In case you couldn't guess from my title this past week I was in SCOTLAND! This trip was similar to my trip to Western Denmark because I went with the same class and the trip was planned by DIS (my study abroad program). However, for obvious reasons, this trip was also vastly different from our exploration of Denmark. There was so much that I saw and did that I couldn't possibly cover on this blog, but I'm going to give you a shortened version of our schedule just to give you a snapshot of my week.
Sunday
My day started way too early. I got up at 4:45 AM, got myself together, and started my trek to the airport. For those of you who don't know, I live one street over from the Red Light District. Literally the only weird part of Copenhagen. It's been an experience to say the least, but details about that will be addressed in another post. So picture this: complete darkness, American girl, large bag on wheels, purse, walking down what is quite possibly the sketchiest street in all of Copenhagen. Not a winning combination. On the plus side I made it! Our flight took off around 8:30 and we connected through Stockholm to get to Edinburgh. From Edinburgh we took a bus to Glasgow, which is only about an hour away. The first day we had an academic visit and went to a museum, nothing too exciting.
Monday - Wednesday
We were in Glasgow for Monday to Wednesday going on academic visits and exploring the city when we had a couple hours of free time. Glasgow is a pretty industrial city, especially when you compare it to Edinburgh. As one of the Scottish men we interviewed for a project told us, "Glasgow is Scotland's New York City and Edinburgh is our DC". Overall, Glasgow was a neat city to see but not necessarily a tourist destination. Outside Glasgow in the country is beautiful though. Full of rolling hills, super green grass, and quaint towns. Highlights: Willow Tea Room and Glengoyne Distillery. Things I learned: I hate whiskey. But I love scones.
Wednesday - Saturday
On Wednesday morning, after one of my friends set off the smoke alarm in our hotel from trying to put cheese on bread in the toaster (minor detail), we got on the bus and drove an hour to Edinburgh. Right when we got to Edinburgh we dropped our bags off in our hotel and ventured out on a walking tour. SO fun and beautiful!
We also had lunch at the cafe where some of the first Harry Potter books were written. It was a cute little restaurant with a gorgeous view of the Edinburgh castle, which was part of the inspiration for Hogwarts.
On Friday early morning, four of my friends and I got up bright and early to hike up Arthur's Seat, which has the most beautiful view of Edinburgh. If you ever make it over to Scotland, this hike is a must. It's incredible.
Things I learned in Edinburgh: It's possible for it to rain and be sunny four or five times a day. Because of this, I've learned that rain boots are a great invention. And the best part of my trip: Look what sweet friend I found!!! Missed her so much. So glad I got to see you and can't wait to see you again so soon! :)
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