This is what it looks like...

Here are some pictures but I'm going to make an album on my facebook as well. Maybe I'll have to get one of those picture websites....

This is the first leg of the journey through Seaton Park to class every day. This is the "sleepy hollow" bit. Do note, I'll never walk this way home in the dark. :D
After the sleepy hollow part, the park opens up into an "Allerton"-esque park with topiaries. The building in the background is another chapel. (there are 3 thirteenth century chapels in Aberdeen, quite rare--apparently)
The end of the park walk, now it's just a stroll down a neighborhood street...
Wouldn't you love to pass these fabulous buildings on your way to school every day?? 
Some more examples of living in Aberdeen... these are peoples very tiny (but adorable) homes. The doors are really small too, just enough to squeeze through. Talk about organization. 

This is the route through my dorm to my room! Thought you might like to see what it's like to come home every day here in Aberdeen. The dorms are kind of old... mine especially, but I'm learning that it's the awesome people inside that make them fun. 

First is the worst, Second is the best, Third is the one with the treasure chest!

So, after a not-so-strong start, I'm doing GREAT! 

I slept for 14 hours and had a hot shower, so today was wonderful to begin with. It was raining but I honestly didn't care much since I wasn't tired anymore. I took the bus down to Aberdeen and got a pay-as-you-go phone, a nice towel, a pillow (buy one get one!!!) and a blanket. Then I went to "pound world" (aka the dollar store, well, the $1.60 store) and got shampoo and some soap. So I'm more settled now. 

Everyone's really nice. I mean, nobody cares what you look like or where you're from. Everyone is smiling and glad to meet you and glad to have a bit of a chat with you no matter what. I explained how this was different from back home where people cared a lot about appearances and this guy, Andrew, said "Yeah well, nobody cares here cuz we're all ugly as sin!!" Which isn't true but I think they just do NOT give a dang whether a person is cute or not. What a wonderful social norm.

So I had a light beer while everyone had a bit more (I'm easing into things) and tomorrow the international students have orientation around 9:30 and then we register through-out the day. Everyone keep their fingers crossed about me getting into the classes I want!! Otherwise you'll all have to read a nasty post about how upset I am... I'm sure you don't want that. :D 

I'll take some more pictures tomorrow too, it was rainy today. 

Ben has gone

Alright, 

I haven't left yet, I'm leaving in 2.5 weeks. It seems like forever... am I REALLY going to Scotland?? Really?? I've been planning and planning but it didn't seem real until today. Today I went with Mrs.B, Ben, and Brandon up to Chicago O'Hare to drop-off Ben. I'm still a little shell shocked. I'm not going to see him again until March/April-ish. 

Now it seems real. 

Now I can believe I'm going. 

I would like to leave now..... no that's not true, I'm not ready yet. I had been putting a few things off because I was a little consumed with Ben leaving. Now I can finalize my trip stuff and take off for a brand new world. Oh man. 

Packing list... 

1. long undies.

2. warm warm clothes.

3. Ben- D'OH!