See Hugh Grant

Things have been a bit hectic in St. Andrews. As classes move into full swing, so do the golfers (couldn't resist that pun) 

St. Andrews hosted the Dunhill this past weekend. For golfers, it's a dream come true. For everyone else, it means one thing: Hugh Grant is in town (or was). As people posted their pictures of him, my jealously increased substantially. Luckily, one of my friends called me Sunday and told me to meet him for lunch and then a Hugh Grant hunt.

We wandered around the golf course for twenty minutes (luckily he knew his way around) before finding Hugh. I was able to take a quick picture of him and sprint off to my own golf lesson. 

Unfortunately, I did not get to meet him, but it was pretty cool to be so close to such a beautiful actor :D

Start University

Today was my first day of classes! The school system here is awesome. You don't have to take any courses you don't want to take! Goodbye math, hasta luego, Science! Instead, you choose three classes ("modules") you are passionate about and focus on those. 

For me, those classes are: English, Spanish, and Film. 

You attend big lectures 2/3 times a week for those modules and are broken down into small groups that meet once a week in a "tutorial" period. 

My earliest lecture is an 11AM- doing college right ;) 

English is going to be a LOT of reading. We study a different book each week. 

Spanish was a bit too easy, so I'll either try to place into a different class or start a new language. (Semi-fluent speaker put into a "Spanish for Complete Beginners" course) 

I can't wait to start film studies. We study a different film each week. This week it's "Inglourious Basterds". 

I'm now officially a uni girl, watch out world! 

Survive "Freshers Week"?

Barely. I still have no voice and have to take three breathing treatments a day (embarrassing, I know... I'm a nerd). 

For my American readers, a "fresher at uni" would be a "freshman in college."

Freshers week essentially consists of party after party, pub crawl after pub crawl, basically any activity you can imagine where freshers can meet, mingle, drink? One activity included bubbles filled with neon paint popping on you while dancing, causing you to have spotted, glowing clothes. There was also a music festival one night with performers like The View and King Charles. I'm still sticking with my opinion that the ceilidh was one of the most fun activities (I've now joined every society the school has to offer that will allow me to ceilidh on a regular basis.) 

Freshers week also had a comedy night and brought members of S Club 7 on campus to perform. 

I spent my friday night of "freshers" attending a yacht party and ball. Unfortunately, I did not get to make it to the event where they released thousands of balloons on the crowd. 

I was also able to attend the fireworks that celebrated the 600th year of our school. It was an incredible display, and I've never been that close to fireworks. It was absolutely breathtaking. 

Hillary Clinton was also in St. Andrews this past weekend... casual. 

Freshers week was an incredible time. There were far too many activities going on for me to recap them here, but I hope this post gives you a little insight into what it's like to be a fresher over here. 

Ceilidh

I know I've only been here a little over a week, but going to a ceilidh was the most fun I've had yet. (Pronounced kay-lee for y'all Texans out there going, "What's a sell-id?") Not that I'm much of a cowgirl back in Houston, but the ceilidh was one of my favorite things because it reminded me of home and it was just fun- simple as that. Again, for my Texans- it's Scottish line dancing. You're in a big, open space, and the band members briefly give you instructions on how the following dance goes. (Of course, the Scottish grow up learning these dances and know them perfectly.) Everyone starts dancing as soon as the music begins, and you twirl about the floor trying to keep your balance and stay with the music. I think I had a smile on my face the entire two hours (yes- it's a workout!) I can't wait to go to these more often, they're simply the best. If you're interested, google/youtube "Gay Gordons," "Strip the Willow," "Dashing White Sergeant," or "Flying Scotsman" because those were my favorite :)

Be a Big Girl

Today is probably the most adult I've had to be in my life. I woke up feeling extremely ill, had to call the doctor, get a cab to pick me up, go to the community hospital, wait patiently, and then follow the doctor's instructions. Turns out, I should maybe switch majors to medicine. I waited for fifty minutes and finally went into the office for literally less than sixty seconds. He asked what I was taking/doing for my current cold/flu-like symptoms, and when I told him he said, "Great! Just keep doing that." Gee, thanks. 

At home I can usually take myself to the doctor, but I missed having my mommy here to hold my hand and bring me soup. Sometimes being an adult is no fun. 

Legally Drink with My Parents

After a cold, rainy evening in Scotland, we headed to the hotel bar. It was a bit odd when my parents looked at me and asked if I wanted anything. They’re very accepting of this atmosphere/drinking age. I think it’s because they know that even though I’m their youngest kid, I’m probably the most mature. ;)

Eat "The World's Best Fish and Chips"

Rumored to be the world’s greatest fish and chips, we headed to Anstruther for a delicious lunch complete with mushy peas. The restaurant overlooked the pier and water, so it had a beautiful view. I’ve had some delicious fish and chips before, so I’m not sure if this was my favorite, but it was definitely yummy!

Go to Dundee

Though one of the first things the Scott sitting next to me on the plane said was, “Don’t go to Dundee,” today we went to Dundee. I’m not exactly sure why he advised against it: the drive there was beautiful and the shopping was extremely nice. (My dad got a bit nervous when the car dropped us outside of Primark, but I managed to go through the store without buying unnecessary items.)

We did see two interesting things in Dundee: a screaming man on the street looking for a friend and a bagpipe street performer.

I didn’t spend enough time there to get a decent opinion, but the shopping scene supplied what we needed (bedding, hairdryers, and hangers), and it’s now another place in the world I’ve been to.

Move To Scotland

We’ve finally done it. 36 hours later, and we’re checked into our hotel room about to fall asleep. The summer that seemed endless, the date that seemed so far off in the distance has come and gone.

The journey here was pretty tiring. My dad claims that he saw a rodent on the plane: whether he was serious or hallucinating, we may never know. Of course my mom is angry that the first Scottish boy to give me his phone number did so before our flight even landed in Scotland. She should be proud. (And can you really blame me when a cute Scottish boy sits next to you on a cramped plane for seven hours?)

Traveling through the airport with our amount of luggage was embarrassing. The number of bags we have shall remain unknown to my readers.

My parents are obnoxiously overwhelmed with the culture. They keep pointing out kilts. My dad tried to get on the passenger side of the vehicle and hopped in the driver seat (they drive on the other side of the road.) They can’t understand a single word anyone says: it’s an accent, NOT another language! I love them, but I’m definitely more in my element here than they are.

Before the big move, I’d spent an immense total of twelve hours in Scotland. I’d never seen the campus except for the few glimpses that Google Images can provide. It’s all I could’ve imagined and more. It’s so beautiful. You can look at pictures, but they don’t come close to the beauty in person. I hope some of my images can give you a glimpse of what it really is like, but you’ll have to visit to see what I mean J

The day quickly flew by as we tried to set up a bank account, get a UK phone, buy a guitar and bike- you know, college essentials. It’s a very small town, but it’s going to be an amazing place to explore over the coming years. If you tell anyone that you’re going to be a fresher at uni, they reassure you that St. Andrews is “an incredible school, very safe town, and has an extremely fun night life.” I definitely feel more comfortable and settled, but ask me how I’m feeling on Saturday after I carry all of my bags to the fourth floor of the flat building.

I’m off to rid myself of airport stank and go to bed for a 7AM wakeup call, (1AMfor all my friends in Houston.) I apologize if this post is incoherent or grammatically incorrect, hopefully my next post will be written after I’ve had a bit more rest. For now, that’s all I have to say. My unexpected adventure is off to an interesting start!