Bus Turr/ Let the classes begin!

Greetings!  Today was a very productive day.... My battery operated alarm clock (not my flatmate) got me up and I had my first human phys lecture in the morning.  I'm so glad I know what time it is now; There is nothing worse than being in a foreign country with no clock (Well... not the worst, but on the list of bad things).

The classes are a lot smaller here - about 50/class rather than my first year classes in Guelph of about 6oo.  Also, the students only take 3 classes rather than 5 that I'm use to.  There is a lot more free time but the classes are more in depth.  They have a wonderful timetable where all students have Wednesday afternoon's off as it's reserved as a sports day - what a fantastic idea! The U of Stirling is known for it's sports program so I hope to sign up for something to fill in my Wednesday afternoons. Football perhaps... 

I am very thankful that I can understand all of my profs. I was worried that at least one of them would have a very strong accent but all seems well so far.

Earlier in the week, the study abroad students got a free bus tour around Stirling, so here we go...

There was some significance to this bridge... but I forget :)  I'll find out and post another description later.

The old prison.

This was while we were going up a very steep, cobble-stoney, winding road on our way to the castle - we were all worried the bus wouldn't make it, but it was worth it...

View of Stirling from the castle.

Robert the Bruce - 'King of Scots'

Try saying this without sounding Scottish!

Robert the Bruce: "We fight not for glory nor for wealth nor honour, but only and alone we fight for freedom which no good man surrenders but with his life" Inspiring words...

some exchange friends :)

Stirling castle from afar and some sheep!

... beautiful wood carving.

We finally all got cell phones today! (or mobiles I should call them)

After our daily Tesco run (the local grocery store) and on our way home.  

The weather has been gorgeous recently and it hasn't rained for 2 full days now.  So far that's the record since I've been here and I'm going to keep track.  2 days and counting...

The plan is to conquer the Wallace Monument tomorrow so stay tuned! Mom and dad: a full report on the talking head is soon to come...

Cheers!

I made it.

I finally have the internet set up in my room as of today! Yay! So let's not waste time, I have so much to fill you in on.   This has been my journey thus far...

                   On the date of departure. Saying goodbye to Belle :(  Be good, I'll miss you.  ^

^ Bye Canada, be back soon!     

        ^ Sarah seems sad to see me go,  mom and dad on the other hand... (just kidding, miss you guys already!)

^ Take off! Toronto > London, England.  And just incase you forgot your basic manners like preventing something from falling on a fellow passenger... don't worry, you can find details such as these in the seat in front of you. 

I absolutely love plane food. a) because it's the cutest thing I've ever seen with all the little containers of food and mini sized portions. And b) because it's surprisingly delicious.  Mmm, pasta with chicken...

^ Now on plane #2!  After landing in London I took a bus to get to the next terminal to catch my next plane.  I met two Canadians on the bus who recognized my U of G folder that I was carrying and we talked about school for a bit. It was nice to talk about home :)

  I only had to wait about an hour before heading to my gate.  I was extremely tired though since I didn't sleep the night before or on the plane.  I didn't want to take a nap while I waited because I was afraid I wouldn't wake up... the disadvantage of traveling alone.

^ Scotland baby! ^

Welcome to Scotland.  Here is some shortbread.

Funny story:  After landing in Edinburgh I got picked up, along with 7 other international students, by a plump jolly Scottish man that I'll admit reminded me a little of Santa.  We all put our bags in the trailer and he told me to sit in the front while the others were getting in the back.  Doing what any other normal Canadian would do, I walked around to the wrong side of the van and he thought it was hilarious.  Everyone else was also from countries that drive on the right side of the road so it was a bonding moment for everyone. :)

Welcome to my new 'home': Alexander Court in STIRLING! I made it :)

^ He he he. So European. ^

My cozy room. I have yet to buy some posters to cover up the ugly walls...

... accompanying view. The small path on the right is to get to the rest of the school.

Common room and kitchen.

On the second day I fried my alarm clock and hair dryer.  The voltage system is not the same... use a converter AND an adapter!  At least it wasn't my laptop right mom and dad :)

By the second night, we still didn't have any food or kitchen supplies so my flat-mates and I picked up instant noodles with a convenient fork inside. A good start to my university life here!

... Then we went shopping and had a normal meal together.  From left to right: Canada, Spain, and Germany represent. (3 of 7 flat-mates)

A few more international student friends from Alexander Court (representing Canada, Spain, France, and the States); On our way to pub night.

The rest from this post are of the campus. It was a gorgeous day today so I took advantage...

Golf course on campus.  In the background is the Wallace Monument - it can be seen from anywhere on campus.  (From Wikipedia: Sir William Wallace, "along with Andrew Moray, defeated an English army at the Battle of Stirling Bridge, and was dubbed the Guardian of Scotland, serving until his defeat at the Battle of Falkirk. A few years later Wallace was captured in Robroyston near Glasgow and handed over to King Edward I of England, who had him executed for treason.")  

Braveheart anyone??

Path to school with Alexander Court in the background.

... also on campus.

Walking bridge over Airthrey Loch (not lake) from the residences to the Atrium.

Beautiful view from the bridge! (Stay tuned for a special feature on the journey up the hill in the background :)

Walking towards the Cottrell Building where all my lectures will be.

The Loch and Atrium.

It has been a very busy few days and I have met so many other international students.  I am one of very few that speak English as a first language so most of my new friends always ask me what certain words mean and I hear a lot of "how do you say..." and "what is this thing called" which always makes for a funny conversation... on my end anyway.

First impressions? I am so blessed to be studying in such a beautiful country and I love being Canadian :)

More to come, and as people say ALL the time over here: 

Cheers!