What's In a Dance?

     When people think Scotland, they typically think of just a few things right away - bagpipes, kilts, and castles. I have experienced all these things and more of Scotland so far and hope to experience plenty more as I go. Tonight I participated in what has possibly been my favorite Scottish experience so far. It's called a "ceilidh" and is essentially a Scottish version of a hoedown but way more fun. Never in my life have I gotten that into a dance. My trick was do my best to have a Scottish girl as a partner who could teach me the dances and after a wee bit I started to get the hang of it. Then it was an incredible time.

     Something I saw a lot of tonight and was really happy I did was Scottish pride. I love when people are proud of where they come from and what the heritage is of the place they grew up. Not too long ago, the tenth anniversary of September 11, 2001, arrived and American patriotism was alive and well, but the day passes and we all move on and forget what a great country we call home. My time here in Glasgow has been amazing and it is certainly far from over and more unbelievable experiences will be heading my way with each new day. But I want to take a moment and say that it's September 17 here, and I am still proud to be an American. But I won't be obnoxious about it while I am here.

     With that said, I have loved my time here so far not because I have had crazy adventures or seen amazing things, which I have, but because I have met great people who are proud of where they come from and are ready to invite me into their lives and get to know me because even though we share different backgrounds there is so much more that binds us together. I am proud to be an American, but I am proud to be in Scotland right now, and as the time goes on I may begin to feel some Scottish creeping in and I will be proud of that as well. So I hope that as I spend time here I will be influenced by all the variations and will soak up every opportunity I can.

     For those fans of UP: In the words of Charles Muntz - "Adventure is out there!" I'm here to find it.

Life is Learned

     It has been nearly a week that I have been here on my own, almost two since I first began to call this country home for the next few months. Scotland is certainly beautiful in a whole new way than I am used to in Colorado. The hills are rolling and very lush, the architecture is full of history, and golf courses are abundant and begging to be played. As I settle in, I realize I have made the right choice.

     But the change in landscape and climate have not been the biggest adjustments so far. The little things stick out and remind me that I am nearly halfway around the world from my place of comfort. Little things like lack of a garbage disposal in the kitchen sink, separate faucets for hot and cold on opposite sides of the sink, and a toilet that must be flushed with a fair amount of force in order for any success to be had.

     All three of these "inconveniences" tie together in a story from my first night here. Anna and I arrived later on in the day and found the kitchen completely bare. Not knowing our way around yet we settled for dinner at the nearest place we could find. On our way back with our kebab take out we stopped at a market and got some things to eat the next morning. After finishing our meal, I realized I had no bowl for my cereal in the morning, so my kebab styrofoam box would have to do, but it needed to be cleaned first. As I went to rinse the box in the sink I discovered just as some of the red sauce and scraps fell into the sink that there was no garbage disposal. No big deal, though. I figured I would just scrape up those scraps and flush them along with the remains still in the box. After scraping out the box it looked disgusting in the toilet - as if someone had some major issues that involved blood and called for a hearty dose of Pepto. Again, though, no worries - just flush it down. Wrong! Five tries at what I felt was normal flushing strength and speed was fruitless, and there were the leftovers that looked far more appetizing when they were being eaten.
   
     Not knowing if my flat was occupied by anyone outside of Anna and myself left me somewhat distraught at this pickle. I can think of better first impressions than someone thinking I did that in the toilet AND left it there. Thankfully, it was just us and the toilet flushed with more force applied in the morning.

     But as I returned to my room after leaving that in the toilet I went to wash my hands out of the warm water spout. For the first half second it was pleasant before it became scalding hot. Unfortunately, the mountain stream faucet was on the other side of the sink and mixing was impossible. They're now affectionately referred to as "fire and ice". At that point, it was time to go to bed.

     Yet it has been fascinating to observe people's ability to adapt to surroundings very quickly firsthand. I now remember which way to look as I cross the road before I begin to cross the road, I've gotten used to the cold water to wash my hands, and the toilet flushes every time within my first two tries. So while I am abroad, I'm sure I will learn plenty about a new culture and about being independent, but I think just as much I will learn to be content with the life I normally lead and to not take nearly as much for granted. I hope that my learning will only stop when my heart does too.

A Taste of Switzerland with a Touch of Scotland

Some of you may know (and others are about to know) that I have spent the last two weeks doing some traveling around Switzerland and Scotland with one of my sisters, Anna. We had a blast and saw some amazing things. While the sights were spectacular and the culture a thing to experience, I learned far more about patience and adaptation than expected during these past two weeks. A word of advice - never spend two weeks straight with only one person unless you really, really love that person. Anna and I enjoyed our time together, but I feel that we both were ready when her flight took off this morning. She was an excellent travel partner and most other people I could not have been able to live with for that long in a room that I can almost reach across. And that's that.

But Anna was by no means the biggest test of patience during these past two weeks. From missed buses to diverted flights to walking onto the flight and seeing only half a seat at most because a man felt he only needed to purchase one ticket, it was one test after another. Barely catching flights and buses - and barely missing some - made sleeping on the floor of my dorm room for the last week so Anna could have the bed be a joy because at least then I could relax. Through all that we were able to enjoy and make the best of things:

Whether in something so small as a chocolate bar for energy or unexpectedly running into a friend while lost in Geneva, God showed us how much He watches over every area of life. Our mini Europe tour was more enjoyable than I made it sound, and I have memories that will be with me for my whole life. I certainly have learned how to get around on public transportation. And I have realized my weaknesses more than ever before. Thank goodness for those around us who will love us through all that and help us get back up and grow. "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." And onward we go. Welcome to Glasgow.