Finished today with my exam! But, I have a funny feeling I'll be back in the UK, if not in Edinburgh before too long. I'll leave end of May for London and fly home early to mid July. Then much longed for time with my grandparents in South Georgia and family. But in the mean time, loving the days to explore Edinburgh! And Marc larance may visit this weekend. :)
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Ending
To be honest, I'm not sure what to say. I have one exam tomorrow at half two. I'm not very worried, and I probably should be. I love the brilliant blue skies of the last few days, and the presence of the wind constantly reminds me I am not in North Carolina.
I have been learning to love. To accept love. To accept love despite disappointment. To forgive. To rest in love and know that it is enough. I'm not sure I know these things yet, but see them dimly, and wonder. I'm beginning to orient myself towards home again, which is a funny feeling. After coming back in some ways I feel like I've just begun life in Edinburgh again. I should like to come back I think and live here. But the world is so wide, should I bother with other places I won't like as well? And home. I have a strange lack of homesickness which I find almost disturbing.
I have been learning to love. To accept love. To accept love despite disappointment. To forgive. To rest in love and know that it is enough. I'm not sure I know these things yet, but see them dimly, and wonder. I'm beginning to orient myself towards home again, which is a funny feeling. After coming back in some ways I feel like I've just begun life in Edinburgh again. I should like to come back I think and live here. But the world is so wide, should I bother with other places I won't like as well? And home. I have a strange lack of homesickness which I find almost disturbing.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Arthur's Seat
Being back in Edinburgh has been wonderful. On SaturdaymI and my friend Don, climbed Arthur's seat. It was wonderful. Strong sky, specked with clouds, sub brilliant, and the wind, oh the wind. It was as if the wind was alive, reminding me I had blood in my veins, stirring the color in my cheeks, and the gulls crying loudly over the Swan loch, calling my name, again and again.
Tonight, Gillian and I went to a wee pub. I wrote for the first time in ages. Just writing pieces. One about Caleb and the promised land. One about the wind. One about how the navigations between girls and guys and pulling works in clubs. Good just to let it out and drink a pint of cider with a good friend. We need to do this more often: deliberately make time for ourselves and beauty.
Tonight, Gillian and I went to a wee pub. I wrote for the first time in ages. Just writing pieces. One about Caleb and the promised land. One about the wind. One about how the navigations between girls and guys and pulling works in clubs. Good just to let it out and drink a pint of cider with a good friend. We need to do this more often: deliberately make time for ourselves and beauty.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Landing in Italy
Poor Liz, my travel companion to Italy, was very kind to put up with me in Italy. When our plane landed, I think we were both shocked by the sun. Not that there isn't any sun in Edinburgh. When the light shines, its brilliant. I guess subconsciously I'd just come not to expect the sun. And the heat. After an embarrassing attempt to withdraw money at a atm that wasn't actually an atm, we caught a bus to the tube in Rome, where which took us literally to our hostel's door steps.
We unpacked, wandered around, and found gelato! Gelato. I think we had that every day. My first one was purely dark chocolate, but the Italians love to mix flavors, especially two or three different types. And my, that was heavenly!
We unpacked, rested, and about 7 decided to go out and hunt for some dinner and then go try a club. However, we didn't realize the Italian time schedule. For Italians:
Breakfast: croissant and espresso
Lunch and siesta: 1-3 everything shuts down
Dinner: 8-9
Go out: 12 midnight
So, we tried to go to a club, but it ended up being a bit sketch, so we went to the nearest restaurant, and ate pizzas! Delicious! By the time, we'd finished, I wasn't comfortable to go out, so we asked the waiter to call us a cab and off to home we went.
We unpacked, wandered around, and found gelato! Gelato. I think we had that every day. My first one was purely dark chocolate, but the Italians love to mix flavors, especially two or three different types. And my, that was heavenly!
We unpacked, rested, and about 7 decided to go out and hunt for some dinner and then go try a club. However, we didn't realize the Italian time schedule. For Italians:
Breakfast: croissant and espresso
Lunch and siesta: 1-3 everything shuts down
Dinner: 8-9
Go out: 12 midnight
So, we tried to go to a club, but it ended up being a bit sketch, so we went to the nearest restaurant, and ate pizzas! Delicious! By the time, we'd finished, I wasn't comfortable to go out, so we asked the waiter to call us a cab and off to home we went.
Monday, May 4, 2009
The Grave of Keats
We took the tube to Pirami station and roughly followed the map behind the Pyramid, following a large stone wall with small barred windows. We entered the Protestant cemetary through large wroght iron bars. My first thought was the beauty and I was quite breath taken. There were neat gravel paths with green, carefully trimmed plants and trees all over the garden. We wound our way to Shelley, and soon I went off to the left to seach for Keats. Ducking under a stone wall, I followed a path through much less crowded field. In the corner, lay Keats, with "here is lies a young poet whose name was writ in water." Next to him lay his best friend, and his best friend's child.
I thought of Oscar Wilde and how he fell and wept upon Keat's grave. The thought of Oscar Wilde standing in the same spot I did, and crying, made me feel as if I should cry. But no one loves false tears. So it began to rain instead. I pulled up the collar on my green coat and just stared. Writ in water. And here in Italy.
