A New Year, A New Reflection

Prelims have finally started, much to the despair of Dollar pupils. The unusually mild weather makes it difficult to sit and study terrorism or quadratic equations for hours on end, but unfortunately, it must be done. To distract myself from too much boredom, I've decided to do another short reflection on how this year is going. As usual, I'll start with the positive.

For the first time, I feel confident that I have friends who genuinely love, value, and care about me. After all the holiday events such as the Form V and VI Ceilidh, Heyworth's holiday dinner, and my adventures in Italy with Hamish, I'm so glad that I can look back and remember not anxiety, not isolation, but a feeling of welcoming. For those of you who know me well, you'll know that that's quite a significant change. Even yesterday, on Heyworth's outing to Edinburgh's best Escape Room, I had to stop and smile (in the midst of the commotion, stress and excitement) that I was surrounded by intelligent, friendly, and kind girls. And I felt like I was finally one of them. There really is no better feeling.

Additionally,  I feel proud to have fully participated in the culture and traditions of Scotland itself. After all, I am on a cultural exchange. It's more than just the food, or the Highland dancing, or even the posh school uniform. It's also getting used to hearing the words "cheers" or "hiya" (and even throwing one in my vocabulary when I'm feeling extra brave), or simply taking advantage of the wonderful scenery around me. While it was difficult at first to accept the more relaxed structure of schoolwork within the first few months, I have learned to appreciate free time as normal Europeans do, instead of constantly worrying about the next thing on my plate. Early next February is the Robert Burns Supper, a traditional event featuring the national poet's works, music, and traditional Scottish food (Haggis, anyone?), which will be yet another opportunity to immerse myself in the nation's values.

Extracurricular activities are still going well, even though the numbers of Mixed Voice Choir and Orchestra have all but decimated after the Usher Hall Concert. Many organizations and clubs are suspended right now due to exams, but will be back again by the end of the month. I hope to be more involved in Amnesty International than I was last term, since we were only able to hold two official events in the little time we had. I'd also like to participate more in Dollar TED talks club this time by actually making a presentation, instead of simply watching.

As the FAFSA, enrollment fees, and housing applications for college are looming ahead, I have become increasingly aware of my plans for next year. Don't get me wrong, I'm incredibly excited and proud to be a part of the Cream and Crimson community at IU (go Hoosiers!), but I do feel some pressure already to perform well in higher education. Have I picked the right major? Are my academic skills adequate? Will I be able to work? Despite the beginning of the school year being eight months away, I still feel as though I need to be at the top of my game when the time to enter college comes.

Therefore, I have set a goal to improve my overall level of writing. I already write articles for the Galley (the school newspaper), Fortunas (the Parents' magazine), and, of course, this blog. But if I want to study subjects heavy in essays, or possibly a minor in Journalism, I'd like to become the best writer I can be to achieve my goals both here and at "uni" (as we call it over here). To challenge myself especially, I'd like to branch out and write articles I normally wouldn't attempt: maybe a review piece in the Galley, or a news report, instead of my usual political editorial or historical feature.

Overall, I'm still content with all I have accomplished so far, and I feel as though I'm making the most of my time in the UK. I also know that I will continue to do so until the end of the year. I am increasingly looking forward to future experiences such as the Spring Music Concert, Spring Break, and the end-of-year programs held for Form VI pupils at the end of the year (all while enjoying my time in the present, of course). But for now, back to the books... but perhaps after I watch the newest Sherlock episode.

Walking in a Mediterranean Wonderland

WARNING: readers beware. Lengthy blogpost and many pictures ahead. Seating and plenty of time advised.

Family and friends, I can now check a sixth and seventh country off my list for this year's travels: this time, Italy. I can't think of a better way (besides at home, maybe) to spend the holidays and the new year, and I feel like a totally different--definitely more well-rounded--person because of it. Visiting historic sites that have existed for thousands of years and witnessing notorious works of art has given me perspective, but has also allowed me to appreciate the world for what it is.

Salted caramel, one of my personal favorites.

In the past few weeks, I've tried a dozen flavors of gelato, used at least five different methods of public transport, seen two new seas, met travelers from four continents, and traveled myself over 1,700 miles to explore a new country. We've been to art museums, science museums, fountains, gardens, cathedrals, piazzas, a palace, a skating rink, and even a zoo to have the adventure of a lifetime. The weather was perfect: warm(ish) and sunny, begging us to explore the sights and sounds around us.

