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!

Stirling: Gateway to the Highlands

Yesterday, today, and tomorrow are filled with orientative exercises, but we actually got to move into our flats (apartment/dorm style housing) yesterday!

All settled in my room: flat 45, room 2.

Our flat is comprised of about five or six bedrooms that come off of a single hallway, two W.C.s (bathrooms), two shower rooms, and a big common room at the end with a fully equipped kitchen. And yes, there is plaid on the duvet cover (comforter-esque) on my bed. The colors are almost like those in the Weir Tartan.

The Weir Tartan.

My Nana's maiden name is Weir, and I looked up some information about them today: Weir Clan Crest, Motto, and History. I really like the motto: Vero Nihil Verius ("Nothing truer than truth" or "Truth, nothing but the truth"). If you want some more information, this guy seems to have done a lot of research as well: Bill Weir.

But aside from that, today, our only scheduled event is a Welcome Reception for all of the International Summer School (ISS) Students at the University of Stirling from 5:00-6:00 this evening.

This is Airthrey Castle where we will have the reception later.
Yes, it's on campus.

The University of Stirling is really nice. There is a giant loch (lake) in the middle of campus that you must walk across a bridge to get over, and a lot of the community comes to the Macrobert Arts Centre to spend time together or to see the performances. Actually, there was one last night when we went to visit. A bunch of men in Highland dress (traditional Scottish attire) and some girls in pumps (dance shoes) came out from around the back of the theatre (yes, I suppose I must spell it that way, haha), so there must have been something exciting going on.

This is a map of campus. The X's in the top right are where I'm living.

We walked to the edge of town (it took about 30 minutes, leisurely walking) for supper last night and like I said previously, it doesn't get dark until nighttime here! Here is some proof:

A clock on the way back from supper.

As you can see, the clock says about 9:00, and it's still light out! Wouldn't that be nice at home?

And, to close, the weather looks to be nice today. We haven't gotten any rain yet this morning, but it has been very windy. I think it's supposed to be about like this all weekend, which is fine with me! However, I may have to invest in some more long-sleeved shirts or some of those wooly socks. Goodness knows we saw enough sheep yesterday on the bus ride over to make thousands of pairs!