice to me and was happy to suggest places for me to go on a Wednesday night. What I didn’t expect is that he would accompany me for the rest of the evening. It bothered me a little because it prevented other people from talking to me, but Billy was sweet and obviously in need of company, so I bought him some beers.
We hopped to a couple different bars, and ended up at a “studenty” bar called Box. What kept us there until the wee hours of the morning was the band playing there, called The Kicks. It was a 3-man band, drums, bass, guitar and vocals. They played covers, which usually doesn’t do much for me, but these guys were incredible. And had good taste. They played everything from Prince to Roy Orbison to Daft Punk. The guitarist had an incredible voice and had no trouble singing the hell out of some Bruno Mars and Led Zeppelin. Toward the end of the set, he invited a friend on stage to take over guitar. His friend proceeded to rip through some Hendrix and AC/DC. Then he and the drummer had a little battle, back and forth. Then he did the same with the bass. Then he and the guys played one of the best improvised rock jams I’ve ever heard. They were all just so in tune with each other. I danced and yelled and had a fantastic time. There are few things in this world that please me more than live Rock n Roll.
Strange Night
by: Kasey Morris
I’ve just had the most peculiar evening in Edinburgh. Whilst sitting on the patio of the Rose Street Brewery (which doesn’t actually brew beer) Kelsey and I met a young Scot by the name of Joshua. He was friendly, bright, and charming. He invited us to see some comedy at the Jekyll and Hyde. We had to return to the hostel to touch base with the rest of our group first, but agreed to meet him afterward.
By the time we got to the bar, Joshua was three sheets to the wind. I think that turned Kelsey off, so she left, but I stayed behind to watch the show. It was in a small, intimate room, where less than ten other people composed the audience. The comic, unfortunately, was just as pissed, if not more so than Joshua. The show started off very rough. I wasn’t sure he was going to make it. But then he got his bearings, and began to share things about his life that were quite tragic. He went through a hard breakup, and shortly after his dad died of cancer. He was making light of these things, but he was still very vulnerable up there. His drunkenness turned out to make him more vulnerable. By the end of it, I was wowed. It was raw and emotional and unlike anything I’d seen before. Rather than a series of jokes or stories, it was a complete work, titled “Why Don’t We Kill Ourselves?”
Drunk as he was, Patrick Lappin spoke with a solid command of the language. He used words like turgid (to describe awkward sex) and subterfuge. I can’t assert this about all Englishmen, but in general I feel like Brits are more articulate than Americans, which, in addition to the accent, is why I enjoy listening to them so much, especially comedians.
The night took a queer turn during the second comedy set I stayed to see at the Jekyll and Hyde. Immediately after we sat down, Joshua broke his very full pint glass. He waited a few minutes, then patted me on the back before he got up and left the theatre. I thought he was going to replace his drink, but then 20 minutes went by. Then 30. And 40. Finally, when my bladder compelled me, I left as well. I did not find Joshua anywhere in the bar. He had vanished. I hope he’s alright.
I’ve just had the most peculiar evening in Edinburgh. Whilst sitting on the patio of the Rose Street Brewery (which doesn’t actually brew beer) Kelsey and I met a young Scot by the name of Joshua. He was friendly, bright, and charming. He invited us to see some comedy at the Jekyll and Hyde. We had to return to the hostel to touch base with the rest of our group first, but agreed to meet him afterward.
By the time we got to the bar, Joshua was three sheets to the wind. I think that turned Kelsey off, so she left, but I stayed behind to watch the show. It was in a small, intimate room, where less than ten other people composed the audience. The comic, unfortunately, was just as pissed, if not more so than Joshua. The show started off very rough. I wasn’t sure he was going to make it. But then he got his bearings, and began to share things about his life that were quite tragic. He went through a hard breakup, and shortly after his dad died of cancer. He was making light of these things, but he was still very vulnerable up there. His drunkenness turned out to make him more vulnerable. By the end of it, I was wowed. It was raw and emotional and unlike anything I’d seen before. Rather than a series of jokes or stories, it was a complete work, titled “Why Don’t We Kill Ourselves?”
Drunk as he was, Patrick Lappin spoke with a solid command of the language. He used words like turgid (to describe awkward sex) and subterfuge. I can’t assert this about all Englishmen, but in general I feel like Brits are more articulate than Americans, which, in addition to the accent, is why I enjoy listening to them so much, especially comedians.
The night took a queer turn during the second comedy set I stayed to see at the Jekyll and Hyde. Immediately after we sat down, Joshua broke his very full pint glass. He waited a few minutes, then patted me on the back before he got up and left the theatre. I thought he was going to replace his drink, but then 20 minutes went by. Then 30. And 40. Finally, when my bladder compelled me, I left as well. I did not find Joshua anywhere in the bar. He had vanished. I hope he’s alright.
A Pipe Dream
Jake Trost
Quite honestly I didn't know what to expect from Glasgow. Even when I was here 8 years ago, I did not spend much time here. But my experiences after being here for two days have been magnificent (and a much better pace of life than the Fringe-filled Edinburgh). After arriving to our youth hostel, I heard the pipes and drums in the park across the street.
Once we had settled into our rooms, I followed the sound of the pipes to see who was playing. It was World Champions 78th Fraser Highlanders hammering away at their competition tunes for the coming weekend. There really is nothing like hearing a Grade 1 pipe band play. The pipes form a perfect unison creating the impression of only one pipe being played. Crisp, clean, and tight, the sound filled the air.
Later in the evening, I knew a friend of mine was going to be at the Station Bar. We met up and I met some of his fellow bandmates. After chatting with them I found out their competition time for Saturday. Telling them that I was studying abroad with a journalism class, well, let's just say I am going to have the honor of writing a fine article.
From the time of arriving into the city, passing by the National Piping Centre and Pipers' Tryst Hotel, watching the 78th practice in the park, and getting to meet more pipers, the World Pipe Band Championships this weekend, an opportunity to see unlimited amounts of piping, Glasgow is a piper's dream come true.
Quite honestly I didn't know what to expect from Glasgow. Even when I was here 8 years ago, I did not spend much time here. But my experiences after being here for two days have been magnificent (and a much better pace of life than the Fringe-filled Edinburgh). After arriving to our youth hostel, I heard the pipes and drums in the park across the street.
Once we had settled into our rooms, I followed the sound of the pipes to see who was playing. It was World Champions 78th Fraser Highlanders hammering away at their competition tunes for the coming weekend. There really is nothing like hearing a Grade 1 pipe band play. The pipes form a perfect unison creating the impression of only one pipe being played. Crisp, clean, and tight, the sound filled the air.
Later in the evening, I knew a friend of mine was going to be at the Station Bar. We met up and I met some of his fellow bandmates. After chatting with them I found out their competition time for Saturday. Telling them that I was studying abroad with a journalism class, well, let's just say I am going to have the honor of writing a fine article.
From the time of arriving into the city, passing by the National Piping Centre and Pipers' Tryst Hotel, watching the 78th practice in the park, and getting to meet more pipers, the World Pipe Band Championships this weekend, an opportunity to see unlimited amounts of piping, Glasgow is a piper's dream come true.
The Calm of the Royal Oak
Jake Trost
Arriving into Edinburgh after a week on Arran was a tough transition. The island was easy on the soul and good for the mind. It was calming. Edinburgh was the complete opposite. Especially since the Fringe was going on.
The Fringe was very interesting. The streets were crowded not just with spectators but numerous performers. Musicians and bands were on every street corner, from bagpipers to gypsy folk bands. Non-musical performers also filled the streets such as a man on a unicycle on a tight rope juggling swords. I, personally, prefer the quieter life. If crowds and craziness are your thing, the Fringe is where you can get your fix. Thankfully, there are places where one can settle in and relax.
One of these places is called The Royal Oak. The Royal Oak is a quaint traditional folk music pub on Infirmary Street. I stopped in for a bit after getting overwhelmed by the madness of the Fringe. The go-fast pace had taken it's toll. Unfortunately, the main music down in the cellar had become a sold-out show. But, I immediately felt the familiar sense of a place full of wholesome goodness. It was a place a visitor could chat with locals comfortably. It was a real place and was the definition of the old-fashioned neighborhood pub.
Even with the madness outside just a block away, the sense of calm returned. The stresses of the modern world went away. A pint of Guinness and a sudden silence, a few of the patrons went into their own rendition of "Danny Boy" and relieved me of the Fringe.
Arriving into Edinburgh after a week on Arran was a tough transition. The island was easy on the soul and good for the mind. It was calming. Edinburgh was the complete opposite. Especially since the Fringe was going on.