My travelling partner for this time around was Hamish, a Form V pupil from Dollar who lives in Spain. Hamish deserves extra credit for several reasons, including 1. he has a plethora of interesting history/life knowledge up his sleeve, 2. he puts up with my obscure and random facts about Catholic saints, and 3. he sings Hamilton on demand with me. He's also as hilarious as his is informed and open-minded, which made him a fantastic travel buddy.

Meet Hamish, who is standing in two different countries (Italy and the Vatican) at the time of this picture.

Here's a basic itinerary of what we did over the holidays: it would take hours of me to give the amount of detail all of these experiences deserve, but when I get back to the States, I promise that I will have lots of stories to tell.

FIRST STOP: ROME

Duration of stay: 10 nights
Best food: Penne with octopus; lamb tsehbi (a sort of stew) at an Eritrean restaurant

The Mouth of Truth supposedly bites off the hands of liars. Thankfully, my hands are intact.

Top experiences: Seeing the Pope (twice!); Vatican museums; St. Peter's Basilicas Rome's zoo; the famous Mouth of Truth; skating by the Castel Sant'Angelo; making a wish at the Trevi Fountain; walking the Spanish Steps; the Colosseum; the Pantheon

Most unexpected: At the location of Julius Caesar's murder, there happens to be a "cat sanctuary" for strays-- and visitors can adopt them. What a temptation.

Most found: Palm trees and "stone pines" (really, just lots of green); the initials SPQR; churches; random ancient ruins; uneven sidewalks; cats

Pope Frankie at Christmas, preaching a message of peace.

A Vatican Christmas parade.

Most memorable experience: A failed attempt at both cornbread and Venezuelan cachapas in the Hostel; using the Snapchat face-swap feature in the Vatican museum; practicing Scottish Dancing around the Circus Maximus

SECOND STOP: POMPEII

Duration of stay: day trip
Best food: The best cappuccino I have possibly ever had at the unlikely location of a train station
Top experiences: The beautiful panorama of Mount Vesuvius; my first ever view of the Mediterranean Sea; seeing mummified victims of the volcano

Most unexpected: The actual ruined city was closed, but walking around and seeing the ruins from the outside was just as worth it.

Most found: Hamish singing Bastille's "Pompeii" as often as possible; breathtaking scenery
Most memorable experience: ordering a plate of "mixed appetizers" and getting a plate of raw ham

THIRD STOP: FLORENCE

Chiesa Santa Maria del Fiore, my favorite cathedral.

Duration of stay: 6 nights
Best food: indulging in arepas and tequeños at a Venezuelan restaurant
Top experiences: Seeing Michelangelo's David,the famous Birth of Venus, and other famous works at the Uffizi Gallery and the Galleria dell'Accademia; Piazza de Michelangelo and its views; a whole building dedicated to food markets; the Florence Cathedral; long river walks

Most unexpected: The actual city of Florence is quite small, making it quite navigable and forgiving on the feet-- especially after the hills of Rome.

Most found: Leather and clothing shops; art and statues at every corner
Most memorable experience: Visiting the Galileo Museum and seeing maps dating back centuries

FOURTH STOP: PISA

Duration of stay: day trip
Best food: A simple picnic in front of all the tourist sights
Top experiences: Sunbathing in the warm atmosphere and perfect weather

Most unexpected: Again, I thought that the Tower of Pisa would be larger for being such an icon.
Most found: Horses and carriages offering rides to unassuming tourists

Most memorable experience: Seeing everyone make a fool of themselves attempting camera tricks with the leaning tower, and action of which I am equally guilty

FIFTH STOP: VENICE

Duration of stay: 5 nights
Best food: Mushroom risotto; a delicious wrap with ingredients I could not name or recognize

A charming scene on the island of Burano, where every house is a different color.

Top experiences: Wandering through the canals; St. Marco's Cathedral; the Doge's Palace; the Museum of Natural History; riding the waterbus to neighboring islands (Burano was the hands-down winner); Venice's Museum; the old Jewish Ghetto

Most unexpected: Venice is, in Hamish's wise words, a "topographer's nightmare"-- most streets seemingly will lead to a dead end, or even just take you back to where you started. It's like a maze, but on an entire island.

