Week One

It's been quite a week, unpacking and acclimating to life here. Generally, it hasn't been difficult to adjust to Scotland.  Most of the time everything is very familiar, but strange things trip me up. For instance, they only recycle glass, pedestrians do not have the right of way, and it was surprisingly difficult to figure out how to work the faucet in the shower.

This past week, I  joined the Photography Society, as well as the Whiskey Society.  It's important to be well rounded in one's extracurriculars, right?  I also went to what felt like a hundred introductory meetings, bought a lamp for my room, found my way in the library and drank an unusual amount of tea. 

My classes started on Tuesday.  We met from 10:00-1pm.  At noon, we stopped for a drink.  I expected coffee, however, the professors meant wine.  Oh, culture shock!  Aside from the drinking, it looks like it will be a very busy two semesters.  I have to procure an internship for the next 6 months, get an exhibition on the walls by March, and still do the normal assignments and write a dissertation.  Actually, most everything sounds like it will be fun, but I know that my free time now is the calm before the storm.  There are 18 other people in my program, and surprisingly for St. Andrews, the majority are Scottish. 

It was beautiful and sunny this afternoon, so I ditched my reading for a walk with some of my housemates.  Along the way, I took loads of photos so that I could show off my lovely environs.

This is my house, or at least part of it...

Here is my walk to class....  (there are MORE ruins, Aimee!)

And this is the Museum of St. Andrews, where my classes are held:

From the front, the building is less than impressive.  But look at the view from the back:

Today, I walked along that beach, West Sands.

Uncle Bob, the beach is  right by the Old Course.  Everyone is getting ready for some big celebrity golf tournament.  There are tents up everywhere.  At some point I will get better photos of the Course.  Also, there is putt-putt nearby, I think that's my kind of golf.

So many pictures, but by now you've seen half of this little town.

My big plans this weekend include the local farmers market and a day trip to Edinburgh, so look out for more photos soon!

I miss you all so much, I'm already looking for plane tickets for Christmas/NewYears.

Cheers,
Sarah