The Fringe was very interesting. The streets were crowded not just with spectators but numerous performers. Musicians and bands were on every street corner, from bagpipers to gypsy folk bands. Non-musical performers also filled the streets such as a man on a unicycle on a tight rope juggling swords. I, personally, prefer the quieter life. If crowds and craziness are your thing, the Fringe is where you can get your fix. Thankfully, there are places where one can settle in and relax.
One of these places is called The Royal Oak. The Royal Oak is a quaint traditional folk music pub on Infirmary Street. I stopped in for a bit after getting overwhelmed by the madness of the Fringe. The go-fast pace had taken it's toll. Unfortunately, the main music down in the cellar had become a sold-out show. But, I immediately felt the familiar sense of a place full of wholesome goodness. It was a place a visitor could chat with locals comfortably. It was a real place and was the definition of the old-fashioned neighborhood pub.
Even with the madness outside just a block away, the sense of calm returned. The stresses of the modern world went away. A pint of Guinness and a sudden silence, a few of the patrons went into their own rendition of "Danny Boy" and relieved me of the Fringe.
A Taste of Scotland
by: Kelsey Deters
The first thing that comes to mind when I think of Scottish food is Haggis. As stereotypical as that may sound, I really didn’t know what kind of food to expect when leaving on our journey. Now however, I feel as though I have experienced the wide variety of tastes Scotland has to offer.
While on Arran, we took a tour of The Isle of Arran Distillery where they brew Scottish whiskey. The sample we were given was 14 years old and was mighty strong for my taste. But even though I didn’t necessarily enjoy it, I’m glad I’ve had the experience. Plus, our tour guide taught us how to properly taste whiskey, so I’m also glad I now have that skill. The distillery also brews what they call Arran Gold, which is similar to Bailey’s. Unlike the whiskey, I had no problem drinking the Arran Gold. It was delicious and would go wonderfully in things like coffee or on ice cream.
The best dessert I had on Arran was called Tablet Ice Cream. Tablet is a kind of sweet made in Scotland that is basically a large cube and tastes something like shortbread, but with way more sugar. So it is obviously way better! The Isle of Arran Dairy produces the ice cream, which is just a vanilla base with chucks of Tablet thrown in, but boy is it amazing!
We also had a variety of fish while on the island, including some really amazing fresh salmon and traditional beer battered fish and chips. I always love fresh fish, so the trip has been A+ in that department for me.
Indian food is also very readily available throughout Scotland, and while we were in Edinburgh we ate at a place called Mother India’s. The food was perfectly spiced and was served as tapas, so we all got a few dishes and passed them around.
I’ve also had sushi twice, once in Edinburgh and once in Glasgow, and both times have been good. Glasgow was better, but neither one was disappointing.
When talking to a couple who were waiting next to us to see a show at the Fringe, we talked about Scottish food and we mentioned that it had taken us while to find a sushi restaurant in Edinburgh. The wife’s comment was, “I’m not sure how Scotland feels about sushi. It’s a bit too healthy I think.”
After avoiding it for most of the trip, I finally broke and tried a bite of Jake’s haggis on Tuesday night. I can’t say I loved it, but it wasn’t the worst thing I’ve ever tried.
As the trip nears its end, I feel as though I have really tasted what Scotland has to offer.
The first thing that comes to mind when I think of Scottish food is Haggis. As stereotypical as that may sound, I really didn’t know what kind of food to expect when leaving on our journey. Now however, I feel as though I have experienced the wide variety of tastes Scotland has to offer.
While on Arran, we took a tour of The Isle of Arran Distillery where they brew Scottish whiskey. The sample we were given was 14 years old and was mighty strong for my taste. But even though I didn’t necessarily enjoy it, I’m glad I’ve had the experience. Plus, our tour guide taught us how to properly taste whiskey, so I’m also glad I now have that skill. The distillery also brews what they call Arran Gold, which is similar to Bailey’s. Unlike the whiskey, I had no problem drinking the Arran Gold. It was delicious and would go wonderfully in things like coffee or on ice cream.
The best dessert I had on Arran was called Tablet Ice Cream. Tablet is a kind of sweet made in Scotland that is basically a large cube and tastes something like shortbread, but with way more sugar. So it is obviously way better! The Isle of Arran Dairy produces the ice cream, which is just a vanilla base with chucks of Tablet thrown in, but boy is it amazing!
We also had a variety of fish while on the island, including some really amazing fresh salmon and traditional beer battered fish and chips. I always love fresh fish, so the trip has been A+ in that department for me.
Indian food is also very readily available throughout Scotland, and while we were in Edinburgh we ate at a place called Mother India’s. The food was perfectly spiced and was served as tapas, so we all got a few dishes and passed them around.
I’ve also had sushi twice, once in Edinburgh and once in Glasgow, and both times have been good. Glasgow was better, but neither one was disappointing.
When talking to a couple who were waiting next to us to see a show at the Fringe, we talked about Scottish food and we mentioned that it had taken us while to find a sushi restaurant in Edinburgh. The wife’s comment was, “I’m not sure how Scotland feels about sushi. It’s a bit too healthy I think.”
After avoiding it for most of the trip, I finally broke and tried a bite of Jake’s haggis on Tuesday night. I can’t say I loved it, but it wasn’t the worst thing I’ve ever tried.
As the trip nears its end, I feel as though I have really tasted what Scotland has to offer.
The Tattoo
by: Kelsey Deters
Last night we went and saw The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo that is performed in front of the Edinburgh Castle. Bleachers with hundreds of seats are set up in a U-shape in front of the Castle and each night for a month they are packed with excited viewers.
The Tattoo is basically a large show with a variety of acts, but primarily marching and pipe bands.
People come from all over the world to perform in this production. Bands from Mongolia, Mexico, New Zealand, Korea, and more played their hearts out, as well as more local bands from areas around the UK.
There were also other acts like a motorcycle club from Britain made up of kids ages 6-16. They did incredible stunts like make a tower 3 men high, and one very brave boy drove out of the Castle and over a ramp that launched him over a car and two lines of the other cyclists in the club.
I think my favorite band was the New Zealand Royal Band. They played selections from musicals like West Side Story, Les Mis, and Phantom of the Opera and then switched it up with Gangnam Style. They even had several members doing all of the moves.
Theatre was represented again when the horse puppet from the Tony winning play, War Horse, galloped out during one of the performances. The horse then made its way gracefully down the length of the stage. Having only seen the horse on TV and in pictures, I was trilled to see it in person.
One of my favorite components of the show was the castle itself. Projections were put on the castle to make it different colors, and sometimes transformed the castle with designs and pictures. It really is amazing what you can do with live productions (and a very large budget).
I am exceedingly grateful that Linda arranged for us to see the Tattoo. It is an experience that I will not soon forget.
Last night we went and saw The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo that is performed in front of the Edinburgh Castle. Bleachers with hundreds of seats are set up in a U-shape in front of the Castle and each night for a month they are packed with excited viewers.
The Tattoo is basically a large show with a variety of acts, but primarily marching and pipe bands.
People come from all over the world to perform in this production. Bands from Mongolia, Mexico, New Zealand, Korea, and more played their hearts out, as well as more local bands from areas around the UK.
There were also other acts like a motorcycle club from Britain made up of kids ages 6-16. They did incredible stunts like make a tower 3 men high, and one very brave boy drove out of the Castle and over a ramp that launched him over a car and two lines of the other cyclists in the club.
I think my favorite band was the New Zealand Royal Band. They played selections from musicals like West Side Story, Les Mis, and Phantom of the Opera and then switched it up with Gangnam Style. They even had several members doing all of the moves.
Theatre was represented again when the horse puppet from the Tony winning play, War Horse, galloped out during one of the performances. The horse then made its way gracefully down the length of the stage. Having only seen the horse on TV and in pictures, I was trilled to see it in person.
One of my favorite components of the show was the castle itself. Projections were put on the castle to make it different colors, and sometimes transformed the castle with designs and pictures. It really is amazing what you can do with live productions (and a very large budget).
I am exceedingly grateful that Linda arranged for us to see the Tattoo. It is an experience that I will not soon forget.
Fringe Madness
by: Kelsey Deters
The Fringe is everywhere. I have been overwhelmed for two days with performers and artists of all kinds. A band of men strolled down the street singing “Blurred Lines” while dressed in chimney sweep looking apparel. People dressed as characters like Yoda, Predator, and William Wallace have been scattered frequently throughout and they are all willing to take pictures with strangers who will drop a few coins into their hat. Musicians play with open cases, also hoping for a few kind souls to throw a few coins their way. And then there are the performers who are fighting for attendance at their show. They have to come up with the cleverest tactics to convince people to pick them over the thousands of other options. Yes, I did say thousands.