I don't have much against Catholics. But after seeing many Catholic churches earlier that day, I found much more peace in that vibrant cemetery with ivy and lilacs growing on the walls and at the foot of graves. Cats prowled around, protectors of the grave. I'm not over-fond of cats, but there was something calming about their presence, watching over the souls of the quick and the dead.
I thought of Oscar Wilde and how he fell and wept upon Keat's grave. The thought of Oscar Wilde standing in the same spot I did, and crying, made me feel as if I should cry. But no one loves false tears. So it began to rain instead. I pulled up the collar on my green coat and just stared. Writ in water. And here in Italy.
I don't have much against Catholics. But after seeing many Catholic churches earlier that day, I found much more peace in that vibrant cemetery with ivy and lilacs growing on the walls and at the foot of graves. Cats prowled around, protectors of the grave. I'm not over-fond of cats, but there was something calming about their presence, watching over the souls of the quick and the dead.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Venice
Liz and I tried to go to Venice for a day. On our way there, it began to rain lightly. Then I heard an enormous clap of thunder, and saw the electrical wire by our train shooting sparks. Our train stopped as soon as possible and we halted for 45 minutes. I think our train had been struck by lightning and instead of going to Venice, we headed back to Bologna. As this was our second attempt to go, sometimes its silly to contest against the hand of God.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Florence
I have six minutes left in an internet cafe. Florence is beautiful. Uffizi was wonderful and I think I have a crush on the absolutely perfect David by Michelangelo. Found some amazing stores and its loads of fun just walking around. Going to a free concerto in Dante's church tonight. Love. N
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Rome
I dislike the guilt associated with a blog.
Rome. Arrived and the sun was out and it was warm. Pretty easy to find our room which is unexpectedly nice. I'm afraid Liz and I have been terribly lazy. Sleeping in to 9 then going on a tour of the city pretty much every day. We went to the Collosseum and Palantine and Roman Forum which were pretty amazing. Just ruins, but a bit overwhelming.
Next day we went to see the Circus Maximus and that was just a field of green now. Went inside a church with the skull of Saint Valentine and his story is pretty cool. Some emperor wanted to make marraiges illegal because ... I can't remember, and he preformed them anyway. On the day of his execution, he wrote a letter to the jailer's daughter and upon opening the letter received her sight.
Did you know Christians weren't actually killed in the Collosseum but in other parts around Rome? There's a really cool story about saint lawrence and his death, and if I remember it I will tell it later.
The food and wine have been unbelievably good. The day here revolves around meals. Light breakfast, late lunch, late dinner.
So far been to see the Catacombs-- way cool and the Vatican, though crowded, was excellent. The Sistine Chapel was tremendous and Michelangelo had a sense of humor! Off to Bologna to see dear Corban tomorrow.
Rome. Arrived and the sun was out and it was warm. Pretty easy to find our room which is unexpectedly nice. I'm afraid Liz and I have been terribly lazy. Sleeping in to 9 then going on a tour of the city pretty much every day. We went to the Collosseum and Palantine and Roman Forum which were pretty amazing. Just ruins, but a bit overwhelming.
Next day we went to see the Circus Maximus and that was just a field of green now. Went inside a church with the skull of Saint Valentine and his story is pretty cool. Some emperor wanted to make marraiges illegal because ... I can't remember, and he preformed them anyway. On the day of his execution, he wrote a letter to the jailer's daughter and upon opening the letter received her sight.
Did you know Christians weren't actually killed in the Collosseum but in other parts around Rome? There's a really cool story about saint lawrence and his death, and if I remember it I will tell it later.
The food and wine have been unbelievably good. The day here revolves around meals. Light breakfast, late lunch, late dinner.
So far been to see the Catacombs-- way cool and the Vatican, though crowded, was excellent. The Sistine Chapel was tremendous and Michelangelo had a sense of humor! Off to Bologna to see dear Corban tomorrow.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Leela Gilday
I found this by accident and she is wonderful!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQIkRlAajLE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQIkRlAajLE
Brief Interruption
As a brief interruption from my tales of Oxford.
Last night, Mr. Murdo and I sat down to dinner and we talked about grandparents, aging, family, marraige, and relationships. He talked about his relationship with Emma, and knowing God. Later that evening, Ms. Emma sat in that same chair and told me how one has to work at relationships, especially in one's marriage.
It reminded me of in Genesis of how the two will become one flesh. Two people, brought together by the bond of marriage, and sharing very similar thoughts on the topic of marriage in the same chair within hours of each other, having no idea that the other had said something similar. I want to be like them when I grow up.
Last night, Mr. Murdo and I sat down to dinner and we talked about grandparents, aging, family, marraige, and relationships. He talked about his relationship with Emma, and knowing God. Later that evening, Ms. Emma sat in that same chair and told me how one has to work at relationships, especially in one's marriage.
