Class Update

Hello friends,

I figured I would update you on my classes thus far. Overall I am feeling good about them and enjoying them. I really love Modern Scottish History (MoSH) and Architectural History...but I'm not liking Celt Civ. very much.

MoSH is so enlightening. Which is interesting because Thursday we learned about the Enlightenment period that occurred in Scotland in the 18th Century. Dr. T. M. Devine lectured us, and he is the man who wrote the book we had to purchase for the class, "The Scottish Nation A Modern History". He is quite brilliant and it is an absolute pleasure to listen to him speak. I highly recommend his book if you are interested in history of any kind or Scotland. I kinda want to ask him to sign my copy after his last lecture but I don't want to look tacky and he usually storms out after each class.. probably because he knows there are students like me out there. =)  We have covered a large variety of subjects in the class but this is my favorite. Brilliant men and mindsets emerged from Scotland during this period and I just had no idea. Schools back home are so centered on American History that you never learn cool things like this. Wish there was more variety in our high schools instead of teaching the same old mundane stuff that puts America on a pedestal starting in the 4th grade. Anyways, another topic of great interest to me was the Highland Clearances. I have a paper due in a few weeks and I think I'll do it on one of these subjects. Definitely worth looking up, even if it's just on wikipedia.

Archit. Hist. is a great class, just a lot to keep up with. There 30 or so pages for each lecture so that's 90 pages a week to read. Needless to say, I'm behind a bit. We move from period to period very quickly. My favorite lecturer just presented for the last time last week, his name is Ian Campbell and has published some interesting work on the Renaissance and it's origins in Scotland. There is another very energetic lecturer we have that covered Mannerism and Baroque architecture. He gives a ton of information very quickly so it was hard for me to follow him at times, but still his content was intriguing. We have covered Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Gothic, Renaissance in Italy and UK, Pre-Columbian in the Americas, and today we covered the French Renaissance. I have a paper due on Wednesday where I have to describe 3 chateaux that were built during the 16th century French Renaissance. It's interesting stuff, but it's 50% of my grade so I'm a little bit of a nervous wreck about it. Just trying to keep calm and carry on with my work.
I have this giant textbook here as my guide. It really is a fantastic text book. Very easy to read, and well laid out. Friends/Family from back home if you are interested in a particular period of architecture and want some great info I'll lend you this big ole book. It's great.

Uhhh what can I say about Celt Civ... it's just been kinda boring.. and I don't really understand what the purpose of the lectures are besides to inform us that there is a debate about Celtic identity.. which I just can't get into. But today we had a new lecturer, the course organizer I told you about in the first class blog post. I think I said I was excited for her to come back. Well I was right! She talked on Pan-Celticism today and that was really interesting and relevant. Maybe because it was based in the 20th century, I don't know. But hopefully these last 4 weeks will be great. Can you believe that?! This is week 7 and there are only 11 teaching weeks. Then a week to study, and 2 weeks of exams. It'll be done before I know it.

Well I just registered for the Spring semester! Got into all the classes I wanted which made me really excited. I will have all business classes, looks like it'll be a good semester with a variety of courses. I can't wait to catch up with all of my family, friends, and professors. I'm hoping next semester will be one of the best ones yet.

We are off to Norway on Thursday so expect an update from me next week! Things will be really busy because I have an essay due on the 12th and 14th, then also on the 14th I have a presentation for my tutorial and a 750 word essay due with the presentation. So I'll be swamped for the next 2 weeks but will try to post a bit.

Happy Halloween! Get lots of candy and scare lots of people. Muwahahahaha.

Spooky dreams,
Alyssa

A lovely day in Edinburgh

Hello all,

Today I took Pa (pronounced 'paw', like the end of grandpa(w)) and Laurie around Edinburgh. We did quite a bit of walking but the beauty of this city is that you can walk everywhere!

First I gave them a tour of the school. We had a cup of coffee and pastry then walked around the Student Union. They were as shocked as I was to find it has 4 or so bars located in it. Pa made the comment that students get good grades here because of the Library Bar. Good times.

We then saw Greyfriars kirk which is home to Bobby the terrier (I think he was a terrier). He stood on his masters grave for 14 years back in the 1800s. Very loyal that Bobby was.

Next was a walk on the Royal Mile where I gave them a tour of St. Giles. I felt smart because we toured the cathedral for my architecture tutorial so I had a lot of information to share. It is such a beautiful church.. It took centuries to make it into the current state but I am glad it is as it is.
From here we went up to the castle and toured it. The Great Hall and Crown Jewels were really spectacular. The castle is really large and has a fantastic view of the city. Well worth the 15 pounds I thought.

Our last stop was the National Museum of Scotland. You talk about big! That place is 7 stories filled with stuff. We got there close to closing but what we saw was awesome. There was this chronolage time thingy that was really neat. We also saw a peoples of the world exhibit and animal exhibit. The building was incredible so I'm excited to go back and explore. I see why it's so talked about and why they put millions of pounds into it.