Most found: Bridges; overpriced gondolas; glass from the factory on Murano; masks for the famous Carnival in February
Most memorable experience: A Star Wars marathon celebrating the New Year

Overall, the indescribable views, the unique experiences, and the breathtaking historical and artistic scenes alone made our journey to Italy worthwhile in itself. Not only was the trip education and mind-opening, but it was also a perfect way to get out of the study zone and enjoy ourselves. If you had told me a year ago that I would be able to travel the world and actually check these adventures off my bucket list, I would never have believed it-- but here I am. Again, I am so grateful to everyone who made this able to happen-- family, friends, teachers-- and who enabled me with the courage and confidence to achieve this.

Although the gun-gray skies of Scotland were a less-than-warm welcome back, I am certainly ready to be a productive student again. Study leave for prelim tests start two weeks today, so a bit of review was definitely a good idea: the excuse of studying "history and art" in Italy will only get me so far. Next break is in mid-February, and I'm thinking Amsterdam maybe (open to suggestions, though! Leave a comment!). Until then, I must learn to "carpe diem" in my own everyday way, braving the bitter cold and taking advantages of my opportunities here at Dollar.

P.S. A few of my favorite moments...

Parties and Ceilidhs and Dancing, Oh My!

If you thought that America was serious about Christmas festivities, think again: Scotland is where the party truly is. Or, should I say, the parties: we've had three in less than a week, and that's not counting an outing to a traditional British pantomime and other holiday celebrations. I must say that this was by far the most interesting December I have experienced in quite a while-- but that's a good thing. In fact, I'll just let the pictures speak for themselves: there are definitely plenty of those.

Saturday night, Heyworth House held its own Christmas party full of love, gratitude, games, and Prosecco. This was our time to unveil our Secret Santa gifts, dance to Justin Bieber, pull our Christmas crackers (I had never seen one before!), and relax after our last full week of school.It was especially welcome at this time, since half the boarding house has been off sick with a cold. Everybody knows that the holidays are the best cure for that sort of thing.

 After hours of napkin-folding, paper-star-making, and general decorating, Heyworth girls spent the night enjoying each others' company-- and, of course, embarrassing ourselves with outrageous games. Pie-Face was my personal favorite, where each girl took a risk of taking a face of whipped cream. And, of course, we were obligated to watch "Elf" afterwards. This was our last weekend of the year together, and I cannot think of a better way to spend it at all.

Bente and Helen making a fool of themselves. 

Eline transforming into a pie.

Also, shoutout to my Secret Santa for getting me "The Little Mermaid" socks (so I can wear myself on my feet) and delicious jalapeno bread. Anna, you know me too well. And from the Duncans, I received luxurious, fragrant soap and lotion from Lush Body Shop. Do I smell a spa night? I think I do.

Ruby, Henni, and Anna, ready for some Christmas food.

Ruby, posing with my very first Christmas pudding.

The next night was the annual Boarders' Dinner and Ceilidh, which was a real treat for all of the boarding community at Dollar. After a wonderful three-course meal accompanied by rocket balloons and noisemakers, I got my very first taste of traditional Scottish folk dancing. In fact, I was so busy twirling that I almost forgot to take pictures, so please forgive me for the lack of imagery here. It was also our chance to perform the skits that we have been rehearsing for weeks now, and although we lost to Argyll House, we still thoroughly enjoyed the chance to poke fun at ourselves (and the other houses). 

Mia, me, Hamish, and Sandra, all being Dancing Queens.

I spent most of the night dancing with Hamish Munro, my best friend from McNabb house. Thankfully, he has a Scottish background, so he (mostly) knew the moves. It's difficult to describe what Scottish dancing looks like; the only comparison I can make is the village scene from the movie Tangled. What I can say without difficulty is that it is very, very good exercise. We all felt it the next day, I guarantee you that. Thankfully, I took a video to give a demonstration of its rigor. 

And then, just two days later, we did it again-- except this time at the Form V and VI Ceilidh, and with more than 300 people instead of 70. Yet, the crowds did little to dampen our spirits. This time, I was much more confident of all the moves, and was therefore dancing with more people. Scottish social dances usually occur in groups of 2, 4, or 8, and they can sometimes be progressive (where dancing partners change throughout the song). Translation? I danced with lots and lots and lots of people, some being complete strangers. 