It reminded me of in Genesis of how the two will become one flesh. Two people, brought together by the bond of marriage, and sharing very similar thoughts on the topic of marriage in the same chair within hours of each other, having no idea that the other had said something similar. I want to be like them when I grow up.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Oxenford
I began to feel sick the day I went Hillwalking. And the frustrating thing is it hasn't gone away. The doctors don't know what's the manner, and I find them very hastily seeing me and then pushing me out the door. Mostly, I'm exhausted and feel badly.
Last Thursday, I went to Oxford to visit the Harvey family, who delighted and encouraged me. I've known them in Singapore, Durham, and now the UK, and they were most kind to have me. On the Thursday, I took an early morning train through Scotland's Borderlands: the rolling hills and bright morning sun. I saw two fawns frolicking in a meadow, a rabbit and two crows playing chase, and many many baby 'lamblings' as I called them. Mrs. Harvey met me at the train station and we walked along the canal back to their home, which was entirely charming! They have a lovely garden that backs up onto the canal. After a bit of a rest, we walked through the town and saw Worcester College and Balliol, stopped by the original Blackwells where I found a copy of "Dante's Footprints," saw the Bodlean Library, stopped at the Martyr Monument where 3 saints were burned!, and finally, to the Bird and Baby, the Eagle and Child, the Fetus and Fowl, the pub of the Inklings, of C.S. Lewis, of Tolkien.
Will write about the following days later. Too tired at the moment.
Last Thursday, I went to Oxford to visit the Harvey family, who delighted and encouraged me. I've known them in Singapore, Durham, and now the UK, and they were most kind to have me. On the Thursday, I took an early morning train through Scotland's Borderlands: the rolling hills and bright morning sun. I saw two fawns frolicking in a meadow, a rabbit and two crows playing chase, and many many baby 'lamblings' as I called them. Mrs. Harvey met me at the train station and we walked along the canal back to their home, which was entirely charming! They have a lovely garden that backs up onto the canal. After a bit of a rest, we walked through the town and saw Worcester College and Balliol, stopped by the original Blackwells where I found a copy of "Dante's Footprints," saw the Bodlean Library, stopped at the Martyr Monument where 3 saints were burned!, and finally, to the Bird and Baby, the Eagle and Child, the Fetus and Fowl, the pub of the Inklings, of C.S. Lewis, of Tolkien.
Will write about the following days later. Too tired at the moment.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Business
This is the most inspiring thing I have scene in a while: http://www.flickr.com/groups/94642640@N00/pool/show/with/3301264202/
At first, I just glanced at a few and thought they were magnificent. But inside me, something kept making me feel guilty. "You're just looking at pictures. You're not doing anything. " I am reminded of an article in the Washington Post about how few of us make time through out our day for beauty. I had to make myself sit down and watch this slide. A sense of wholeness came over me, pushing the busy thoughts aside. Until there was too much and I couldn't take it in anymore and will save it for tomorrow. Oh, but I feel better.
Challenge: sit and watch the slide show for 15 minutes. Don't do anything else.
At first, I just glanced at a few and thought they were magnificent. But inside me, something kept making me feel guilty. "You're just looking at pictures. You're not doing anything. " I am reminded of an article in the Washington Post about how few of us make time through out our day for beauty. I had to make myself sit down and watch this slide. A sense of wholeness came over me, pushing the busy thoughts aside. Until there was too much and I couldn't take it in anymore and will save it for tomorrow. Oh, but I feel better.
Challenge: sit and watch the slide show for 15 minutes. Don't do anything else.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Ash Wednesday
To be honest, the days leading up to lent are usually stressful as I'm never quite certain what to give up. Tuesday night, I made pancakes (with much help) and had friends over to share them! Quite lovely. Wednesday, I decided to go to an Ashe Wednesday service at the Catholic Student Union. As I walked to the service, the Lord laid it on my heart to fast one day a week for lent.
Entering, I was a bit nervous as I had never been to a Catholic service before. However, the ceremony itself reminded me much of the Anglican church in Chapel Hill. I was a bit apprehensive about the Scripture readings and message from the priest (I think I get very apprehensive when it comes to church!), but I was pleasantly suprised. We read from Job and Isaiah, lovely passages that talked about returning to the Lord. The priest spoke about pride and how it gets in the way of seeing God, which coincided too well with what the Lord had just impressed upon my heart about fasting.
I entered in line to received ashes on my forehead, and as the priest mashed his thumb into the dish, and rubbed my forehead, he said in a deliberate Irish (not Northern Irish) accent: "Remember you are but dust, and to dust you shall return." A strange excitement took me over and I couldn't help but smile as I turned away, a strange excitement that has happened before in Ashe Wednesday services. Something so beautiful about communion and ashes and dust and breathe and entering into a season of purgation in order to focus rightly on my God.
Last year, Corban dragged me to an Ashe Wednesday service on the eve of the Duke v. UNC basketball game. A small ebenezer. :)
Entering, I was a bit nervous as I had never been to a Catholic service before. However, the ceremony itself reminded me much of the Anglican church in Chapel Hill. I was a bit apprehensive about the Scripture readings and message from the priest (I think I get very apprehensive when it comes to church!), but I was pleasantly suprised. We read from Job and Isaiah, lovely passages that talked about returning to the Lord. The priest spoke about pride and how it gets in the way of seeing God, which coincided too well with what the Lord had just impressed upon my heart about fasting.