While walking around on the streets of Edinburgh on Monday, I took 22 flyers for plays, comedy acts, music events, dance groups, and more. The flyers I had at the end of the night we just a few in comparison to the number I was actually offered. This onslaught of eager performers is a result of The Fringe Festival that takes place during the month of August in the city. To give a more accurate picture of the size of the festival: There are 3,032 events listed on the Fringe’s website. That’s about 3,000 more choices than I can handle.
One particular actor, who was plugging his free show about serial killers, drew me in. The show was opening on the afternoon we went to see it and it was held in what appeared to be the upstairs conferences room of a hotel. Every available space is used during The Fringe, including some unusual and…shall we say, quaint spaces.
I wish I had more time to spend exploring The Fringe Festival, but even if I had 2 years, I don’t think I could get through 3,000 performances.
The Fringe is everywhere. I have been overwhelmed for two days with performers and artists of all kinds. A band of men strolled down the street singing “Blurred Lines” while dressed in chimney sweep looking apparel. People dressed as characters like Yoda, Predator, and William Wallace have been scattered frequently throughout and they are all willing to take pictures with strangers who will drop a few coins into their hat. Musicians play with open cases, also hoping for a few kind souls to throw a few coins their way. And then there are the performers who are fighting for attendance at their show. They have to come up with the cleverest tactics to convince people to pick them over the thousands of other options. Yes, I did say thousands.
While walking around on the streets of Edinburgh on Monday, I took 22 flyers for plays, comedy acts, music events, dance groups, and more. The flyers I had at the end of the night we just a few in comparison to the number I was actually offered. This onslaught of eager performers is a result of The Fringe Festival that takes place during the month of August in the city. To give a more accurate picture of the size of the festival: There are 3,032 events listed on the Fringe’s website. That’s about 3,000 more choices than I can handle.
One particular actor, who was plugging his free show about serial killers, drew me in. The show was opening on the afternoon we went to see it and it was held in what appeared to be the upstairs conferences room of a hotel. Every available space is used during The Fringe, including some unusual and…shall we say, quaint spaces.
I wish I had more time to spend exploring The Fringe Festival, but even if I had 2 years, I don’t think I could get through 3,000 performances.
Don't knock it till you try it
By James Dundon
A big part of my trip to Europe has been about breaking down my inhibitions and doing things outside of my comfort zone.
For instance, before I met my class in Glasgow, Scotland I spent six nights traveling alone in Europe. I had never been to Europe. I had never flown overseas and I had never traveled alone.
There were times leading up to this trip where I wondered if it would be too much to handle. But the moment I stepped off the plane in Paris, I was ready to go. I wanted to experience as much as possible in the short time I have abroad.
I didn’t think there would be much left for me to overcome in Scotland after wandering the streets of Paris and Amsterdam alone, sampling strange foods, and spending two nights in an Amsterdam hostel with strangers.
My second night in Amsterdam included a 5 a.m. wake up call from a roommate who had been robbed by another roommate in the night. It ended with a walk across town carrying my luggage to a hotel after abandoning the thought of sticking around for another night in the hostel.
But when our class went to a ceilidh in Lochranza, a community party centered around a set of traditional dances, I was faced with another type of challenge.
I’m not usually one to partake in public dancing; but my youngest sister, Colleen, is an Irish Dancer. She persuaded me to partake in a ceili clinic last year at an Irish festival.
A Scottish ceilidh is very similar to an Irish ceili. So I recognized the dances as soon as I saw the dancers take formation.
I knew I would never live it down if I told Collie I went to a ceilidh and didn’t dance.
So despite the fact that I was the only American to step out and dance at first, I joined hands with several Scottish strangers to make a fool of myself. And I’m glad I did.
Two other classmates joined me for the next two sets of dances and I think they had as good of a time as I did. It also helped that many of the locals didn’t know the dances much better than us and were all very friendly and accommodating.
I would definitely do it again and regretted not joining in sooner.
And that’s one example of the most significant lesson I’ve learned on this trip: it’s impossible to know if you’ll enjoy something without experiencing it firsthand.
Don’t knock it till you try it.
A big part of my trip to Europe has been about breaking down my inhibitions and doing things outside of my comfort zone.
For instance, before I met my class in Glasgow, Scotland I spent six nights traveling alone in Europe. I had never been to Europe. I had never flown overseas and I had never traveled alone.
There were times leading up to this trip where I wondered if it would be too much to handle. But the moment I stepped off the plane in Paris, I was ready to go. I wanted to experience as much as possible in the short time I have abroad.
I didn’t think there would be much left for me to overcome in Scotland after wandering the streets of Paris and Amsterdam alone, sampling strange foods, and spending two nights in an Amsterdam hostel with strangers.
My second night in Amsterdam included a 5 a.m. wake up call from a roommate who had been robbed by another roommate in the night. It ended with a walk across town carrying my luggage to a hotel after abandoning the thought of sticking around for another night in the hostel.
But when our class went to a ceilidh in Lochranza, a community party centered around a set of traditional dances, I was faced with another type of challenge.
I’m not usually one to partake in public dancing; but my youngest sister, Colleen, is an Irish Dancer. She persuaded me to partake in a ceili clinic last year at an Irish festival.
A Scottish ceilidh is very similar to an Irish ceili. So I recognized the dances as soon as I saw the dancers take formation.
I knew I would never live it down if I told Collie I went to a ceilidh and didn’t dance.
So despite the fact that I was the only American to step out and dance at first, I joined hands with several Scottish strangers to make a fool of myself. And I’m glad I did.
Two other classmates joined me for the next two sets of dances and I think they had as good of a time as I did. It also helped that many of the locals didn’t know the dances much better than us and were all very friendly and accommodating.
I would definitely do it again and regretted not joining in sooner.
And that’s one example of the most significant lesson I’ve learned on this trip: it’s impossible to know if you’ll enjoy something without experiencing it firsthand.
Don’t knock it till you try it.
Midge Warfare
Jake Trost
One morning on Arran it was cloudy, cool, and spitting a light rain. So, it was decided that it was a fine day for a hike. So another and myself hiked on the Dougarie Estate to Loch Iorsa. Now, I had heard about these relentless little (almost invisible) pests known as midges, but never experienced the punch they pack.
A little something about midges…the word ‘midge’ comes from the Old Norse word ‘muggia.’ Many throughout history have referenced midges. From Bonnie Prince Charlie, Queen Victoria and even just your usual campers. This is all according to a book simply called “Midges.” I recently purchased it and have already read it. Alasdair Roberts really gives some insight on this heartless, 1.4mm wingspan-flying spawn of the devil.
Now let me say something about midges…I hate them. With my whole heart. After stripping down to the skivvies and taking an amazingly refreshing ice bath in Loch Iorsa (honestly have never felt more naturally clean), I received a midge attack that was the equivalent of the Blitzkrieg. Chicken pox-like red dots cover me from chest to toe. Thankfully none bit my face…like it would have mattered anyhow…
It is now going on one week and they still itch like crazy. The itch is unlike any other. Some have gotten sore and bruised due to the unavoidable rubbing/scratching. I would rather have Minnesota mosquitos and Ozark chiggers together than have these again. No ointment seems to completely help (other than a few drams of whisky). But, I am still extremely happy and remain in good spirits, for I have truly received the complete Scottish experience.
One morning on Arran it was cloudy, cool, and spitting a light rain. So, it was decided that it was a fine day for a hike. So another and myself hiked on the Dougarie Estate to Loch Iorsa. Now, I had heard about these relentless little (almost invisible) pests known as midges, but never experienced the punch they pack.
A little something about midges…the word ‘midge’ comes from the Old Norse word ‘muggia.’ Many throughout history have referenced midges. From Bonnie Prince Charlie, Queen Victoria and even just your usual campers. This is all according to a book simply called “Midges.” I recently purchased it and have already read it. Alasdair Roberts really gives some insight on this heartless, 1.4mm wingspan-flying spawn of the devil.
Now let me say something about midges…I hate them. With my whole heart. After stripping down to the skivvies and taking an amazingly refreshing ice bath in Loch Iorsa (honestly have never felt more naturally clean), I received a midge attack that was the equivalent of the Blitzkrieg. Chicken pox-like red dots cover me from chest to toe. Thankfully none bit my face…like it would have mattered anyhow…
It is now going on one week and they still itch like crazy. The itch is unlike any other. Some have gotten sore and bruised due to the unavoidable rubbing/scratching. I would rather have Minnesota mosquitos and Ozark chiggers together than have these again. No ointment seems to completely help (other than a few drams of whisky). But, I am still extremely happy and remain in good spirits, for I have truly received the complete Scottish experience.