But that only added to the fun. When we just had to catch our breath, my friends and I hung out in the library and snacked on macarons and punch-- not a bad way to spend a break. There were also various contests throughout the night of the funniest or most passionate dancers on the floor, which of course ignited my competitive nature. At the end of the party, everyone sang Auld Lang Syne together in a circle, with everyone all tired and sweaty in their mini dresses, tuxedos, or (for the hardcore Scottish men) kilts. 

Heyworth girls in Forms V and VI, all spiffed up and ready for some twirling. 

I cannot explain the feeling of taking part in these traditions, some being older than my own country. And everyone participates with such passion, such enthusiasm, that I cannot help but dive into this rich and open culture. As time passes, I begin to feel more and more at home, with these events just being the icing on the cake Christmas pudding. It's hard to believe that this is only the end of the first term, and there is still so much more to experience here. Although my holiday break will be filled with amazing opportunities (and food) in Italy, I know that I will be more than happy to return here once again in January. 

Merry Christmas, and a happy New Year! Greetings from the Eternal City soon!

Glorious Sounds (and Sights) of Christmas

This week, I had the privilege of traveling twice in three days to my new favorite city in the world, Edinburgh. Both trips were, of course, having to do with the holidays--as are most events in December.They were also both an excellent way of ignoring our upcoming (and increasing) school responsibilities, with prelims slowly but surely approaching in January.

My first journey on Sunday was one of the many weekend trips with Heyworth House to keep us occupied, but this does not mean it was any less memorable. Between helping each other make agonizing decisions over which shoes to buy for the upcoming dance and enjoying the exciting and busy atmosphere of the city, our holiday spirits were tangibly rising. The yearly German Christmas markets were in full fling, bringing with it the smell of currywurst and mulled wine as we strolled by the stations of handmade goods and treats.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

 My friends Ruby and Una were so inspired by the festivities that they went on one of the many mini rides scattered around the city center, while the rest of us sat back and laughed at the sight of their feet dangling just about over the famous Scott Monument. It was certainly a nice escape from school, not to mention an excuse to indulge in some hot chocolate and give fashion advice to each other.

Homemade German truffles? Yes please. 

Ruby and Una, after their thrilling ride and before shopping 'till they drop.

The second trip on Tuesday was something that has been on my schedule for quite some time: the Dollar Academy Usher Hall concert. Pupils have been actively preparing for this performance since just about the beginning of the year, and just this past week we have all been positively bombarded by missed school days due to the continuous rehearsals. In fact, because I am in two choirs and the senior orchestra, there were two days in the past week where I spent my whole class day in the auditorium instead of the classroom.

An organ in the Usher Hall that would surely make Mr. Gouwens jealous.

The rehearsals really did pay off, however. The concert itself was remarkable, despite all the teachers' --and students'-- frets leading up to the performance.  Every group from the prep and junior choir (children about the age of 5 to 13) to the Dollar Academy Jazz Orchestra (more commonly known as DAJO) played and sang their heart out to an audience of about 1700. The Usher Hall is an absolutely gorgeous venue; it was a great privilege to play in a building with such pristine acoustics and a rich history. I cannot accurately express the way the sound of over 400 student performers, whether singers or instrumentalists, aged 5 or 19, resonated through the air-- especially on our finale, Orff's famous Carmina Burana. I can tell you now that there is no better way, except perhaps the Christmas Markets in Edinburgh, to realize that Christmas is right around the very corner.

A warm-up before the big event. 

My friend Hamish, keeping me company in the long hours of setup before the concert.

Also, I must add that Christmas carol tunes are much different here than in the States. When I first saw familiar songs on the program such as Away in a Manger and Oh Little Town of Bethlehem, you can imagine my shock when it was a completely unfamiliar melody. It's one of those little things that catch me off guard once in a while, reminding me that I am living in a completely new world than before.

The Mixed Voice Choir and Wind Band, only about half of all the performers!

But the holidays are far from over for Dollar pupils. This weekend, I have another performance with the Chamber Choir, a House Christmas party, a pantomime show, and the Boarders' Caleigh (Scottish translation: party) to look forward to-- and that's not counting all the festive events next week. Then on Friday, I'll be on a taxi in the wee hours of the morning to catch a flight to Rome: is there possibly a better way to spend Christmas? Well, maybe at home with family. But I promise, through all of these festive events, that you all will be on my mind and in my heart.