Last Weekend and My 21st! (Now With Photos!)

Sorry about the lack of updates, folks. It's been a busy week-and-a-half for me, so here's the rundown...

I did go to the ceildlh on Wednesday. It was a good time, mainly because almost everyone I know was there: my Scottish flatmates, the Canadians, and my fellow Americans. My only complaint is that it ended too early - 10:00. I want a ceildlh that goes late into the night.

Last Thursday was uneventful, but on Friday I left Aberdeen on a long bus ride to Edinburgh. Kathy, Corey, and I got free tickets to the Scotland VS Italy Rugby match in Edinburgh and we decided to make a weekend of it. When we got to Edinburgh our Canadian friend Amanda met us at the station to complete our quartet.

We were lucky enough to stay with the twenty-something daughters of Corey's host family who live in Edinburgh. Their hospitality knew no bounds (read: they offered us lots of free food and booze). Friday night the four of us went on an exciting jaunt around Edinburgh.


On Saturday young Corey Chapman roused our sleepy heads and we went on a morning hike up Arthur's Seat, a massive ridge that dominates the Edinburgh skyline. It offered some great views of the city. After making our way down we went on a long but rewarding quest for cheap food that ended at a baguette place. It tasted way better than it had any right to.

After chowing down we met up with David, another American, and his family, and made the long walk to Murrayfield Stadium. The streets were flooded with Scots and Italians heading to the game. Walking to the stadium was quite the experience.

We found our seats at the game and enjoyed the piping band that played before kickoff. The game was absolutely horrific: the Italians scored three times in the first 6 minutes. This was especially disappointing considering that Italy is the laughing stock of six nations rugby. At half time some military folk skydived into the stadium and we got some delicious donuts, but it wasn't enough to raise our spirits when Scotland lost the match.

We made the long, quiet walk home, surrounded by saddened Scotland fans. The four of us were pretty beat, so we went straight back to the flat. We all chipped in and bought some things to make an excellent meal of chicken curry. It was one of the most satisfying meals I've had since I've been in Scotland, even more so because I was surrounded by good company.

After eating we watched a bootleg copy of The Departed, and it was just as good as everyone makes it out to be. We turned in early because we knew that Sunday would be jam-packed with adventure.

Sure enough, Sunday did not disappoint. We got up early and made our way to Waverly Train Station in the heart of Edinburgh. Today we were off to Stirling, a small city 45 minutes east of Edinburgh, home of the National William Wallace Monument. We ate some breakfast at the station (I had a delicious steak pastie) and then boarded our train.

The train ride passed quickly and we were soon in Stirling. We left the station and started making our way towards the monument, which lies a couple miles from the city center. After some iffy navigation by yours truly, which basically boiled down to "Lets just walk towards the monument," we ended up in a farmer's field completely surrounded by a river. After some helpful directions from the land owner we found our way to the main road and on to the monument.

Near the monument is a statue of Wallace that looks remarkably similar to Mel Gibson. The statue was erected after the movie. It's highly controversial because of the similarities to the Australian actor, so much so that many people have defaced it in outrage. The young guy working at the tourist shop had this to say, "I absolutely hate it. On my last day working here I'm going to take a chisel to it."

We walked to the base of the monument but opted not to go to the top because it had a hefty admission charge. We were entertained briefly by an actor who played the part of one of Wallace's soldiers. He gave a historical account of the Battle of Stirling, while also swinging his battle axe about. One of the highlights of the day.

We left the monument and made our way back to the city center, where we went on a rambling walk around Stirling. We went across Stirling bridge, up a couple random hills, and through a cemetery before finally arriving at Stirling castle. Along the way we spotted a couple of incredible rainbows as the sun peaked out of the gray clouds.

We walked back to the station and jumped on the 4:00 train to Edinburgh. We had a light dinner at a pub in the city. Then we stopped by a grocery store and picked up a few snacks for the three hour bus ride back to Aberdeen. I got some shortbread and went halfsies on a tub of 16 minimuffins with Amanda. Needless to say, the tub of minimuffins had been demolished by the time we made it back home.

The next couple of days were mostly uneventful. I turned in my first assignment on Tuesday, an 800 word essay. The next big development came on Wednesday. I had been promising my flatmates that I would shave off my beard sometime while I was in Scotland, and I decided that there was no better time than my birthday. So on the eve of my birth I had a bit of fun and shaved most of my beard off, keeping only some massive sideburns and a gloriously tacky trucker mustache. It was a big hit with the flatmates and various others I saw during the day. I shaved it off just before bedtime. It's the first time I've been clean shaven in nine months.

The next day I woke up to the sound of my phone ringing and I realized - WOOT! It's my birthday! I was tired after staying up late watching a movie with Amanda, so after asking Cakes to take a message I immediately called my mom back. During the course of the day I also received a call from my little sister Brittney. It was good to hear from them.

In the evening the incredibly thoughtful Canadians prepared me an amazing potluck supper. I was thoroughly spoiled by them. Bronwyn made some wonderful homemade mac and cheese, Denise contributed some very tasty salad, and Amanda, knowing me so well, made some simply amazing tacos. I contributed a little cornbred (thanks mom!). Not only that, but we also had chocolate cake and apple crumble for dessert, topped with the traditional birthday candles. I really couldn't have asked for a better birthday supper. And to spoil me even further, Hilary (who wasn't there unfortunately) game me a 4 pack of Tennents for my birthday, and Amanda made my night by giving my a Scotland scarf.

After dining with the Canadians, I ran back to my flat to begin the age old ceremony of drinking on the 21st birthday. I'll leave the details to your imagination. It was a wonderful night, with every friend I've made in Scotland crowded around a small table in our kitchen. It was one of the best birthdays in recent memory.

Thanks to everyone back in Texas who also made my birthday special. All the cards, facebook messages, and blog comments were not forgotten. I love you all, and I look forward to seeing you in August. Until next time.

Cheers,
Jacob