First Week in Scotland

Hello readers! I know I've been kind of MIA for the past week. I've been settling in to Glasgow and exploring the city for hidden gems and whatnot. Let me tell you one thing, I do NOT know how to buy groceries. I think I've been eating the same meal for the past two or three days. If y'all have any easy/simple recipes, please comment them below! I need some variety! I have been to lots of different restaurants--nothing like the ones back in the U.S. BUT guys, I MISS MEXICAN FOOD. My mom can contest to this, I spend like twenty minutes on the phone with her trying to look up Velveeta cheese substitutes and cheeses that work to make queso dip. NO LUCK. NOTHING. NADA. ZIP. It's truly tragic. It's a small sacrifice I'll have to make.

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Otherwise, my time here in Glasgow has been fantastic! I feel like I've seen a lot of the city. It's not as big as you think and even though it sounds like a big city, it really doesn't get that busy. Definitely not New York City or Chicago busy for sure. I've seen a lot of shops, and having them so close to campus is VERY dangerous for my wallet...

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With that being said, I have been to Stirling and visited the Battle of Bannockburn site. It was very cool and had an interactive game that put you either on England's side or Scotland's side. It was cool to learn about each side's reason for fighting and it was lots of fun to play the game with other exchange students who tagged along for the trip. We also visited a Whiskey Distillery, which I think my brother would enjoy very much. I found out that I DO NOT like whiskey, but like my brother says, "It's an acquired taste." I do not think I'll be drinking any more of that anytime soon.

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I also got to experience my first Ikea trip ever! I didn't know what to expect when going through, and I defiantly was not prepared for the scale of this store. It was gigantic and there was too much to look at. I had already gotten a lot of my supplies, so I didn't really get anything from Ikea. It was cool to walk through and see the different floor designs they had for every room. Ikea was very crowded though, so I was happy to be able to leave that place.

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Today I went to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum with one of my Scottish friends and saw different paintings and sculptures. They had a lot of pieces that had to do with Scottish culture and Scottish painters. It was cool to experience their history through different artists native to Scotland. I think this would be a place my mom would want to go when she comes to Scotland. The best part is, it's free! You can make a free will donation, but other than that, it's totally free of charge. Free things are the best things honestly.

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Now some of you might be thinking, "Wait, isn't she study abroad? She's supposed to be in school right now, right?" HA! Jokes on you (and me). Apparently classes don't start until the 28th, so we are just chilling on campus here until next week. We had one orientation class today and have one more tomorrow, but it's only two hours long.

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Don't worry though, I'm not going to stay in my room for the rest of the week. Tomorrow after my orientation class, me and a couple of the people from Iowa State that came and other people we've met over the past couple of days are going to the Isle of Skye in the highlands! We are going to stay there until Sunday, hiking and sightseeing all of the destinations there! It's about a six hour bus ride, so it's not a weekend trip (hence why we're doing it now). I'm super excited to put my hiking boots to use and be able to take pictures of the beautiful scenery the highlands have to offer! Now, I probably won't post again until after my trip to the Isle of Skye or towards the end, so keep yourself updated through my personal Instagram: @healthyhappyfaithful . Until then, enjoy these pictures of my time so far here in Scotland!