I'm embarking on my first weekend trip tonight. I'm off to Glen Etive in western Scotland with the Lairig Mountaineering Club, which I joined last night. Lairig goes on various weekend trips about Scotland to hike and climb. I'm sure I'll be going on plenty of trips with them since it's much cheaper than traveling alone. When I get back I'll post pictures.
I also met with the Creative Writing Society last night, and although they seem a bit oddball I maybe joining soon in an effort to keep myself writing. Classes continue to go fine. I think they'll actually be much easier than back home.
One of my favorite parts about being in Scotland is the different way they use the English language. I love some of the words they use here, words that have either died out in America or were never used at all. Saying "aye" for "yes" is very common among the Scots, and it sounds much more charming than "yeah". Saying "fortnight" might seem antiquated, but it's far superior to "every other week". Another of my favorites is "knicked", which they use in place of "stolen". It's got a rough sound that fits the definition. But my all time favorite has to be "cheers". It means a variety of things, usually thank you, well done, or well wishes. It is absolutely beautiful to say.
And it's not only the vocabulary that's different, but also the phrasing and rhythm of speech. It's difficult to describe, but it's a much more varied sound than American English. Maybe it's just the exotic accent influencing me.
I'm off to class. I'll be without internet for the weekend, so I'll update you all on the Glen Etive trip on Monday.
Cheers,
Jacob
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I looked up Glen Etive on the internet and the pictures are great. It looks like somewhere Uncle Jeff would like. Your blog is one of the first things I read in the morning at work. I like having something pleasant to read first. It sounds like you are off to a roaring start. You are going to take Scotland over and of course they won't forget a wonderful guy like you. I just hope that you will come back to the U.S.
Love & Cheers, Aunt Lila & Uncle Jeff
P.S. I smile everytime I see your picture. You look just like Uncle Jeff's college mascot: Louie the Lumberjack
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