I entered in line to received ashes on my forehead, and as the priest mashed his thumb into the dish, and rubbed my forehead, he said in a deliberate Irish (not Northern Irish) accent: "Remember you are but dust, and to dust you shall return." A strange excitement took me over and I couldn't help but smile as I turned away, a strange excitement that has happened before in Ashe Wednesday services. Something so beautiful about communion and ashes and dust and breathe and entering into a season of purgation in order to focus rightly on my God.
Last year, Corban dragged me to an Ashe Wednesday service on the eve of the Duke v. UNC basketball game. A small ebenezer. :)
Sunday, February 22, 2009
An Unexpected Welcome
I am now nearly mended. On Thursday, I received a text asking me if I wanted to stay in the Macleod's home until I was better. Oh yes, yes YES! Staying here has done so much good for my poor heart. I am energized again, feel more like myself again. I have been loved on, been around a family, played TMNT with the boys, ate and slept, ate and slept, watched the West Wing, ate and slept, ate and slept, received help on tackling some essays, ate and slept some more. The Lord has used his church to encourage my heart and give me joy. Hmm, he is so good to me!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
It happened
Finally, it happened. My disallusionment with British culture arrived today at 6.43 pm. I have had the hardest time getting to know British persons. They are friendly upon meeting someone, but the follow up instances of a deeper friendship seems elusive, unless, unless, the key here, is several pints! The South is the same way, reserved and guarded. At least I understand how they work, and I can steal past those sleeping dragons to something meaningful. I don't understand the mind of a British person at all; it completely baffles me.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Doctor Moore
Today, I saw a grown girl sucking her thumb. This is the second person I've seen do this since I've been here. The first time, I thought it was rather odd, but the second, now makes me reconsider the effects of sanity of island life.
I went to the doctor today and after a relatively hassle-free and inexpensive trip, I'm beginning to consider the benefits of social health care and wonder how it would suit America. I literally walked in, filled out ONE sheet of paper, waited 30 minutes, called to a doctor who was thorough and professional, gave me drugs immediately, printed out my prescription. I walked out (not paying for anything!,) went down 2 flights of stairs to the pharmacy who had my prescription ready with in 5 minutes and for which I paid 15 pounds for three separate items (which would have easily cost me a good $50 USD). Everything in less than an hour. I was quite impressed.
I went to the doctor today and after a relatively hassle-free and inexpensive trip, I'm beginning to consider the benefits of social health care and wonder how it would suit America. I literally walked in, filled out ONE sheet of paper, waited 30 minutes, called to a doctor who was thorough and professional, gave me drugs immediately, printed out my prescription. I walked out (not paying for anything!,) went down 2 flights of stairs to the pharmacy who had my prescription ready with in 5 minutes and for which I paid 15 pounds for three separate items (which would have easily cost me a good $50 USD). Everything in less than an hour. I was quite impressed.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Hill Walking
A crew from Holy Rood Abbey went to trek the Pentland Hills today. First, we walked through snow-sludge, then the grown began to freeze and we walked on ice, and frozen dirt and mud, which gave way to snow. It was easiest to walk on the heather and moss. We followed a rock wall, round the hills, up through snow and heather. Occasionally we saw sheep on the crests of hills. As the path steepened, we began to walk through snow, and round the side of the hill, the pass grew very icy and narrow. This led us straight down to the foot of the hill where we turned and walked back through fields of farms.
Anna brought her dog coolen again and we had a great time playing fetch. Its funny because my moment of epiphany last Saturday in the library looked out upon just these hills.
A year ago today, I was in the car with mom and Ms. Eunie, driving back home from school where I was too sick to function on my own. So much has happened in just one year. My recurrent thought is the goodness of the Lord. I don't have to be here. He brought me here because he wanted to. Walking through these hills, I saw this: though creation still bears its curse, in it the Lord still reflects his beauty. I know that I am loved, dimly I see it, like these hills on the horizon.
The narrow pass. The hills covered by cloud.
Coolen testing the ice.
This wall proved rather unsteady for it was not cemented together and was covered in lichen.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Prayer Breakfast
February 11, 2009
Today UNC plays Duke at Duke. I will wear my tarheel blue today.
Wednesdays at 7.30 there is a prayer breakfast. One person plays on a guitar. All sing quite heartily. One student leads prayer topic. We gather into groups and pray out loud together with words we speak to each other and to God. Before coming here, I thought praying out loud was rather pretentious. Now I find it utterly good. While we pray, one small group prepares breakfast. Its so nice to sing together, to pray together, and then to break fast together with such good food!
Today I had bacon between toasted bread with butter, and the Brits put ketchup on it. Then I had porridge, which is like oatmeal, with honey and bananas, and then a cup of tea.
"And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers." Acts. 2.42
Today UNC plays Duke at Duke. I will wear my tarheel blue today.