Color me Vaughn or Wilson
by: Kasey Morris
Another first for me! I’ve just crashed a Scottish wedding. We’re only in New Lanark for a night, so I decided to make a memory of it.
After a delightful meal at the hotel bar next to our hostel, a couple of the guys and I encountered two young Scots just outside the door. After a brief conversation, Jake and James headed back to the hostel while I stayed to talk to Barry and Andrew. They were there for a wedding reception taking place a few floors up, and invited me to join them for a drink.
The wedding party was very welcoming, all smiles. They proclaimed I was Barry’s plus one. After one drink I persuaded Barry to go over to the photo booth with me so that I may have a souvenir from the occasion. Two other guys decided to join in. We took four goofy photos that were printed on a card that is now residing with my other souvenirs. It’s been so long since I’ve had a real, printed photograph, thanks to digital record keeping. I’m happy to have some more tangible proof of my experience.
Barry and Andrew were a wonderful, and much needed, change of pace after spending something like 16 hours a day with the same seven people for a week on an island. I wish I could have spent a little more time in their company. Hopefully more social adventures will come my way in Edinburgh.
Another first for me! I’ve just crashed a Scottish wedding. We’re only in New Lanark for a night, so I decided to make a memory of it.
After a delightful meal at the hotel bar next to our hostel, a couple of the guys and I encountered two young Scots just outside the door. After a brief conversation, Jake and James headed back to the hostel while I stayed to talk to Barry and Andrew. They were there for a wedding reception taking place a few floors up, and invited me to join them for a drink.
The wedding party was very welcoming, all smiles. They proclaimed I was Barry’s plus one. After one drink I persuaded Barry to go over to the photo booth with me so that I may have a souvenir from the occasion. Two other guys decided to join in. We took four goofy photos that were printed on a card that is now residing with my other souvenirs. It’s been so long since I’ve had a real, printed photograph, thanks to digital record keeping. I’m happy to have some more tangible proof of my experience.
Barry and Andrew were a wonderful, and much needed, change of pace after spending something like 16 hours a day with the same seven people for a week on an island. I wish I could have spent a little more time in their company. Hopefully more social adventures will come my way in Edinburgh.
Goatfell, conquered
by: Kasey Morris
On Thursday, August 8, 2013 I experienced a real first for myself. I hiked over three hours to reach the summit of a mountaintop.
I conquered the mountain called Goatfell, which is the highest point on the Isle of Arran. The total trip was around 6 hours, there and back. I’m not a very experienced hiker, and I’ve never set out to take a hike like that, but I was mostly able to keep up with James, who is younger and more experienced, and Jake, who has reached the summit of five mountains in the last three weeks. Akira, an older Japanese man who speaks very little English, accompanied us in his usual silence, and always insisted on bringing up the rear of our little group. A man of few words, I think the only time he spoke was when someone was taking his picture, at which point he requested, “One more please.”
The hike to the top was both breathtaking in beauty and breathtaking in hard work. It was very special to finally be within the waves of purple heather at which we’ve all been marveling since we arrived in Arran. We saw unreal hues of green in the temperate rainforest at the base of the mountain, beautiful springs of water cascading down from the top, and, surprisingly, almost no wildlife. Another surprise was the volume and variety of people making the same trek. There were lots of children and lots of dogs. We heard French, Scottish, and English accents. No other Americans.
After a pretty intense struggle amongst our lungs, hearts, leg muscles, and gluts, as well as a few twinges of real fear, we reached the summit. At one point we were inside of a cloud! Don’t worry though; it was thin enough to see all of the ground beneath us. When the cloud dissipated, we could see the entire island, as well as just about all of Scotland, and probably some of Ireland too. It was incredible. We all got more than plenty of amazing photos.
The climb down was hell on our knees. Thankfully, Linda let me borrow her cane, which made the descent much easier. We returned to our starting point in much less time than the journey to the top. I was completely beat. And today I am feeling that expedition every time I move my legs. It was worth it though. I earned my new t-shirt that reads “GOATFELL CONQUERER”.
2866’!
On Thursday, August 8, 2013 I experienced a real first for myself. I hiked over three hours to reach the summit of a mountaintop.
I conquered the mountain called Goatfell, which is the highest point on the Isle of Arran. The total trip was around 6 hours, there and back. I’m not a very experienced hiker, and I’ve never set out to take a hike like that, but I was mostly able to keep up with James, who is younger and more experienced, and Jake, who has reached the summit of five mountains in the last three weeks. Akira, an older Japanese man who speaks very little English, accompanied us in his usual silence, and always insisted on bringing up the rear of our little group. A man of few words, I think the only time he spoke was when someone was taking his picture, at which point he requested, “One more please.”
The hike to the top was both breathtaking in beauty and breathtaking in hard work. It was very special to finally be within the waves of purple heather at which we’ve all been marveling since we arrived in Arran. We saw unreal hues of green in the temperate rainforest at the base of the mountain, beautiful springs of water cascading down from the top, and, surprisingly, almost no wildlife. Another surprise was the volume and variety of people making the same trek. There were lots of children and lots of dogs. We heard French, Scottish, and English accents. No other Americans.
After a pretty intense struggle amongst our lungs, hearts, leg muscles, and gluts, as well as a few twinges of real fear, we reached the summit. At one point we were inside of a cloud! Don’t worry though; it was thin enough to see all of the ground beneath us. When the cloud dissipated, we could see the entire island, as well as just about all of Scotland, and probably some of Ireland too. It was incredible. We all got more than plenty of amazing photos.
The climb down was hell on our knees. Thankfully, Linda let me borrow her cane, which made the descent much easier. We returned to our starting point in much less time than the journey to the top. I was completely beat. And today I am feeling that expedition every time I move my legs. It was worth it though. I earned my new t-shirt that reads “GOATFELL CONQUERER”.
2866’!
Machrie Moor
Jake Trost
The day started out cloudy, cool, and gloomy. But, since it hadn’t started to rain, we were off to Machrie Moor. Machrie Moor is a very sacred place. Circles of standing stones dot the area and a good number of these stones tower well over one’s head.
The stones are sacred because of burial purposes and ancient rituals such as Midsummer celebrations. Old plough tracks and remnants of old housing lay in the peat bogs that are centuries old. To get to these stones is an easy hike of a couple miles through pastures of sheep (and things that sheep leave laying around). Perfect circles of ferns created by nature itself surround many of these stone circles. The mountains in the distance provide the greatest backdrop for these sites.
Later in the day we left to have supper in Brodick. Fully enjoying a lamb tagine with a dram of Machrie Moor peated malt from the Arran Distillery, I looked out over the bay to see Brodick Castle with Goatfell Mountain looming over it. And now, after a full day of adventure and a full stomach, it is time to kick back at the farmhouse. The feet are up and the peat flavor lingers in my senses and takes me back to peaty lands of Machrie Moor. Today was a sacred day.
The day started out cloudy, cool, and gloomy. But, since it hadn’t started to rain, we were off to Machrie Moor. Machrie Moor is a very sacred place. Circles of standing stones dot the area and a good number of these stones tower well over one’s head.
The stones are sacred because of burial purposes and ancient rituals such as Midsummer celebrations. Old plough tracks and remnants of old housing lay in the peat bogs that are centuries old. To get to these stones is an easy hike of a couple miles through pastures of sheep (and things that sheep leave laying around). Perfect circles of ferns created by nature itself surround many of these stone circles. The mountains in the distance provide the greatest backdrop for these sites.
Later in the day we left to have supper in Brodick. Fully enjoying a lamb tagine with a dram of Machrie Moor peated malt from the Arran Distillery, I looked out over the bay to see Brodick Castle with Goatfell Mountain looming over it. And now, after a full day of adventure and a full stomach, it is time to kick back at the farmhouse. The feet are up and the peat flavor lingers in my senses and takes me back to peaty lands of Machrie Moor. Today was a sacred day.
A Scottish Ceilidh
by: Kelsey Deters
Thursday night we all hopped into our giant van and rode over to Lochranza for our very first Ceilidh. What is a Ceilidh you ask? It’s a Scottish party, obviously! And yes, I know that is a very broad statement. But since I have now actually attended a Ceilidh, I am totally qualified to give you an explanation.
In my experience with Ceilidh’s, which is now all of one, they seem to be much like a wedding reception. Set in a large hall, the Ceilidh we attended involved loud live music, an announcer who was hard to understand over the PA system, and tables set up around the perimeter of the room. When we walked in there was no one on the dance floor, so we awkwardly found chairs that we lined up along one wall. Picture that row of awkward young girls that is so often portrayed in cheesy chick flicks. That was where we were sitting.
