Blog #2

4th Day in Scotland

     Today we had our second day of classes, and although one would think that 5 hours of classes a day would be painful and unbearable the classes go by surprisingly fast. The classes are fun and interesting and unlike anything I have ever taken before. Global Politics is quite complicated, but I was expecting this given the fact that I know nothing about what goes on in the world around us. Scottish Literature is quite complicated, which I was not expecting. So far the best way I can describe Scottish Literature is to equate it to Sophomore year in World History. Our very first day of class in World History we read The Epic of Gilgamesh, and it was the most complicated thing we read all year long. Now, as you can imagine, starting the year off with the most difficult piece of the course is quite daunting, as it was today in Scottish Literature when we read Scottish Poetry. Poetry never was my forte, which, to say the least, is not a good thing to have to admit while attempting to read Scottish Poetry. Some of the poems we read for homework were things along the lines of:

Bot I hard say scho passit to hir den,

Als warme as woll, suppose it wes not greit,

Full beinly Stuffit, baith but and ben, 

Off beinis and nuttis, peis, ry, and quheit;

But although Scottish Literature is quite difficult thus far, knowing that you are learning about Scottish Literature in Scotland by your very cool Scottish professor is indescribable. 

     As for the fun activities outside of class thanks to the JMU alumni we were all able to go to a wonderful Italian dinner last night. Dinner lasted about four hours, and every minute was worth it. Not only was it a four course meal, it was some of the best Italian food I've ever had. It was great fun (especially with my tasty strawberry daiquiri) and the waiters were fantastic. What was most amazing about the dinner was the clash of culture. Having a mix of Americans, Italians, Germans, and Scotsman all in one room really puts this whole trip into perspective. Especially in a multicultural and diverse place like Edinburgh you can really see how people can really come together no matter where they come from. 

Well that's all I've got for now! Now I've got to spend some time with my camera trying to finally get some pics uploaded! 

Until next time!

-Bryn