Wednesdays at 7.30 there is a prayer breakfast. One person plays on a guitar. All sing quite heartily. One student leads prayer topic. We gather into groups and pray out loud together with words we speak to each other and to God. Before coming here, I thought praying out loud was rather pretentious. Now I find it utterly good. While we pray, one small group prepares breakfast. Its so nice to sing together, to pray together, and then to break fast together with such good food!
Today I had bacon between toasted bread with butter, and the Brits put ketchup on it. Then I had porridge, which is like oatmeal, with honey and bananas, and then a cup of tea.
"And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers." Acts. 2.42
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Saturday, February 7, 2009
James Joyce and Rugby
Yesterday, I pinned up pictures of people I love. My great cloud of witnesses gazes at me from my walls and inspire me.
I've been reading James Joyce and today as I was reading and looking out on first the tree tops, then the city, then the snow capped Munros, listening to the Avett Broths and Denison Whitmer, and then reading harrowing lyical prose, all appealing to my senes at once, overwhelmed my cold heart, and I couldn't help cry in the library. For missing home. For finally being here, that's like a consummation of a marraige.
After such a cathartic experience, I left the library to go to the pub to watch Rugby matches. Game 1: England vs. Italy. Game 2: Ireland vs. France. At first I wanted England to win. Then the match ended and Ireland began to come up. The stadium they happened to be using was the site of a massacre in the early 1900s by the English on the Irish, and for a while no British games have been allowed to play there. However, for this tournament of 6 Nations, the Irish Rugby team has been allowed to use it.
In my James Joyce class I've been learning about this time in Irish history. About identity, nationalism, fighting against the English and against each other. So much fighting and contention. I begin to understand what I didn't before hand. That history stays in this land and people remember it. All the Scottsmen in the bar did not want England to win, but pulled for Italy. In the second match, they all sang along for Ireland's national anthem. And not softly, but loudly and proudly.
Its funny how these tensions still play out. Its funnier still how I'm not quite a part of it, a third party looking on and noting this. I find myself pulling against England, but I'm not Scottish or Irish or English. I'm American. I'm Southern. I'm a Carolina girl, deep down. So on my way home, I found myself singing "The Weight of Lies" by the Avett Brothers along cobbled streets in Medieval Edinburgh.
I've been reading James Joyce and today as I was reading and looking out on first the tree tops, then the city, then the snow capped Munros, listening to the Avett Broths and Denison Whitmer, and then reading harrowing lyical prose, all appealing to my senes at once, overwhelmed my cold heart, and I couldn't help cry in the library. For missing home. For finally being here, that's like a consummation of a marraige.
After such a cathartic experience, I left the library to go to the pub to watch Rugby matches. Game 1: England vs. Italy. Game 2: Ireland vs. France. At first I wanted England to win. Then the match ended and Ireland began to come up. The stadium they happened to be using was the site of a massacre in the early 1900s by the English on the Irish, and for a while no British games have been allowed to play there. However, for this tournament of 6 Nations, the Irish Rugby team has been allowed to use it.
In my James Joyce class I've been learning about this time in Irish history. About identity, nationalism, fighting against the English and against each other. So much fighting and contention. I begin to understand what I didn't before hand. That history stays in this land and people remember it. All the Scottsmen in the bar did not want England to win, but pulled for Italy. In the second match, they all sang along for Ireland's national anthem. And not softly, but loudly and proudly.
Its funny how these tensions still play out. Its funnier still how I'm not quite a part of it, a third party looking on and noting this. I find myself pulling against England, but I'm not Scottish or Irish or English. I'm American. I'm Southern. I'm a Carolina girl, deep down. So on my way home, I found myself singing "The Weight of Lies" by the Avett Brothers along cobbled streets in Medieval Edinburgh.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Durham, England
Ah, just writing the title of "Durham, England," rather than Durham, NC I find quite difficult.
I went to Durham on my first Saturday to visit a Castle now inhabited by Durham University. Students eat at the old high table the Bishop princes use to eat at, practice on the organ in a chapel centuries old, and sleep in old prisoners quarters! The Castle began in 1072 directly after William I conquest in 1066.
Across the green from the Castle, stands the Cathedral where, much to my great surprise the venerable Bede lies along with St. Oswald. Bede wrote accounts of history in Old English, including a long passage on St. Oswald I had to translate last year for my Old English Grammar Seminar. I had no idea either happened to rest there, which just show the Lord knew and delighted the desires of my heart just because he wanted to.
Today, I went into New College (founded in 18th c.) to the Divinity Library to study. When I sat down, I noticed a book by Duke University Press, and opened it to find the printing information in Durham, NC. I know, I know, I'm supposed to bleed Carolina blue (I do!) and constantly shout "Go to hell Duke!" but at that moment, I was so happy to meet an enemy, a rival in a foreign land for despite the tender relationship, I knew this place, I knew this school, and coming across something I know, I have known, and will know again soon, brought me much joy for here all is still so unfamiliar and wild.
I went to Durham on my first Saturday to visit a Castle now inhabited by Durham University. Students eat at the old high table the Bishop princes use to eat at, practice on the organ in a chapel centuries old, and sleep in old prisoners quarters! The Castle began in 1072 directly after William I conquest in 1066.
