Dead Sexy

The pieces are all starting to fall into place as to my life for the next few months here in St. Andrews. I made it through orientation which was basically a disappointment. I told Denton beforehand that I hoped ice breakers were an American thing... turns out I was right, but I think I might have to introduce them to this country. Anyway, there were not very many opportunities to meet other students, even other JSA (Junior Semester Abroad) students.

My living situation was unfriendly and awkward for the first few days. Very awkward. But as the other girls have returned from their holiday, things have been straightened out and it is beginning to feel like a home. Everyone is very nice, but it's just a bit odd because they are all first years and still very much trying to figure out college and balancing studytime and partytime. I have been there already, and don't exactly feel like going through it again... but time will only tell how everything will shake out. I successfully made tacos for Rachel and Mary last night, plus pineapple on the side, so it was just like my Mom makes it. Yum yum!

Classes started Monday and so far, the difference in classes has been the biggest between Scotland (and all of Britain) and the US. I wanted to take three courses, but was advised to only take 2. Two classes? Yes, totaling 60 credits. Somehow that equals a full credit load at Hamline. I hope. I only have class 3 days a week, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Each class has a lecture and one has a seminar. But other than that, all the work is up to me. And the reading lists I have are miles and miles long. But already I can tell my professors are amazing people. In 'Culture and Society in Scottish Literature' the prof knew that we Minnesotans like to joke about our two seasons: Winter and Road Construction. He is hilarious and knows a lot about EVERYTHING... my favorite kind of prof. We are going on field trips to two art museums and having a traditional Scottish tea on one outing. Sounds good to me! I met my Christian Ethics prof at a wine reception during orientation and we talked about the honors courses while I sipped white wine. It is different here. Anyway she started talking about this Christian Ethics course and got so excited about it, I was talked into taking it. Its going to be haaaaaard... BUT we are focusing on John Wesley's theology of social justice one week, and I of course signed up to do a presentation on it alongside the lecture! Yay John Wesley!

The weather has been beautiful here for the past week. It was drizziling this morning but that's been the first time I have seen a drop of rain for a week. Cool. It can certainly stay like that. I went on a day trip up to the Highlands on Sunday and it was gorgeous. Scotland is a dead sexy country... or at least that's what the tour guide kept reminding us. And I have to agree.