land of the scots

i am possibly the worst blogger in the world. i am sorry for the lack of updates; moreover, i am sorry that the updates to follow will be unfiltered, unplanned, and unorganized. blogging is a bit of the last thing on mind, especially when i am enjoying such a beautiful and fun place! so although this will be scattered, it is at least an update...



i woke up sunday with a nasty fever and a self-diagnosed case of tonsilitis, with perhaps a bit of the flu thrown in for good measure. unfortunately, my good attitude did not heal my miserable body, and i left monday night from minneapolis feverish, confused, and funky. luckily i was able to sleep on the plane with the help of a bright pink fuzzy neck pillow and a heavy dosage of Equate sleep aid. unfortunately, i woke up sweaty from the fever and (more than likely) rather smelly. after arriving in amsterdam we left for edinburgh. in edinburgh we were delivered to university flats, where we've been staying for the last few days.



the first full day here a friend, annie, and i walked at least 25 miles exploring the city. we went to the Elephant House, where J.K. Rowling wrote a lot of Harry Potter and where there is a fantastic view of what could be imagined as Hogwarts, a Quidditch pitch, and Hogsmeade. we also ate at the Hogshead. really, a Harry Potter fan's fantasy. we also went to the edinburgh castle, calton hill, the grassmarket, st. giles cathedral, and enjoyed street shows that are part of the fringe festival.



i feel like it might be boring to recount all of the exact places i've been-- but suffice it to say, everywhere has been beautiful. we've been to some castles which are surrounded with lakes, beautiful green grass, gardens... and we've been to fringe shows and international festival shows that have been good (and some not as good...). we went to a ballet that was part of the international festival called "the return of ulysses" that was absolutely phenomenal. it was contemporary, and it was not only the most beautiful ballet i've ever seen, it was also incredibly accessible and profound. a quite memorable experience.



the atmosphere here is buzzing, people are incredibly friendly, and it is so energizing being here. and after recovering from my horrible, disorienting fever, i've enjoyed every minute of it-- even though i still look like a fool every time i pay for something (i'm so confused by british coins... just like mr. weasley and muggle money).



i hope to get a uk mobile phone soon... in which case i will send out my number. if you've got skype, then you can give me a ring (for only 2 cents a minute...)



as always, i hope you are all keeping well. if you feel so inclined, send an email. though this limited-internet access prohibits quick reply, i hope i'll get back to you eventually (and if i don't, i promise it's nothing personal.)


love,

anna x


currently listening to: Andrew Bird
currently reading: Robert Burns