Across the green from the Castle, stands the Cathedral where, much to my great surprise the venerable Bede lies along with St. Oswald. Bede wrote accounts of history in Old English, including a long passage on St. Oswald I had to translate last year for my Old English Grammar Seminar. I had no idea either happened to rest there, which just show the Lord knew and delighted the desires of my heart just because he wanted to.
Today, I went into New College (founded in 18th c.) to the Divinity Library to study. When I sat down, I noticed a book by Duke University Press, and opened it to find the printing information in Durham, NC. I know, I know, I'm supposed to bleed Carolina blue (I do!) and constantly shout "Go to hell Duke!" but at that moment, I was so happy to meet an enemy, a rival in a foreign land for despite the tender relationship, I knew this place, I knew this school, and coming across something I know, I have known, and will know again soon, brought me much joy for here all is still so unfamiliar and wild.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Signs That I'm Coping
Signs That I'm Coping (as the Scots would say):
1. A drunk lady came up to a group of us and asked if there were an Scottish people amongst us, and there were for I was the only non-Scot. However, the lady wanted to know where the "Royal Oak" pub was and none of them knew, but as it happened to be just outside my close, I was able to direct her. Hah.
2. I love haggis. It has a lot of pepper in it, and looks a lot like ground beef, and doesn't taste much different. Its so nice. Parsnips mashed are a bright orange color, and tatties are the same as mashed potatoes.
3. I love the weather. It is incredible volatile. One morning, I sat at my desk working, and from 8-11 the weather changed from cloudy, to snowy, to sleeting, to rain, to bright blue, to clouds, to snow again. I love how the wind whips around my face, and most of the time I go out without a hat or gloves just to feel the wind. This is so surprising considering at home, I disliked the winter immensely
4. I love the sound of Scots. I get v. upset when someone goes from speaking in a more Scottish voice to a lesser one. I get so excited whenever I run across an Old English word still in common day use.
5. I went in with a friend to buy a guitar yesterday, and one of the first things I taught myself to play were Scottish folk songs: Wild Mountain Thyme and Loch Lomond. I think before anyone comes to Scotland, one ought to listen to folk songs to understand the culture.
6. I love Holy Rood Abbey. I love the Christians here. People are so friendly and generous and so happy to be there, which has often been the opposite of my experience. I also find people mean what they say, instead of being nicely polite.
7. I find I am entirely happy.
1. A drunk lady came up to a group of us and asked if there were an Scottish people amongst us, and there were for I was the only non-Scot. However, the lady wanted to know where the "Royal Oak" pub was and none of them knew, but as it happened to be just outside my close, I was able to direct her. Hah.
2. I love haggis. It has a lot of pepper in it, and looks a lot like ground beef, and doesn't taste much different. Its so nice. Parsnips mashed are a bright orange color, and tatties are the same as mashed potatoes.
3. I love the weather. It is incredible volatile. One morning, I sat at my desk working, and from 8-11 the weather changed from cloudy, to snowy, to sleeting, to rain, to bright blue, to clouds, to snow again. I love how the wind whips around my face, and most of the time I go out without a hat or gloves just to feel the wind. This is so surprising considering at home, I disliked the winter immensely
4. I love the sound of Scots. I get v. upset when someone goes from speaking in a more Scottish voice to a lesser one. I get so excited whenever I run across an Old English word still in common day use.
5. I went in with a friend to buy a guitar yesterday, and one of the first things I taught myself to play were Scottish folk songs: Wild Mountain Thyme and Loch Lomond. I think before anyone comes to Scotland, one ought to listen to folk songs to understand the culture.
6. I love Holy Rood Abbey. I love the Christians here. People are so friendly and generous and so happy to be there, which has often been the opposite of my experience. I also find people mean what they say, instead of being nicely polite.
7. I find I am entirely happy.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Yesterday, I went to a traditional Burns Supper with an address to a haggis in addition to neeps and tatties (parsnips and potatos), all very nice. Anna's dog is a collie mix and as I sat petting Collen, I thought of my old Amelia and I missed her very much. It reminded me of Chaucer's The Book of the Duchess, where the knight finally snaps out of his dream world and tells the author plainly, "She is but dead." Removing layers, until reaching the nature. I found myself more aware of Collen, better able to love on him, and enjoy his company more for it. I guess it works the same way with human relationships: losing someone helps a body to love better.
Friday, January 30, 2009
A portion of a letter to Mema and Grandaddy
January 30, 2009
I like it here in Scotland very much. The country side here is quite different than Georgia. The rolling hills are everywhere (they call the bigger hills Munros) and I can see a beautiful crag from my window. The earth here is very dark, almost black, and usually quite moist because it rains nearly daily. Many of the streets here are old cobblestone-- the sort of streets in pockets of Savannah. There is a castle quite close to where I stay. One time, the Scotts had to starve the English out...