Luckily the mood soon lightened as the announcer called upon people to come up and follow him in a traditional Scottish folk dance. We had a great time watching the brave souls who volunteered make fools of themselves, and then after a few dances, decided to join in ourselves.
James was the first to be brave and join the dance. After that Jake and I joined in for a dance that involved two lines of people who sung down the line on the arms of the people lined up in partners. That sounds confusing, but it did work…kind of. And whether it worked or not, we had great fun doing it!
Sadly we only got dance in before the festivities ended. The final song was Auld Lang Syne. Everyone got in a circle around the dance floor and crossed arms while they swayed and sang along. I decided to sit down, but was soon pulled into the circle by a really nice English woman I had been standing next to during the dance.
Once the last note rang out, the hall cleared out at an impressive rate. We all piled into our van again and headed for home.
Thursday night we all hopped into our giant van and rode over to Lochranza for our very first Ceilidh. What is a Ceilidh you ask? It’s a Scottish party, obviously! And yes, I know that is a very broad statement. But since I have now actually attended a Ceilidh, I am totally qualified to give you an explanation.
In my experience with Ceilidh’s, which is now all of one, they seem to be much like a wedding reception. Set in a large hall, the Ceilidh we attended involved loud live music, an announcer who was hard to understand over the PA system, and tables set up around the perimeter of the room. When we walked in there was no one on the dance floor, so we awkwardly found chairs that we lined up along one wall. Picture that row of awkward young girls that is so often portrayed in cheesy chick flicks. That was where we were sitting.
Luckily the mood soon lightened as the announcer called upon people to come up and follow him in a traditional Scottish folk dance. We had a great time watching the brave souls who volunteered make fools of themselves, and then after a few dances, decided to join in ourselves.
James was the first to be brave and join the dance. After that Jake and I joined in for a dance that involved two lines of people who sung down the line on the arms of the people lined up in partners. That sounds confusing, but it did work…kind of. And whether it worked or not, we had great fun doing it!
Sadly we only got dance in before the festivities ended. The final song was Auld Lang Syne. Everyone got in a circle around the dance floor and crossed arms while they swayed and sang along. I decided to sit down, but was soon pulled into the circle by a really nice English woman I had been standing next to during the dance.
Once the last note rang out, the hall cleared out at an impressive rate. We all piled into our van again and headed for home.
Exploring Dougarie Estate
by James Dundon
My first venture out of the Dougarie house was within a few hours of meeting the class in Glasgow. I was still awestricken, still digesting the beauty of the island.
I took a walk through the gates of the farm and into the sprawling landscape. Headed down to the Dougarie hunting lodge along the stream that runs through the estate, and finally to the pebbled beaches along the sea.
This was my first experience exploring this new and exciting place.
My second hike followed a less traveled path: through the domain of the sheep to the top of the hill we’re staying on.
The only paths are those trod by sheep and even these eventually end. Dodging sheep droppings and trying to find a solid footing on the overgrown areas, the untrimmed grass rises above your knee. Your best bet at navigating them is to step toward what appears to be the center of the growth. But what appears to be the center can instead give way to a mud puddle or a patch of peat moss that quickly floods and soaks your shoes.
Thorns tug at your clothing, digging into your skin. The midges, mosquito-like insects, relentlessly swarm your body.
I spent this time walking through peat moors, with mud-covered clothing and both feet wet. When I thought I was about to reach the top of the hill, cresting it would bring the realization that there’s another half mile to the top; we coined a term for this, “highland mirage.”
The view from the top made the effort worthwhile. A vista of the mountains that captivated me on our way in now included a misty view of Scotland’s mainland and Northern Ireland. I found a deep satisfaction in this accomplishment. It wasn’t just the fact that I’d climbed such rough terrain to achieve my goal, but it was also the sense that I was now deep within the landscapes I’ve become so enamored with.
The desire to see as much of Arran as possible in my short time here led me to take a third hike on a rainy morning to Loch Iorsa. A body of water about two miles from the Dougarie house. The loch was so clean I felt compelled to take a dip in the icy water. Wading out, goose bumps covering my entire body, I rinsed my face and hair. It was one of the most refreshing moments I’ve ever experienced.
I’ve gotten a good taste of what the wilderness on the island is like despite my short time here. My next adventure will be tomorrow morning when I hike Goatfell Mountain, Arran’s highest point and the pinnacle of my exploration.
Adjusting to Life Abroad: By Bobbie Watson
It’s always encouraged for someone to study abroad if they have the opportunity, I personally didn’t have the chance to do it for my undergrad degree. In my second year of graduate school I took the time and opportunity to come and study abroad for several weeks in Scotland. Going across the pond has been fantastic but there are moments of adjustment, in many ways it’s like going the moon with all the preparation. Then when you get there you are completely out of your element.
In Saint Louis most people get their driver’s license as soon as they turn 16 years old because we are a commuter city, it has been going on almost two weeks and I haven’t driven. It takes a lot for me to give up that kind of control because driving gives me a sense of empowerment. I feel like if I need to leave I can just go and now I am on Arran, an island separated from the main land that can only be reached by ferry. On top of that I’m not the one who is doing the driving here. In some ways that is a huge culture shock on my end more than the dollars to pounds currency or fries to chips language change.
Another challenge in adjusting to studying abroad is having a moment or two of home sickness, I am not the type of person to get mushy about these things. I have a best friend who is like a brother to me, in the past 10 years we have been pretty inseparable. He has been the frick to my frack and we have always ended up traveling together. There are those people who keep you grounded in life and going to another country alone can be taxing from time to time. I think this is something that many students have to adjust to when traveling, the separation from family. One of the many things that has help though has been the kindness of the people of Arran, they seem to have a generosity and ability to make you feel welcome. I hear horror stories about locals treating tourist harshly. This has not been the instance, studying abroad can be hard to adjust to but that doesn’t make it impossible.
It’s always encouraged for someone to study abroad if they have the opportunity, I personally didn’t have the chance to do it for my undergrad degree. In my second year of graduate school I took the time and opportunity to come and study abroad for several weeks in Scotland. Going across the pond has been fantastic but there are moments of adjustment, in many ways it’s like going the moon with all the preparation. Then when you get there you are completely out of your element.
In Saint Louis most people get their driver’s license as soon as they turn 16 years old because we are a commuter city, it has been going on almost two weeks and I haven’t driven. It takes a lot for me to give up that kind of control because driving gives me a sense of empowerment. I feel like if I need to leave I can just go and now I am on Arran, an island separated from the main land that can only be reached by ferry. On top of that I’m not the one who is doing the driving here. In some ways that is a huge culture shock on my end more than the dollars to pounds currency or fries to chips language change.
Another challenge in adjusting to studying abroad is having a moment or two of home sickness, I am not the type of person to get mushy about these things. I have a best friend who is like a brother to me, in the past 10 years we have been pretty inseparable. He has been the frick to my frack and we have always ended up traveling together. There are those people who keep you grounded in life and going to another country alone can be taxing from time to time. I think this is something that many students have to adjust to when traveling, the separation from family. One of the many things that has help though has been the kindness of the people of Arran, they seem to have a generosity and ability to make you feel welcome. I hear horror stories about locals treating tourist harshly. This has not been the instance, studying abroad can be hard to adjust to but that doesn’t make it impossible.
Arran Charm
by: Kasey Morris
One thing about this island I am finding quite delightful is its people’s character. Generally, everyone here has a sunny disposition, but, occasionally, I am seeing a very charming sense of humor.
The other day, when we went to Brodick Castle, we had a lengthy conversation with Ian Struther, a man who has been caring for and training birds of prey for several decades. He was genuinely excited to talk to people from a different culture, and he was quite a funny man. I remember a remark he made as he was explaining the reasons men get into his profession, “Some of them are actually interested, and others just have small willies.” That one got a good laugh.
Today, in the town of Brodick, I came across a couple of different signs that demonstrated the locals’ sense of humor. The first was the pictures on the doors of a bathroom to indicate which was men’s and which was ladies’. On the men’s room was a screen shot of Liam Neeson from the very Scottish film, Rob Roy. He was looking very regal. I think the ladies room pictured Liam’s counterpart in the movie, but her photo wasn’t as funny.
The second was in the window of the Arran brewery, a sign that read, “BEER SHORTAGE!!!!!PLEASE FEEL FREE TO COME IN AND PANIC BUY!” I find beer makers have a tendency toward good humor, but this one really tickled me.
