One of the main events during the week was a field trip of sorts. Each international student was able to sign up for an excursion of their choice. Choosing which place to travel was probably the most difficult decision I've made so far, I, of course, wanted to go to each and every one! However, I decided on Loch Katrine. Ever since first coming to Scotland in 2005 I have wanted a chance to once again be out in Scottish countryside. It is impossible to describe how beautiful the Scottish landscape is. I also decided that the days were only going to get colder so it might be best to sit on a boat on a lake now rather than later!
Before taking the lake cruise we were given time to explore Callander, a small town a few miles from the Loch. The main street was lined with little teashops, bookshops and kilt stores. It was really fun to spend a bit of time wandering in and out of all these shops.
I knew I liked Callander from the moment I got off the bus! This picture is my dream future life. I one day hope to be part of a cute sweater wearing couple with a Scottie and a Westie! Both Scotties (Scottish Terrier or a Aberdeen Terrier) and Westies (West Highland Terrier) come from Scotland and I have seen them everywhere. Some other animals that come from Scotland--Shetland Ponies and Angus Cattle.
The view from a small hill overloooking the river in the town.
It is strange to be in a place where your voice automatically identifies you as a foreigner. After speaking a few sentences I am almost always asked where I'm from. The answer "Kansas" gets some interesting responses. I've only had one, ONE, Wizard of Oz reference.. yet another reason I love the Glaswegians. But, the bus drivers respone to my home-state was one I had not yet experienced. He made some reference to old Westerns and implied that we all tote guns. Now, I knew that this was a stereotypical vision that the Scots have of all of America. But, this man was convinced that Kansas was the most gun affectionate state in the Union.. has he not heard of Texas?! I assured him that we do not all carry guns in Kansas which just received a very hearty laugh.
The John Wayne loving driver informed us that the drive from Callander to Loch Katrine was quite a tricky drive. And was he ever correct! He had to navigate the bus up and down very narrow winding roads with steep hill dropoffs on either side. If you have ever driven the moutainous roads of Colorado, picture that, it was a bit like that.. just much more green. While driving through these treacherous conditions the bus driver slams on his brakes and gets on the intercom. He informs us all to look to our right where we see a car that had toppled off the road and crushed into a tree. The car had obviously been there awhile as it was already wrapped in police tape. That, is what will happen to you if you drive too fast in this country, the bus driver told us, before clipping the intercom off and speeding back down the hill. I felt very safe.
Loch Katrine is the inspiration for Sir Walter Scott's "The Lady of the Lake." If you would like to read the poem you can find it here http://www.online-literature.com/walter_scott/2561/. You're going to need a good chunk of time though! The lake was absolutely gorgeous. The Scottish weather really isn't too terrible if you are moving around. Before we took our lake cruise we had about an hour to walk the path around the lake on our own. It really was lovely. But, sitting on the boat did get a bit chilly!
While the Loch tour was a lot of fun, I was excited to get back to Glasgow and into some dry clothes! On Thursday evening we had a Ceilidh. A Ceilidh is a traditional Gaelic social evening that includes drinks, dancing and music. I put all my zumba skills to the test and managed to learn some of the dances fairly well. It was another great way to meet people and have a bit of traditional Scottish fun!
Before moving to Glasgow, I never quite understood the UK's fascination with tea. I liked tea, especially on a cold night, but I didn't just adore it. I never felt the urge to make my own pot of tea or to curl up with a cup on a daily basis. Now having lived here only a week I understand the love of tea a bit more. The constant cool and dampness of the city makes any warm beverage extremely appealing. The abundance of coffee and tea houses lining the road make it so simple to stop by and have a pot (you don't just get a cup here!) for next to nothing. It's amazing how much warmer a cup of tea can make you feel.
Finally, there was some wonderful news released this week about my school of the choice the University of Glasgow! http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-14781969
Scotlish Lesson- Candy Floss=Cotton Candy
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