Technically i can say this because there is no Thanksgiving here in Scotland; meaning that Christmas tunes have been played sporadically over the last month or so. But you can definitely tell that winter is upon us here. The temperature has dropped drastically, it rains a lot more frequently (there is also SNOW on the forecast for later this week!), people are beginning to revise (review) for finals and write final papers, but most importantly- the Edinburgh Christmas festival is being set up over in Princes Street Gardens. As of now, i can see a ferris wheel, other rides (swings!!), lights being strung all around town, and a few trees being put up. Within the next few days everything will be finished (skating rink included) and the Lighting Ceremony will take place- November 25th i believe. And i am also planning on doing a charity run around Princes Street Gardens with a few friends, the 10 quid entry fee includes a santa suit to run in and keep :) Obviously im really looking forward to this, and dont worry- there WILL be photographic evidence. I guess Thanksgiving is this week too, IFSA is throwing us American's a Scottish Thanksgiving at a local restaurant on Wednesday. Although, there is no turkey on the menu...hmm, but ill survive. I am just excited to see everyone from the program and fill the void of family with some friends. Also, my friends Suzy and Barbara are going to help me attempt to cook a thanksgiving dinner on Thursday- i never thought i would be tackling my first thanksgiving dinner this early in life.
Aside from the holiday festivities, my classes are now almost over. The last week of classes is this week. I cant believe that its almost over! i feel like im just getting the hang of all of them. The term is a full two weeks shorter here than at Redlands. But we do get an entire week for revision rather than the three-day weekend UR gives us. My revision week isnt exactly going to serve that purpose as i have my first final (take home for British Scociety) from December 1st-2nd. Luckily that was scheduled exactly when it was because i have a trip to london this weekend and i get back on roughly a day and a half to prepare myself for the final and then leave again on the 3rd for Paris. I am so excited for Paris, ive wanted to see it since i started taking french in 7th grade (but i definitely did not trust my french skills-or serious lack thereof- enough to study abroad there). I am going to stay with a girl that goes to school with my best friend from high school. Immediately following my return from Paris, i have my final paper due in Science and Society and then the next day i sit for my Ecology exam. So, by 430 pm on the 9th i will be done with the "Study" part of Study Abroad. It is going to be a whirlwind, but im ready.
This weekend i had the pleasure of hosting one of my best friends from Redlands here in Edinburgh. We toured campus a little bit and then went to my favorite Scottish restaurant, Deacon Brodie's, and i introduced her to Haggis, Neeps, and Tatties. She said they were good but probably could never eat haggis again once she found out what was in it- i guess sheep's intestines freak some people out? That evening we went out to my favorite little club, the Hive, and danced the night away. The next morning we woke up early and toured the Palace at Hollyrood. I have been before but it is a really cool place. I'll put up pictures once i can borrow a camera cord. After that we went to another one of my favorite restaurants near my flat- The City Restaurant, toasties and soup was a nice warm break from the rain that pelted us ALL weekend. After lunch we experienced the Scotch Whisky Experience where we learned about the different sorts of whisky made in Scotland. We also got to sample some at the end of the tour, and i have to say-not really my thing. Then i took rachel to the Greyfriar's Cemetery where there is a headstone that any Harry Potter fan would enjoy- Tom Riddle. It just made us a little more excited to see the new movie next weekend in London. For dinner last night we went to an Indian place that i had never been to before, it was delicious. Then we went to a local pub for a bit. This morning we toured the castle before rachel had to catch a bus to the airport. It was a quick visit but i am very glad i could hone my tour giving skills before the parents get here in a month :)
Well, i should probably continue to write my Ecology lab report that is due tomorrow, i will be so excited when it is done!
Happy Thanksgiving- eat some turkey for me!
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