Friday the Thirteenth

Tonight is the last night that I'll spend in my flat. I cannot believe it. I remember moving into the room and thinking it was such a long time, a month. Today I've succeeded in everything that I needed to, I think. My stuff's been mostly packed for days, I did the last minute shopping, and I've separated the things that I can leave here (either with people like shampoo, or in the trash like both pairs of shoes I brought - yes, I bought some new ones).

Earlier, Sophie and Teran left for the Isle of Skye. We got to meet Sophie's parents for lunch today! It was neat to meet them and it's nice that instead of taking a train or bus for their trip, they can take a rental car. Her Dad is pretty good at driving over here. I would have a rough time, especially with all of the roundabouts. And we thought that they were putting in a lot near school - hah! You have to go through about five to get into Stirling from campus.

Notice the tiny people.

Yesterday we went to the Whitelee Windfarm and it was amazing! The weather was beautiful and the sun was out while we were there. I really enjoyed getting to learn about them. Apparently there are weather detectors in the nacelle so that the turbine can situate itself depending on the direction the wind is blowing. All of the turbines (and some that are located in other parts of the country) are all managed by a single switchboard at the windfarm. If any manageable problems are detected, repairmen are sent to climb up the tower of the turbine. Can you imagine!? It takes them a good five minutes or so to climb the ladder straight up to the top, where the generator, gearbox, drive train (or "powertrain" - the engine and transmission), and brake assembly are located. The fastest that the turbines we saw turn are 16 revolutions per minute. If the windspeed gets past 53, they must be shut off because they are not made to withstand winds that strong. Turbines are fascinating.

Last night, we had a Farewell Party and a Ceilidh (pronounced "Kay-lee"). I loved it. I haven't gotten to dance in a while, and I have really missed it. I wish I could dance like that every week. At many Scottish weddings, they have a ceilidh in addition to other festivities.. and I would definitely love to have one! If I could give people the opportunity to have as good a time as I did, I would be so happy. We learned a variety of dances, and had a wonderful time. What a great way to end an amazing trip!

Fun at the Ceilidh.

And now this is the part where I do a reflective thing, right?

I have thoroughly enjoyed this trip. It was one of my dreams to study abroad.. and now I've done it. I am so thankful for this experience. It gave me a chance to be independent in a way that I have never been, and in a way that I never may be again. I have more confidence in myself and have more friends from all over! (Nope - no negatives so far..) Scotland was great, and I hope everyone has enjoyed hearing about some of my little adventures and observations. I could never have made it here without a lot of you, and I wish that you could have been here with me! Everyone would have had a great time. But, tomorrow a group of us leave at 6 in the morning to head to the airport in Edinburgh. That puts us there around 7something, and my flight leaves for Newark, NJ at 9:25. I'm nervous about the airport all over again, but if I can just make it past the check-bag weighing, then I'll be fine, haha! Wish me luck, and I'm excited to be coming home!