Live a Life Worth Writing About

Life is a funny thing. We are born, we live and we die. The time we spend here on earth is so short and we worry so much about things that dont really matter in the eternal perspective. I cant imagine a better way to spend a relaxing day than with the people around me, exploring the historic city of Edinburgh. 

The time spent with these wonderful people in Edinburgh was amazing as we explored the city, took in the sights, and enjoyed the culture. 

There are all kinds of people alive today who love to be around others and share life. It can be pretty boring to have no one around to share time with, so encourage others and be thankful for the great friends and family you have had and have right now, no matter how unique (or crazy) they seem to be. 

As simple as it seems we need others to share in our struggles, fear, accomplishments, love, pain, and joy. There is always a need for a good friend to stop and listen, to share time with, and to create lasting memories with. So today, and every day, be a friend to someone in need, it may be someone you never talked to. Stop and spend time with them. It could change their life, or better, yours! 

A word of wisdom to end: 

I observed yet another example of something meaningless under the sun. This is the case of a man who is all alone, without a child or a brother, yet who works hard to gain as much wealth as he can. But then he asks himself, “Who am I working for? Why am I giving up so much pleasure now?” It is all so meaningless and depressing. Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:7-12 NLT)

Day Trip to Edinburgh

I was fortunate to receive a ticket for the bus trip to Edinburgh on Friday and was greeted by a huge group of fellow international exchange/study abroad students. I found a window seat and prepared to see the country side of Scotland.

I met my travel buddy, Elise, on the bus ride who is from Vancouver, studying in North Carolina and in Glasgow for the term. We commented on the landscape and the herds of sheep gathered on the hillsides. It was picturesque and difficult to take your eyes off in hopes that you wouldn't miss anything. 

It took just under an hour to arrive in Edinburgh where we met our friendly tour guide. We were shown around the city and told some of the tales and history. After the tour we were set off to see the city!

Elise and I chose to get lunch at the Elephant Café, where you might recognize as the  writing place of Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling. I can understand the mindset of Rowling and why she chose this cafe after I steeped foot inside. The quaint café,  located in the new city, was scattered with elephant figurines and had a great view of the castle. 

The next stop was the National Museum of Scotland where we spent a few hours seeing the history of Scotland and the rich cultural heritage. The history went all the way back to the beginning...the geology. This was perfect! I was shocked to see the history going this far back, including the ice age, but was glad to see their knowledge and understanding of the land they live on.

Many displays were intriguing as well as the building its self. This included the tools of hunter-gathers and swords of soldiers to the skeleton of a whale and Dolly the first cloned sheep. Other attractions include fossils, geodes, animal displays, ancient art, and artifacts from many world cultures.

Our day ended as we walked the city and climbed onto Calton Hill where we had the perfect view of Arthurs Seat and the city of Edinburgh. This hill is home to the Nelson Monument dedicated to the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. 

Arthurs seat is the result of a volcano and is quite a hike...possibly for another day. The view of Edinburgh was perfected by the lights that appeared as the sun set and the night sky appeared. 

The day didn't end there as we headed back to campus, being entertained by song and dance of many cultures. I enjoyed supper that night with a new friend in residence then headed off to catch up on much needed sleep.

Landed and On the Go

I arrived safely in Glasgow on Thursday evening and made it to the residence by taxi. The city was well lit in the dark of night and traffic was high as people rushed home at the days end. I was glad to be on the ground again, but didn't know where I really was or what the city looked like. 

My day Friday was packed as I headed to campus for a bus tour to Edinburgh. This tour was wonderful and I was amazed at how vast the landscape is, fitting every thought you may have of what Scotland is like. The following post will delve into a bit more of Edinburgh and the sights.

Upon returning I had supper with new friends and enjoyed the quiet time to rest and talk to family. After a good nights sleep and a hot breakfast in the cafeteria I set out to see the city. There are so many places to see, but I chose to go straight to campus. The best way for me to describe the campus to to compare it to a Harry Potter school in age, style, and feel. However some buildings are modern and more spread about the city. 

I had hoped to go a bit further in to the city center but didn't quite make it that far. I stopped at the library for a quick rest, picked up a few snacks, then headed back to residence for supper.

 

The instant responses I have been receiving over iMessage, Facebook and FaceTime are incredible and I have fascinated my father with the use of technology. I am thankful for that and for the support/encouraging messages I have received over the past few days. 

Sunday was quiet and I certainly needed the rest before classes start. I spent the morning with Leo, she showed me the local area around the residence and some facilities I have access to, including a lovely walking trail/park along a river. I finished the day by sorting out my class, resting, and unpacking to prepare for the first week of classes.