To finish the day we ate Indian food at Mother India Cafe and walked back home. I've eaten there once before and once again it was superb. Didn't disappoint!  When we got home we talked some, skyped my parents and little brother which was a joy. My little brother showed off his skill on stilts and what he's been learning from violin lessons. We played some Go Fish and an epic battle of Battle then said good night.

I cannot tell you how great it is to have them here. Tomorrow we are going to do one of  the double decker bus tours, see the Botanical Gardens, and maybe the National Portrait Museum.  It will be a great time like always. I'm sad they are leaving Sunday but when they come back we are heading to Norway to see the Northern Lights!! Plus, it's probably best that I focus on school, got my first real essay due Oct. 31st, and I haven't even started.. tsk tsk.
Well I better head to bed.. got a big day ahead of me!

With hopes of sweet dreams and rested feet,
Alyssa

Guess who's coming to Edinburgh?!

WOOOO!! My mom just booked a flight for she and my grandma to come visit November 15-26th. I am Sooooo excited! My grandpa and Laurie will be here on Thursday, then in 1 month my mom will be here. I'm the luckiest girl in the world, 4 visitors. I have a list of great things to do and places to visit so I have to start making itineraries.
I just wanted to let everyone know. =)  I must get back to my essay that is due tomorrow now.. only 300 words, and editing to go!

Good morning, good day, and good night.

-Alyssa

Thanks Deutschland

Dear readers,

I just looked at my audience statistics and it turns out I have 6 readers from the U.S (my homeland), 6 from the UK (where this blog is about) and 7 from Germany. I think that is so interesting! Just so you know I love Deutschland. I have 2 friends from there who are awesome and who will be visiting here in December. Whoop whoop. Anyways, thanks to everyone who is taking the time to read my posts. It is greatly appreciated! I hope you find it entertaining/helpful/funny/etc.
Have a fantastic day and there should be another post soonish. =)

Bye for now!
Alyssa

Homesick...ish

Happy Sunday everyone!

I should be having a productive day of reading and writing but I can't seem to find my motivation. I just want to sit here on the computer and stalk Facebook pictures and wait for someone to log onto Skype. Technology is great at connecting people but it is also a great tool to disconnect from reality. I read posts and see pictures about the fun people are having at Stetson and it really makes me miss it. On one hand I love it here, and feel like I am having a once in a lifetime experience that I wish my other friends could have. Then on the other hand I just want to be home. Last semester I got down and out because I was way too busy and felt like I had too much going on in organizations, and now I feel like I need more to do to keep busy! It's hard to find the right balance.

I really like the friend group I have here. We have fun when we hang out and are a great mixture of personalities. Like today Julia and AJ baked blueberry muffins that were absolutely delicious. Then we had a great time climbing Arthur's Seat together on Wednesday. So I'm not homesick because I'm alone.. I mean my 3 best friends here are American. How much more homey can it get?

I think I just miss interacting and doing stuff on campus. That makes all the difference in the world. Stetson is a community.. so I don't just walk to class or walk to the cafeteria. I run into my friends and have an unexpected lunch date. Whereas here everyone just goes about their business. That is the main difference and adjustment I have to make.. Last year I would leave class and go to work in the SGA Office to find some of my best friends already there hanging out so it was like walking into my home. Or when I'd go in the Pi Phi house and find someone in their room to hang out with during my 1 hour break between class. I miss that and am really looking forward to getting it back.

This has already been a great experience just to get me out of my comfort zone and to make me appreciate what I have. In Florida I can drive home on the weekend to see my family when I am missing them, I have several support systems that are always there if I need a laugh or someone to eat with. I am a really lucky girl.. and I'm glad I can step back and realize that instead of be stuck in my ways and on a tight schedule that doesn't let me enjoy the little things. Plus, I will be graduating college in 1 1/2 years and who knows where I'll go after that.. so this a good opportunity for me to see what it's like away for a long period of time.. I am missing my little brother something fierce so it gives me something to think about for graduation and where I'll be located..

Anyways, this is boring talk. Know that I'm going to keep enjoying my time here, because it is really beautiful, I love my classes, and I like the societies I've gotten involved in. But those of you back home know that I cannot wait to see you in December/January and will tackle you with a big ole hug.

And don't worry about the homesickness because my grandpa and Laurie will be here in 11 days! That will definitely make me feel better about everything. I'm so excited! =D WOOOO! Now back to reading....

See you next time,
Alyssa

North Queensferry and Arthur's Seat

My travel dreams came true this past week! The PhotoSoc trip to North Queensferry was so much fun. We rode the train to get there which only took about 30 minutes. When we got off the train you looked down and there was just this picturesque little seaside town.. The bridges there were a beautiful site to see.. It was chilly, so Ashleigh and I went inside a cute little hotel lounge and enjoyed a nice cup of hot cocoa to warm up. 'Sea' how adorable the town is??

Then on Wednesday, Julia, AJ, Santina and I climbed Arthur's Seat. It really does give you a beautiful view of the city. It was a little challenging getting up there..not going to lie.. but worth it. It was a perfect little get away for a few hours. And saw some nice wildlife. If you are in Edinburgh definitely go up Arthur's Seat. You won't be disappointed.

Enjoy the view!