I have found a goodly church here, titled Holy Rood Abbey (but 'Holy' is pronounced "Holly"). .. One of the best parts is "tea and biscuits" after the service. Tea is hot tea with milk and their "biscuit" is actually shortbread and cookies. During tea last Saturday I met three siblings who happened to be from a neighboring Isle to Jura. The confirmed that Buie was quite a Scottish name from those parts. This new was much to my relief for here in Edinburgh I had not come across the name of Buie yet.
I like it here in Scotland very much. The country side here is quite different than Georgia. The rolling hills are everywhere (they call the bigger hills Munros) and I can see a beautiful crag from my window. The earth here is very dark, almost black, and usually quite moist because it rains nearly daily. Many of the streets here are old cobblestone-- the sort of streets in pockets of Savannah. There is a castle quite close to where I stay. One time, the Scotts had to starve the English out...
I have found a goodly church here, titled Holy Rood Abbey (but 'Holy' is pronounced "Holly"). .. One of the best parts is "tea and biscuits" after the service. Tea is hot tea with milk and their "biscuit" is actually shortbread and cookies. During tea last Saturday I met three siblings who happened to be from a neighboring Isle to Jura. The confirmed that Buie was quite a Scottish name from those parts. This new was much to my relief for here in Edinburgh I had not come across the name of Buie yet.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
When I Grow Up
When I grow up, I want to be a hippie. Yesterday, I sat taking communion in Holy Rood Abbey with the same line running again in my head: "Take it lassie, it's for sinner. " I sat with Jesus in my hand and looked up to a stained glass window. As I've just seen my first Cathedrals, I expected something pompous in Latin. Instead, in the center, were the words "God is Love." This sacrament was love. The hymn was an act of love. The tea following the sermon was an act of love. Conversations over tea were an act of love. An encounter with a person's nature can be a reflection of love and hence, of God. Then sharing the nature of God with someone can be as simple as a song or a cup of tea or a smile or a kind word.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Things I Find
Things I find similiar to UNC:
- still have students handing out flyers and graffiti buildings to get you to stop the war in Gaza. Not that I condone Israel, but how is a protest supposed to help?
-really liberal feminists. My first day of class discussion concluded that apart from sexual organs, the only real difference between men and women was learnt (notices the -t ending!) behavior.
-when going out to parties or the club, people still take cameras out and post up their pictures the next day
Things I find similar to Singapore:
- one must moderate one's shopping because one has to CARRY everything home.
-the city moves vertical rather than horizontal: buildings don't sprawl, but have 2 or 3 stories instead.
-pronounce 'H' as "haych" which even though British and "correct", still sounds completely idiotic.
-Bash US politics more than their own. Today in the inauguration they booed when president Bush entered and even threw a "We survived Bush" party. For once, I don't think the British are allowed to be included in the royal we.
-The Presbyterian church here Holy Rood Abbey is set up nearly identical to ORPC, from the arrangement of seats , the style of the ceilings to tea afterwards
Completely Different:
-serve warm drinks in real, glass mugs rather than paper cups
-The shops look tiny on the outside, but going in expand up and are really quite large. Rather like a cave.
-So old and beautiful.
-Craggy. Unpredictable and wild. It actually gets colder as the day waxes.
-They call me "Yank." Thems fightin words.
-In Edinburgh, one must explain things ending with "right," "okay," or "eh." So you go to the end of the street, right. And then you take a left, right. And then after the stoplight, right, you uh look for the pub "the royal oak" right.
-I have to turn the tap about 30 times in order for it to turn on
-Tip less, though they are less attentive
-Not graded on class participation, but on "essays" (papers) and "papers" (exams).
- still have students handing out flyers and graffiti buildings to get you to stop the war in Gaza. Not that I condone Israel, but how is a protest supposed to help?
-really liberal feminists. My first day of class discussion concluded that apart from sexual organs, the only real difference between men and women was learnt (notices the -t ending!) behavior.
-when going out to parties or the club, people still take cameras out and post up their pictures the next day
Things I find similar to Singapore:
- one must moderate one's shopping because one has to CARRY everything home.
-the city moves vertical rather than horizontal: buildings don't sprawl, but have 2 or 3 stories instead.
-pronounce 'H' as "haych" which even though British and "correct", still sounds completely idiotic.
-Bash US politics more than their own. Today in the inauguration they booed when president Bush entered and even threw a "We survived Bush" party. For once, I don't think the British are allowed to be included in the royal we.
-The Presbyterian church here Holy Rood Abbey is set up nearly identical to ORPC, from the arrangement of seats , the style of the ceilings to tea afterwards
Completely Different:
-serve warm drinks in real, glass mugs rather than paper cups
-The shops look tiny on the outside, but going in expand up and are really quite large. Rather like a cave.
-So old and beautiful.
-Craggy. Unpredictable and wild. It actually gets colder as the day waxes.
-They call me "Yank." Thems fightin words.
-In Edinburgh, one must explain things ending with "right," "okay," or "eh." So you go to the end of the street, right. And then you take a left, right. And then after the stoplight, right, you uh look for the pub "the royal oak" right.
-I have to turn the tap about 30 times in order for it to turn on
-Tip less, though they are less attentive
-Not graded on class participation, but on "essays" (papers) and "papers" (exams).
