Up, Up and Away

As our airplane gathered speed down the brightly lit runway at dusk, so did the pace of my heart. Finally, after months of anticipation, weeks of premature packing, and a slightly delayed flight, I am no longer on USA ground. And it was all totally worth it. I'm so glad to have this time to explore and relax with my mom before school starts, while she needs the vacation too. We've already experienced so much, from goat cheese chili chutney baguettes to barely understandable Scottish taxi drivers. We've dropped off most of my luggage at Dollar already, but the jetlag has virtually slapped us in the face, so it's an early night in. It doesn't quite feel real yet, but I know it will soon. That time will come.

Despite just arriving in another country for the first time just a few hours ago, here's a list of a few things I have learned so far:

1. Yes, Scotland really is as beautiful as people say, and more. I haven't taken too many pictures yet partially because it just isn't quite the same as experiencing them in person, and partially because my camera was being held hostage in my checked baggage. But really. The mountains, the flowers, the old buildings-- every detail is a reminder of what an amazing world we live in.

2. While the sightseeing is superior to anything I have ever experienced, I do already miss American toilets. The ones here are square, which is just plain wrong, and they flush weird.

3. Flexibility is an absolute must while traveling. My mom and I were looking forward to seeing Paris for the few days that we will be together, but with all the traveling time and complications, we decided our time would be better spent getting to know the area. The Cathedral of Notre Dame would have been nice, but there's also apparently a comedy festival taking place in Edinburgh this week, so it all works out in the end.

4. THE STARBUCKS HERE HAVE YOGHURT FRAPPUCCINOS (note the odd spelling as well). WHAT.

5. All the little details-- local phrases, familiarity with currency and cash, bus schedules-- they all matter. I wish I did more studying before I left to know the area a little better than I do now. Oops.

So, I still have so much to learn. That's what the next 11 months are for, after all. It's going to be a wild, crazy, fulfilling ride. But for now, it's time to pass out and catch up on some long-awaited sleep...