Last Post in Scotland

I have to admit, I'm pretty exhausted after writing that massive post about my trip to Rome. But I really do want to have a sort of "wrap up" post about this semester, before I head home tomorrow. I got back to Glasgow late Tuesday night, and spent most of Wednesday and Thursday studying for my Scottish Lit exam on Friday morning. Di and I did step out of our rooms briefly on Thursday for a goodbye hot cocoa party with our Norwegian friend Hanne, who is a real sweetie, and one of the people I'm going to miss. She made the cocoa the old fashioned way, with powder, milk, and sugar. Di and I were very impressed.

Last night Di and I went to 12 Hour Cheesy Pop at the QMU. We were there from around 8:30 PM until 2:45 AM, which I'm fairly sure is the longest I've partied ever. It was a blast, with the usual cheesy pop fare, a set from The Foundations (of "Build Me Up Buttercup" fame), a Christmas carnival, an all night snack bar, and my favorite part, the "hedphone disco." I'm really happy we got to dance in the hedphone disco since we missed the experience during Freshers Week. Di and I saw a couple of people we knew at the union, but I think a lot of people have already gone home. After we left the QMU and hobbled over to get a cab (I was wearing heels, and have the blisters to show it -- ow), I stayed up with Di until she caught a cab at 5:30 to the train station. Her flight was scheduled at 9:00 AM from Edinburgh, although I think it got delayed. I crashed as soon as she left, got up at noon, and spent the rest of the day getting ready to leave tomorrow.

EDIT: I forgot to include the random acts of kindness that cemented my view of Glasgow's hospitality. On Thursday night Di and I had our final Ashoka dinner, and during the meal the staff repeatedly stopped by our table to chat, and upon finding out it was our last time there, to say goodbye. I didn't realize we'd become such regulars! At the end of the meal the manager (who had at least said hello almost every time we'd come) came over to talk, and as a goodbye present for being such good customers, he gave us an Ashoka cookbook. For free! It was very sweet, and pretty much made my day.

Then today, when I went to check-in online and print out my boarding passes, I stopped by Bagel Bite to grab some lunch. Di and I also frequented that shop after our workouts, and the man who owns it was working the counter when I came in. While waiting for my bagel to toast, we had a brief discussion, and again, upon finding out Di had already left and I was leaving, he gave me a 25% discount, and threw in a caramel shortcake to boot. I think I might miss that Glasgow hospitality.

So after a semester abroad, what have I really learned? Well, I certainly know a great deal more about Australian and Scottish cinema, and have added to my repetoire of random movies very few people have seen. I've doubled the number of countries I've traveled to, and saw a whole bunch of artwork that solidified my interest in sculpture, baroque, and neoclassical art. I've learned what a pint of magic is, what's in neeps and tatties, and where to find good haggis.

But I suppose the most important lesson I've learned is how to handle the unexpected on my own. I was lucky to have Diana, but she was just as new to this as I was, and I think I've gained confidence in being able to figure out situations. Life seems to have a tendency to throw dilemmas and conflicts in your face when you're least ready, and being in a foreign country only heightened the confusion. But somehow I made it through relatively unscathed, and I count my lucky stars for that.

Would I do it again? I think so -- for all the homesickness and the ups and downs, I firmly believe this semester in Glasgow was a worthwhile experience. Sure, there are some things I might do differently if I could go back again, but in general I'd say I'm satisfied.

Who knows if I'll keep this blog up after I get home, or what it will turn into if I do. But thanks to all who read along during my adventures -- you deserve a medal for slogging through my dense and nonsensical prose. Seriously, though -- thanks for all the words of encouragement and support. It kept me connected to home. That connection will be literal in a mere 24 hours -- sweet.