One thing about this island I am finding quite delightful is its people’s character. Generally, everyone here has a sunny disposition, but, occasionally, I am seeing a very charming sense of humor.
The other day, when we went to Brodick Castle, we had a lengthy conversation with Ian Struther, a man who has been caring for and training birds of prey for several decades. He was genuinely excited to talk to people from a different culture, and he was quite a funny man. I remember a remark he made as he was explaining the reasons men get into his profession, “Some of them are actually interested, and others just have small willies.” That one got a good laugh.
Today, in the town of Brodick, I came across a couple of different signs that demonstrated the locals’ sense of humor. The first was the pictures on the doors of a bathroom to indicate which was men’s and which was ladies’. On the men’s room was a screen shot of Liam Neeson from the very Scottish film, Rob Roy. He was looking very regal. I think the ladies room pictured Liam’s counterpart in the movie, but her photo wasn’t as funny.
The second was in the window of the Arran brewery, a sign that read, “BEER SHORTAGE!!!!!PLEASE FEEL FREE TO COME IN AND PANIC BUY!” I find beer makers have a tendency toward good humor, but this one really tickled me.
Beauty of Arran
by: Kelsey Deters
While chatting with the man on the plane that I described in my earlier post, we talked about the places I would be visiting. I told him that we were staying on the Isle of Arran for the first week of our journey and he was thrilled. He said that Arran was Scotland in miniature because of its unique geography. I haven’t seen all of Scotland, but if the rest of it is as beautiful as Arran, I think I might just stay here instead of returning home.
Arran is unique because it has both highlands and lowlands. The mountains are vast and a rich color of green from the pine trees. They are usually dotted with the purple of heather, a golden wheat color from the tall grasses, and the white of the sheep that roam freely on the island (sometimes they even hang out in the middle of the road).
The coastline consists mostly of rocky beaches. The grass along the coast is a brilliant green. From many seaside points you can see other islands, the mainland of Scotland, and on a clear day there is even a spot where you can see Ireland.
There are villages sprinkled throughout the island that add to the beauty. Most of the buildings are white with a dark trim and look stunning against the beautiful green landscape.
I was most amused to find that there are palm trees that grown on Arran. Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined finding palm trees in Scotland.
I’m very excited to visit Glasgow and Edinburgh, but I don’t know if they can possibly surpass the beauty the Isle of Arran has to offer
While chatting with the man on the plane that I described in my earlier post, we talked about the places I would be visiting. I told him that we were staying on the Isle of Arran for the first week of our journey and he was thrilled. He said that Arran was Scotland in miniature because of its unique geography. I haven’t seen all of Scotland, but if the rest of it is as beautiful as Arran, I think I might just stay here instead of returning home.
Arran is unique because it has both highlands and lowlands. The mountains are vast and a rich color of green from the pine trees. They are usually dotted with the purple of heather, a golden wheat color from the tall grasses, and the white of the sheep that roam freely on the island (sometimes they even hang out in the middle of the road).
The coastline consists mostly of rocky beaches. The grass along the coast is a brilliant green. From many seaside points you can see other islands, the mainland of Scotland, and on a clear day there is even a spot where you can see Ireland.
There are villages sprinkled throughout the island that add to the beauty. Most of the buildings are white with a dark trim and look stunning against the beautiful green landscape.
I was most amused to find that there are palm trees that grown on Arran. Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined finding palm trees in Scotland.
I’m very excited to visit Glasgow and Edinburgh, but I don’t know if they can possibly surpass the beauty the Isle of Arran has to offer
Magic of Arran
by Romare Haller
The lowlands of the Isle of Arran have history and magic within its hills. The stone circles are a magical place. A place where the earth and heavens combine. The stone monuments and burial sites who's aliment with the sun could possibly be a symbol of the dead going to heaven are a spiritual experience. stones three feet to 10 ten tall line the landscape and transport you to an ancient civilization.
The shore has seals sunbathing on rocks in the sparkling sea. The legend of the selkies comes to mind when you see the seals and you start wanting them to hide their seal coat and come ashore in human form. The shy seals stay away from the tourists and if you're lucky you can get a picture if you have a long zoom. It is as if they are the selkie seal people and the are avoiding humans and hiding the magic.
The castle ruins on the shore also add to the magic of the island. The small lookout guarding the bay teleports you to age of knights and kings. you can imagine sea battles raging between vikings and the castle. You wonder how many sieges it stood and what tails of heroism there were.
History is rich in the lowlands and as with history comes many legends. The magic of the Isle of Arran is strong. Its lowlands are a place of beauty and history. You can explore the ruins and just maybe you'll find a magical selkie wife.
The lowlands of the Isle of Arran have history and magic within its hills. The stone circles are a magical place. A place where the earth and heavens combine. The stone monuments and burial sites who's aliment with the sun could possibly be a symbol of the dead going to heaven are a spiritual experience. stones three feet to 10 ten tall line the landscape and transport you to an ancient civilization.
The shore has seals sunbathing on rocks in the sparkling sea. The legend of the selkies comes to mind when you see the seals and you start wanting them to hide their seal coat and come ashore in human form. The shy seals stay away from the tourists and if you're lucky you can get a picture if you have a long zoom. It is as if they are the selkie seal people and the are avoiding humans and hiding the magic.
The castle ruins on the shore also add to the magic of the island. The small lookout guarding the bay teleports you to age of knights and kings. you can imagine sea battles raging between vikings and the castle. You wonder how many sieges it stood and what tails of heroism there were.
History is rich in the lowlands and as with history comes many legends. The magic of the Isle of Arran is strong. Its lowlands are a place of beauty and history. You can explore the ruins and just maybe you'll find a magical selkie wife.
First Trip Abroad
by Kelsey Deters
A week ago I had to pick up a friend from the airport who had never been on a plane before. She told me about how panicked she had been through the entire process, and I patted myself on the back for being a seasoned flyer and never having to feel that way again. Then I realized that in a week’s time, I was going to enter the realm of International flight, and suddenly those nerves I thought I didn’t have came springing forward.
My first flight in my journey to Scotland was from St. Louis to Philadelphia. When I boarded the plane I was surprised by the cramped feel of the cabin. There were only two seats on each side of the aisle. Although the seats were so closely linked, it might be accurate to say that there was only one seat per side. My very small and cramped seat was next to an older gentleman who managed to sit in very close proximity to me for two hours without mumbling even a single word.
Once the plane landed in Philly, my nerves really started to escalate. I got to the gate for my next flight and checked my phone for messages. One of the messages was my best friend informing me of the terrorist threat that had been issued for the month of August. That really calmed my nerves and made me feel good about getting on a plane that would be flying over the ocean of six hours. Thanks again Prudence.
Thankfully common sense took over as I was getting on the plane and my irrational fears seemed to vanish as I began to worry about who I was going to be stuck sitting next to for the very long flight ahead.
When I reached my seat there was only one other man in my row of three and he was on the aisle while I had the window seat. He was very friendly as he moved so I could get to my seat. When I sat down he went back to talking to his wife and son who were seated in the row in front of him. From his accent I guessed that he was probably returning to his home in Scotland. We exchanged a few words about how it would be wonderful if no one were booked in the seat between us. And as luck would have it, that was exactly the case.
As the flight was taking off we began making small talk and as a suspected, he was in fact returning to his home in Glasgow. He asked about my trip and before I knew it he was sharing loads of information about Scotland and giving me a long list of places that I needed to see.
After our initial conversation we didn’t speak for a few hours. Then after a long night of flying the Captain announced that we were making our decent into Glasgow. Our conversation picked up again as he began to point out things on the ground below us. His wife joined in on the conversation this time, and after a few minutes it came up that their daughter, who also happens to be 19, will be studying abroad at the University of Illinois in the fall.
It really is a small world! I told them that I had been born and raised in Illinois. We spend the remainder of the flight discussing what the weather would be like for each season and places in the Midwest that she should visit.
We parted ways when the plane landed, and I didn’t even learn their first names. However I’m sure I will always remember how pleasant and comfortable they made my first over-seas travel experience.
A week ago I had to pick up a friend from the airport who had never been on a plane before. She told me about how panicked she had been through the entire process, and I patted myself on the back for being a seasoned flyer and never having to feel that way again. Then I realized that in a week’s time, I was going to enter the realm of International flight, and suddenly those nerves I thought I didn’t have came springing forward.
My first flight in my journey to Scotland was from St. Louis to Philadelphia. When I boarded the plane I was surprised by the cramped feel of the cabin. There were only two seats on each side of the aisle. Although the seats were so closely linked, it might be accurate to say that there was only one seat per side. My very small and cramped seat was next to an older gentleman who managed to sit in very close proximity to me for two hours without mumbling even a single word.