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Kitchen Conversations
One of the best things here is my flat which I share with three other girls. I have particularly enjoyed our kitchen table conversations which have ranged from Obama vs. Bush (grilled on the first night!) to reasons why I am not sexually active.
Tonight they asked me about the literal interpretation of the Bible, creation being made in 7 days. I told them I don't really care, that I don't believe in science, and that God used deep magic to create the world. Not Harry Potter magic, but magic in the sense that its beyond me and my understanding and its entirely too beautiful to paste an explanation on it. I felt very much like C.S. Lewis.
Tonight they asked me about the literal interpretation of the Bible, creation being made in 7 days. I told them I don't really care, that I don't believe in science, and that God used deep magic to create the world. Not Harry Potter magic, but magic in the sense that its beyond me and my understanding and its entirely too beautiful to paste an explanation on it. I felt very much like C.S. Lewis.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Salisbury Crags
I can see the Salisbury Crags from my window and I want to climb them something awful. Hence, I've been singing this song in my head for the past few days: Solsbury Hill.
I just had my second of three classes and I have more reading in one class than all my reading at UNC for one semester. My plans for making trips is temporarily put on hold...
I just had my second of three classes and I have more reading in one class than all my reading at UNC for one semester. My plans for making trips is temporarily put on hold...
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Bannermans
The weather is beautiful! The last few days have been clear and no rain. I want to climb Salisbury Crags and watch the sun rise. I went out with the International Student Center to their pub night at Bannermans, which is literally across the street. Its very odd because the entire building is all of stone and brick, winding, and reminds me of a hobbits burrough. I witnessed karaoke for the first time. I think I may get to go see s club 7 on Friday. Ooooo.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Home
Just now, my first wave of intense homesickness smothered me, and the "welcome back" emails from UNC do not help.
Stories from the Flight
January 9, 2009 3.10 pm
I am in Detroit, Michigan. Our descent was covered in fog, so thick it's a wonder we did not hit another plane. All around is a thick cloud. The runway was frozen causing our landing to be very slippery. I thought of clapping on our landing, but thought it may offend in America. As I sit in A 36 boarding gate, I just saw a live bird land in a rather tall artificial tree.
January 10, 2009 12.52 am
I am arrived in Amsterdam. I have forgotten how much I despise the American tourist. A man in front of me wanted to get money off of his credit card for a casino, and was not becoming in the least. I am outraged.
I am in Detroit, Michigan. Our descent was covered in fog, so thick it's a wonder we did not hit another plane. All around is a thick cloud. The runway was frozen causing our landing to be very slippery. I thought of clapping on our landing, but thought it may offend in America. As I sit in A 36 boarding gate, I just saw a live bird land in a rather tall artificial tree.
January 10, 2009 12.52 am
I am arrived in Amsterdam. I have forgotten how much I despise the American tourist. A man in front of me wanted to get money off of his credit card for a casino, and was not becoming in the least. I am outraged.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Arrival
I have loads of small stories to tell. As of now, I have no internet in my room, and am currently in an internet cafe. I like Edinburgh. I have gotten lost and found twice (only minorly). I can see the hills from my bedtime window in addition to a 15thc. building. Its not too cold. Just dagum windy.
Friday, January 9, 2009
The Adventures Begin
On Monday I went to Chapel Hill with a friend. As I was fixing to pick her up and head home her phone died, ensuing in one and a half hours of total panic of trying to find someone in an apartment complex where I had no idea where they lived. After several phonecalls, some excellent detective work, and knocking on strangers's doors, I found my friend and went home!
Adventure number 2 happened yesterday as I was driving with Ashely Paulson around Charlotte running last minute errands. I asked her to drive (since my car had trouble), and overall we had a delightful afternoon with conversation of music, beauty, and boys! As we were driving to pick up my brother, a gust of 50 mph wind blew a large branch down onto her new car, puncturing the wind shield and shattering the glass (which stayed in place for the most part) to look like a large spide web. A wonder we weren't both killed! After calling the police, he drove by us, without bothering to stop and shouted, "This is an act of God! I can't help you," and drove away. I think that sounds like a good line for a book.
I leave tomorrow (Friday, January 9, 2009) at 12.47.
Adventure number 2 happened yesterday as I was driving with Ashely Paulson around Charlotte running last minute errands. I asked her to drive (since my car had trouble), and overall we had a delightful afternoon with conversation of music, beauty, and boys! As we were driving to pick up my brother, a gust of 50 mph wind blew a large branch down onto her new car, puncturing the wind shield and shattering the glass (which stayed in place for the most part) to look like a large spide web. A wonder we weren't both killed! After calling the police, he drove by us, without bothering to stop and shouted, "This is an act of God! I can't help you," and drove away. I think that sounds like a good line for a book.
I leave tomorrow (Friday, January 9, 2009) at 12.47.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
T- 3 days and counting
I am away to the University of Edinburgh for the spring of 2009. This year is the 250th birthday of Robert Burns and I have kindly accepted Scotland's invitation for "Homecoming." Blogging is more awkward than I expected.
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