I am sitting here in Bar Aspen, using their free internet...yeah, who knew bars had free internet?!? I now have 36 hours under my belt and have some thoughts to share about my "new home". First off, it is definitely cold here...dreadfully cold. When my plane was landing, the pilot said it was 54 degrees outside (and that's Fahrenheit!) The sun also doesn't seem to come out here much. It really doesn't rain, though did a little yesterday, but it is certainly windy. Also, people are stinkin' playing bagpipes on like every corner. It is kind of obnoxious. But, eventually it will probably blend in with the rest of the noise. The streets and sidewalks are cobblestone. This has proved a problem for me since I drag my feet. I have seriously been tripping all the time. People probably think something is wrong with me...that's usual though...ha, ha! Also, Ian has told me to stop converting everything from pounds to dollars...it will drive me (and you mad). Everything is like twice the price here...and the pay isn't! But, housing and cars are normally priced. It really makes no sense. I got a cell phone here yesterday. They do it way differently here. I have a plan, but it isn't a plan like in America. I get a certain amount of "credit" (almost like pre-pay) and can use it to text message or call. But, oddly enough, my "credit" isn't good for international calling or texting...whatever! But I did get a really neat cell phone that has internet on it and internet phone capabilities on it as well. That means, when we (and by we, I mean Ian) get that up and running, I can call whoever I want for free! Yeah! But back to Scotland. Today Ian took me by the place we will live...we move in on Friday. It looks really nice from the outside. It is only 5 years old. It is a first floor flat. It has a little outdoor patio. And the building backs up to a river. It was very easy to get to by bus. Only about 2 miles away from the castle and city centre (as these people spell it). Ian and I are both excited about getting in and settled.
Last night, I decided to go to sleep at like 8pm. Well, by 2am I was wide awake and hungry. So, I got dressed and Ian and I went out and found some fish and chips. The place was full of drunk people who were quite entertaining. The fried food was entertaining as well. You could get practically anything fried at this place! Even with all the fried food, I am not too (yet still a little) worried about letting myself go...I seriously have to walk miles around this place. Then imagine carting groceries home...it is quite the work out.
Well there you have it, a little look into my "new" life. I am sure there will be more to come as I get more immersed in the culture. But for now, it's all good...I guess!
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I love this play by play. Keep it up. It is all very interesting and fun to read. My sympathies with regards to the cold temperatures...we too are miserable; however roasting here in 112 degree hell-oh, I mean heat. Looks as if we both shall suffer. Have fun exploring and enjoy London. Sure you will be blogging about that...
ReplyDeleteps-Kate sucks:)
It is so great that things are open at 2am. That is something that you will get used to and then you will come back to the US and realize that everything closes so early. Enjoy it!!!!
ReplyDeleteI won't take that jab from my sis TOO personally...since it is rather accurate. Ha. :)
ReplyDeleteOK - Anywhere you can get fish-n-chips or a deep fried Snickers bar at 2am is THE place to be! Girl, what more could you want?!?! Besides a couple extra wooly sweaters and a bagpipe player? OH - you've got THAT too. Sucka.
Hi Jessica -
ReplyDeleteI had to share this story with you. It seemed to fit. I love you.
Auntie Nan
John 14:1, John 13:1-14:31
Author: Gloria Gaither
On Saying Good-by
TRAVELING has been a part of our lives from the very early days of our marriage. When our children were little, our singing took us away nearly every weekend and occasionally for longer periods of time. Although leaving was common, it was never easy. Suzanne said to us when she was three, “I know you have to go, but don’t go without saying good-by.” She knew that the leave-taking was very important to everyone’s security and sense of purpose.
Even when the children were young, before we left, they always insisted on knowing the answers to five very important questions: Where are you going? How long will you be gone? Can we come with you? Who will stay with us? When will you be back?
Over and over we would answer those questions with specific information. Then we would give advice like, “Don’t argue. Take care of the dog, and always love each other. Remember that whatever you do or wherever you go, you represent our family.”
When Jesus was leaving his disciples to return to his Father, he, too, knew that leave-taking was very important. He didn’t leave them without saying good-by. And the questions his children asked were the same ones our children used to ask. With specific clarity Jesus gave them answers, although they could not fully comprehend the dimensions of what he was telling them.
“I go to my Father,” he said. “You can’t come with me yet, but don’t worry, I won’t leave you alone. The Holy Spirit will be your constant companion, and I must go so that he can come. While I’m gone he will teach you everything you need to know. I will be gone, by my time, only a little while, though it may seem long to you. When I come again, it will be to take you where I have been all this time fixing up a special place for all of us to be together… forever. After that, we won’t have to say good-by again.”
Then Jesus gave some special parental instructions. “Love and take care of each other. The way you treat each other will tell the world about our family, so remember whose child you are. Some problems may come up, but whatever you need, you can ask for it using my name. All I have is at your disposal, and the Holy Spirit will see that you have it. When you feel lonely or afraid, rely on my promise that I have insulated you in prayer, and you belong to me.”