Once the plane landed in Philly, my nerves really started to escalate. I got to the gate for my next flight and checked my phone for messages. One of the messages was my best friend informing me of the terrorist threat that had been issued for the month of August. That really calmed my nerves and made me feel good about getting on a plane that would be flying over the ocean of six hours. Thanks again Prudence.
Thankfully common sense took over as I was getting on the plane and my irrational fears seemed to vanish as I began to worry about who I was going to be stuck sitting next to for the very long flight ahead.
When I reached my seat there was only one other man in my row of three and he was on the aisle while I had the window seat. He was very friendly as he moved so I could get to my seat. When I sat down he went back to talking to his wife and son who were seated in the row in front of him. From his accent I guessed that he was probably returning to his home in Scotland. We exchanged a few words about how it would be wonderful if no one were booked in the seat between us. And as luck would have it, that was exactly the case.
As the flight was taking off we began making small talk and as a suspected, he was in fact returning to his home in Glasgow. He asked about my trip and before I knew it he was sharing loads of information about Scotland and giving me a long list of places that I needed to see.
After our initial conversation we didn’t speak for a few hours. Then after a long night of flying the Captain announced that we were making our decent into Glasgow. Our conversation picked up again as he began to point out things on the ground below us. His wife joined in on the conversation this time, and after a few minutes it came up that their daughter, who also happens to be 19, will be studying abroad at the University of Illinois in the fall.
It really is a small world! I told them that I had been born and raised in Illinois. We spend the remainder of the flight discussing what the weather would be like for each season and places in the Midwest that she should visit.
We parted ways when the plane landed, and I didn’t even learn their first names. However I’m sure I will always remember how pleasant and comfortable they made my first over-seas travel experience.
Brodick Castle
by Kasey Morris
This place has already given birth to some of the best memories of my life, and it’s only day two. Where else in the world can you wake up to the sound of sheep bleating while seagulls squawk above them? After a late night of great conversation with my new friends and classmates, I slept in comfortably and promptly got a move on to Brodick Castle, which is a sandstone structure whose first components were built in the 13th century, here on the Isle of Arran. What followed was one of the most completely perfect days I’ve ever had. Ever.
Today was a special celebration at Brodick Castle. They were having a Victorian house party, which included a performance by the Isle of Arran Pipe Band, a presentation by Arran Birds of Prey, and a litany of costumed characters demonstrating a day in the life of a Scottish royal residence. The property is a literal wonderland, straight out of a fairytale. There is a perfect garden in the midst of a dense forest composed of the most wonderful variety of foliage. There are pine trees neighboring palm trees, tall trees, short trees, knotted trees, ferns, ivy, flowers, and many plants I can’t name off the top of my head. The walled garden was my first stop. It reminded me of Alice in Wonderland.
This place has already given birth to some of the best memories of my life, and it’s only day two. Where else in the world can you wake up to the sound of sheep bleating while seagulls squawk above them? After a late night of great conversation with my new friends and classmates, I slept in comfortably and promptly got a move on to Brodick Castle, which is a sandstone structure whose first components were built in the 13th century, here on the Isle of Arran. What followed was one of the most completely perfect days I’ve ever had. Ever.
Today was a special celebration at Brodick Castle. They were having a Victorian house party, which included a performance by the Isle of Arran Pipe Band, a presentation by Arran Birds of Prey, and a litany of costumed characters demonstrating a day in the life of a Scottish royal residence. The property is a literal wonderland, straight out of a fairytale. There is a perfect garden in the midst of a dense forest composed of the most wonderful variety of foliage. There are pine trees neighboring palm trees, tall trees, short trees, knotted trees, ferns, ivy, flowers, and many plants I can’t name off the top of my head. The walled garden was my first stop. It reminded me of Alice in Wonderland.
Next was an unexpected brush with some elegantly dangerous birds and the incredibly gentle man who cared for them. I could listen to Ian talk for days. He had a marvelous sense of humor, and a genuine sense of compassion that’s so uncommon in my own culture. Not to mention the most charming accent. He let me hold his Saker Falcon.
The Isle of Arran Pipe Band marched upon the very spot I was shopping for gifts when they began their performance. Their members were surprisingly diverse in age and gender. The base drum player was the most decorated, with a leopard skin draped over his chest and belly, giving his powerful instrument a powerful backdrop.
The Isle of Arran Pipe Band marched upon the very spot I was shopping for gifts when they began their performance. Their members were surprisingly diverse in age and gender. The base drum player was the most decorated, with a leopard skin draped over his chest and belly, giving his powerful instrument a powerful backdrop.
Our 7-person group toured the inside of the castle, where we were prohibited from taking pictures. I’ve never experienced something so historic. This is my first trip outside of the United States, so the oldest things I’ve seen are centuries younger than many items in Brodick Castle. After our tour, I sat and drank Scottish tea in the yard of a Scottish castle on a gorgeous, sunny August day. It was a first, and a very special moment for me.
My visit to Brodick Castle was concluded with about a 40 minute walk with Kelsey through the forest grounds. The battery in my camera was nearly dead, so I borrowed Linda’s camera, and had the most fun playing with the different filters it had. We found the Bavarian Summerhouse near the edge of the forest. It looks kind of like a gazebo you would find in The Shire. It overlooks the Firth of Clyde. We were stunned to find the most ornate designs made of pinecones covering the walls of the summerhouse. It was most certainly a “wow” moment.
My visit to Brodick Castle was concluded with about a 40 minute walk with Kelsey through the forest grounds. The battery in my camera was nearly dead, so I borrowed Linda’s camera, and had the most fun playing with the different filters it had. We found the Bavarian Summerhouse near the edge of the forest. It looks kind of like a gazebo you would find in The Shire. It overlooks the Firth of Clyde. We were stunned to find the most ornate designs made of pinecones covering the walls of the summerhouse. It was most certainly a “wow” moment.
I can’t truthfully articulate the beauty of this island, and the people who live on it. I resolved a while ago not to over-excite my expectations for this trip, but what I have experienced so far has greatly exceeded anything I could have strived to imagine. I was in Maui earlier this year, and this tops that by a mile. I am so grateful to be here. Five more days here before we go to Edinburgh. I suspect this will not be my last visit to Arran.
Arriving on Arran
by James Dundon
The unspoiled beauty of the Isle of Arran is unreal. Every moment I’m reminded that I’m not at home.
The view from the top deck of the island ferry allows glimpses of the mountains beyond the sound; the glowing emerald grass freckled with rich purple patches of heather. Mountain silhouettes in the distance add a depth to the scene, magnifying the effect.
Mist hanging in the air gives the views an ethereal quality. You know your eyes aren’t deceiving you. These colors actually exist in nature. But the vivid colors are just the beginning.
Weathered stone guardrails along the roads in the rolling hills lead to the stomping grounds of the sheep. They’re everywhere. Tufts of sheep wool caught in the thistle are a reminder that there’s no such thing as a pasture here. The entire island is free range.
A 100 year-old farmhouse on Dougarie Estate is the place we’re calling home for seven nights. Despite being on the other side of the world, I’m so comfortable here that I feel at home. I know leaving Arran isn’t going to be easy.
The unspoiled beauty of the Isle of Arran is unreal. Every moment I’m reminded that I’m not at home.
The view from the top deck of the island ferry allows glimpses of the mountains beyond the sound; the glowing emerald grass freckled with rich purple patches of heather. Mountain silhouettes in the distance add a depth to the scene, magnifying the effect.
Mist hanging in the air gives the views an ethereal quality. You know your eyes aren’t deceiving you. These colors actually exist in nature. But the vivid colors are just the beginning.
Weathered stone guardrails along the roads in the rolling hills lead to the stomping grounds of the sheep. They’re everywhere. Tufts of sheep wool caught in the thistle are a reminder that there’s no such thing as a pasture here. The entire island is free range.
A 100 year-old farmhouse on Dougarie Estate is the place we’re calling home for seven nights. Despite being on the other side of the world, I’m so comfortable here that I feel at home. I know leaving Arran isn’t going to be easy.
A Perfect Day
Jake Trost
I woke up Sunday morning to a cool yet sunny day. Ocean air swept up the hill to the farmhouse at Dougrie. It was a nice quiet morning being the one of the first ones awake. The smell of bacon filled the first floor of the house. I stepped outside and walked around the moss-covered stone walls to the front to look over the Kildunnan Sound. Today was going to be a day of great weather--you could feel it.
