I just need TOOTHPICKS

So today was frustrating. I needed toothpicks. Normally this is not an issue, but in Scotland this proved to be an adventure of epic proportions. The stores here are more specialized than in the states. To compound my frustration, many of the stores have useless names like Tesco and Lidll. What exactly is a "Tesco"? Then again I can imagine that Giant Eagle and Kroger would produce the same confusion. Anyway, I was not able to locate toothpicks at the grocery store. After that I didn't know what to try next. The chemist (drug store)? Pound Stretcher? The closeout boot store? How does one even categorize toothpicks? Arts and Crafts? Beauty supplies? Cooking? After a few more stores I was mad. I could've called a friend (the mantra of study abroad seems to be something cheeky like, "You're only as lost as the questions you don't ask"), but I wanted to do it myself. I am sick of having to always ask for help. Grr... It seems as if the most frustrating moments stem from the ones that are the most simple at home. I never appreciated the gift of knowing that the toothpicks are next to the cupcake mix, in the aisle next to the pasta, on the right side of Kroger. They come in colored and plain, $.99 a canister.

While the exasperating toothpick escapade was a bleak note to start on, overall I am doing very well. I am settling in and learning all Scotland's little lessons. For example: If you do not know how the long the walk is going to be, wear flats. The walk to church yesterday was 45 minutes each way. Heels were a poor life choice. I spend most weeknights with the students on my floor, and weekends doing touristy things with other American students. I think the thing that I miss the most is having people around who know me. I had a nightmare last week, which was unfair in the first place,  I didn't even watch a scary movie or eat anything spicy before bed. If I were at home Meg and Miranda would know to ask me about my bad dream. However, my new friends didn't know to ask. I didn't realize how comforting it is to be around people who know you.

Experiencing the inauguration here was amazing as well! I watched President Obama be sworn in on a big screen in a bar in the student center (the drinking age is 18 in Scotland). There were many Americans, but British students certainly had a presence as well. I have never been more proud to be an American. The students here seem follow US politics more than their own.

I also miss the food. The dining services here are... well... let's just say they served turnip soup this past week... TURNIP...SOUP. I think Rob was annoyed that I couldn't stop laughing at his bowl of congealed root puree. I explained that we generally don't cook with turnips, but I think he still thought I was weird. Main dishes are not much better; the cooks love to mix everything together. I think they simply take the meat that is on the menu and combine it with whatever random odds and ends they have around, like carrots, peppers , and potatoes... always potatoes. They put it all into a blender and hit "frappe"! Depending on the consistency of the end product we are having stew or a casserole type dish. The fact that the menu never specifies what dish the meat is confirms my theory. It simply reads "Beef." Now, whatever form the beef takes is part of the excitement! It builds character... or something like that. Thank goodness for chips (fries).

This past weekend I climbed Arthur's Seat. This was an incredible experience as I have never climbed a mountain. Don't let the picture below fool you; I nearly died. The hike was actually a bit dangerous with all the craggy rocks and mud. Sure there were paths, but no one really stays on them. If it were in the states there would have been concrete stairs cut into the side of the mountain with guardrails the whole way up, and benches to rest on every ten minutes... and a hotdog stand at the top. It was amazing to think that this park is, literally, a five minute walk from the door of my dorm. I can see it from my window. The remnants of the wall in the picture above is the ruins of St. Anthony's Chapel. It was built in

the early 15th century, around the time that Joan of Arc was leading her people.

I hope all is well in Marietta!

Katy

P.S. In case you were waiting with bated breath, on the edge of your seat, Edinburgh Bargain Stores sells bamboo skewers for a pound (roughly $1.40). Close enough to toothpicks I guess. I'll just have to break them in half.