After eating a quick breakfast we took the van to the village of Brodick. A stop at the castle and a walk around its gardens without rain was phenomenal. The Isle of Arran Pipe Band provided a great soundtrack to the visit. They piped in a circle formation in front of the castle doorstep. It was a great photo with the perfectly blue sky behind them. A tour of the castle was also in order. This showed us some prime examples of Scottish Royalty.
After a full day, we arrived back at the farmhouse. Fresh fish was cooked for our supper. Wild grouse ran free and the ocean air still swept up the hill. The nightcap was an uncorking of a 10 year old Arran malt with newly acquired friends. It was a per
The Isle of Arran has as many faces as Dr. Who
Romare Haller
blog post 1
On Sunday Augest 4th, the 12th Doctor was revealed on a live TV special. I sat on the couch, an excited Whovian, waiting to see who would replace my favorite Doctor, Matt Smith. The new Scottish Doctor was fitting because of the location my couch. I was in a farm house on the Scottish Isle of Arran. The Isle of Arran is called Scotland in miniature because of many faces of landscape. The island's highlands and lowlands display all of the landscapes that Scotland has to offer.
As I arrived via ferry I saw Arran's fist face. Huge green and violet hills and mountains enclosed in rocky shores and crystal clear water. The lush hills and boulder covered shores reminded me of Neverland and when landed I expected to see the Lost Boys and shipwrecked pirate ships. The green grass covered hills were the most stunning feature. Large blotches of purple flowers could be seen miles away the boat neared the island.
Its second face was a small little town that reminded me of Amy Pond's home town from Doctor Who. It was a small little town with shops and a big and a little grocery store. I thought the very sweet locals would actually turn out to be aliens hiding in old people. Thankfully they truly were just kind people and I was not trapped in a dream would by the Doctor's subconscious.
The isle's third face was the highlands and it's rolling hills were so green I though I had been transported to Middle Earth. I expected to see two hobbits hiking across wide open spaces. The amazing contrast between larger open fields and monstrous hills was stunning. I could stare at the green scenery for hours.
It wouldn't be Scotland if I didn't see fields of sheep. The Isle of Arran had no shortage fields dotted with fluffy white sheep. The noises made me giggle because they sounded just like what you expect and reminded me of the goats yelling music video remixes on Youtube.
Another thing Scotland wouldn't be complete without is a castle. Being that the Isle of Arran is the Scotland miniature it had its on miniature castle. When I think of castles I think of giant stone walls, a moat and a drawbridge. Brodick Castle was the size of a large house and because it had been in use through the Victorian age it had many additions and changes. Instead of a moat it had beautiful gardens and finely manicured grassy fields.
All these features and that is only the highlands. Tomorrow I will see Arran's final face. The lowlands are a whole different adventure and I'm as excited to see them as I am to see the 12th Doctor in action this December.
blog post 1
On Sunday Augest 4th, the 12th Doctor was revealed on a live TV special. I sat on the couch, an excited Whovian, waiting to see who would replace my favorite Doctor, Matt Smith. The new Scottish Doctor was fitting because of the location my couch. I was in a farm house on the Scottish Isle of Arran. The Isle of Arran is called Scotland in miniature because of many faces of landscape. The island's highlands and lowlands display all of the landscapes that Scotland has to offer.
As I arrived via ferry I saw Arran's fist face. Huge green and violet hills and mountains enclosed in rocky shores and crystal clear water. The lush hills and boulder covered shores reminded me of Neverland and when landed I expected to see the Lost Boys and shipwrecked pirate ships. The green grass covered hills were the most stunning feature. Large blotches of purple flowers could be seen miles away the boat neared the island.
Its second face was a small little town that reminded me of Amy Pond's home town from Doctor Who. It was a small little town with shops and a big and a little grocery store. I thought the very sweet locals would actually turn out to be aliens hiding in old people. Thankfully they truly were just kind people and I was not trapped in a dream would by the Doctor's subconscious.
The isle's third face was the highlands and it's rolling hills were so green I though I had been transported to Middle Earth. I expected to see two hobbits hiking across wide open spaces. The amazing contrast between larger open fields and monstrous hills was stunning. I could stare at the green scenery for hours.
It wouldn't be Scotland if I didn't see fields of sheep. The Isle of Arran had no shortage fields dotted with fluffy white sheep. The noises made me giggle because they sounded just like what you expect and reminded me of the goats yelling music video remixes on Youtube.
Another thing Scotland wouldn't be complete without is a castle. Being that the Isle of Arran is the Scotland miniature it had its on miniature castle. When I think of castles I think of giant stone walls, a moat and a drawbridge. Brodick Castle was the size of a large house and because it had been in use through the Victorian age it had many additions and changes. Instead of a moat it had beautiful gardens and finely manicured grassy fields.
All these features and that is only the highlands. Tomorrow I will see Arran's final face. The lowlands are a whole different adventure and I'm as excited to see them as I am to see the 12th Doctor in action this December.
Technology Overdrive on the Isle of Arran
Technology Overdrive on The Isle of Arran: By Bobbie Watson
I remember clinching to my mother’s cellphone in junior high school as I sat in class showing everyone what I had with me, trying to impress my classmates with technology that was meant for adults only. It was new for its time and everyone eighteen years or older was beginning to carry cellphones around with them but for me the only time I saw one used by a person my age was by Zack Morris in Saved by the Bell. In the past 10 years though technology has advanced to the point where it has become affordable for a majority of American youth in our culture to carry these little technology inhibitors which has lead me to curse the overuse of it. What does this have to do with me and Scotland?
A majority of my life I spent camping, fishing, Boy Scouts, and anything else I might have a chance to do outdoors. I never saw myself as a person dependent on technology, over the past years due to circumstances beyond my control I haven’t had the opportunities to go out and experience the vast beauty of nature. As I walked through an astonishing trail behind a Scottish castle I looked over to the ocean and took a deep breath, then pulled out my cellphone and tapped on my check-in feature on my Facebook application. I have become the thing I feared worst, a technology addict. As my hand shook with a little fear I realized that a majority of Americans have the same problem.
While walking around with my study abroad group we interacted with various types of people but the one that stuck out the most to me was a bird trainer, here was a man of 78 years in age coming to a castle to show these amazing creatures. Even though age has touched this man time has not, he has more energy than people I know 60 years younger than him. I find it amazing and possibly worth a scientific study to show how overuse of technology might have on health and possibly aging of the body. I know there are studies that link health and stress together, I would think the same could be said about over abuse of technology. It keeps the mind on a 24/7 updated.
The world moves a little bit slower here in Scotland, especially here on the Isle of Arran. Its gives us all moments to take a deep breath, the problem is what we decide to do after the air exhale’s from our lungs. The problem I had before was to interact with the complications of the outside world but I think one of the real points of coming here is to block that stuff out. It’s to find that inner peace and find the joy the simplistic again and the beauty in outside cultures.
I remember clinching to my mother’s cellphone in junior high school as I sat in class showing everyone what I had with me, trying to impress my classmates with technology that was meant for adults only. It was new for its time and everyone eighteen years or older was beginning to carry cellphones around with them but for me the only time I saw one used by a person my age was by Zack Morris in Saved by the Bell. In the past 10 years though technology has advanced to the point where it has become affordable for a majority of American youth in our culture to carry these little technology inhibitors which has lead me to curse the overuse of it. What does this have to do with me and Scotland?
A majority of my life I spent camping, fishing, Boy Scouts, and anything else I might have a chance to do outdoors. I never saw myself as a person dependent on technology, over the past years due to circumstances beyond my control I haven’t had the opportunities to go out and experience the vast beauty of nature. As I walked through an astonishing trail behind a Scottish castle I looked over to the ocean and took a deep breath, then pulled out my cellphone and tapped on my check-in feature on my Facebook application. I have become the thing I feared worst, a technology addict. As my hand shook with a little fear I realized that a majority of Americans have the same problem.
While walking around with my study abroad group we interacted with various types of people but the one that stuck out the most to me was a bird trainer, here was a man of 78 years in age coming to a castle to show these amazing creatures. Even though age has touched this man time has not, he has more energy than people I know 60 years younger than him. I find it amazing and possibly worth a scientific study to show how overuse of technology might have on health and possibly aging of the body. I know there are studies that link health and stress together, I would think the same could be said about over abuse of technology. It keeps the mind on a 24/7 updated.
The world moves a little bit slower here in Scotland, especially here on the Isle of Arran. Its gives us all moments to take a deep breath, the problem is what we decide to do after the air exhale’s from our lungs. The problem I had before was to interact with the complications of the outside world but I think one of the real points of coming here is to block that stuff out. It’s to find that inner peace and find the joy the simplistic again and the beauty in outside cultures.