IM HERE!

after a lot of walking and picture taking and not sleeping, I have finally arrived in Stirling.
When we first came to town, we were given to our host families with whom we would be living for 2 days. The original family I was supposed to be with cancelled because someone in their family had just been murdered...such a great, warm welcome to the "safe" city of Stirling. So instead 4 of us were placed in one house. Suzie and Willy(?) were lovely and had dinner waiting for us when we got there and it was probably the most delicious thing I had ever eaten. Some kind of vegetarian chicken curry. I dont really understand but I also dont really care because it twas fantastic. For bed time we all had to share with someone, so I was with Katie and shes cool and also she didnt move or try to touch me with her feet so thats nice. The shower though was PACKED with about 50 bottles of shampoo, conditioner, body wash, face wash, and every other type of gel you would need in a shower in about 30 flavors. It was very cute.

so. many. steps.

But our plan for the day was to visit the Wallace Monument, and stop in to the university to check things out. Now, the Wallace monument is awesome in theory. But in reality it is just an excuse to make children do a lot more walking than necessary. First you walk up the hill (MOUNTAIN) and there are many steep twisty turns and mud slides and no thank you. The worst part was that there was a shuttle service that would have been much easier. Anyways, once you're up the hill, you think you're in the clear, because who wants to climb up a tower with god knows how many steps. I think if I have learned anything from being here, it is that the Scottish people like to challenge everything. We were forced to climb up. The stairwell is about 3 feet in diameter and the incline is insane. It was poorly lit and extremely terrifying. But we finally made it up and I have to admit it was beautiful. You could see the entire town and the university and the amazing beauty that is the Scottish landscape.

Then we went into town to do some shopping for the essentials. It was not very exciting, but I was finally able to set up my phone and feel like a normal person again. The next day we were set to move it, and I was going to give my home stay gift to my host mom, but when I gave her the large box of Frango mints with the Chicago skyline on them, she barely smiled and it seemed like she forced out the "thank you." If I had known she would not have been more excited, I would have kept them for myself! I don't think she realizes what I just gave her. No matter, because I can successfully, and I would even say easily carry all my luggage on my own! HUZZAH! I live in H H Donnelley. Donnelly? Donnley? Who knows. There is one long hall with 7 rooms shooting off it. Two bathrooms on either end with a kitchen inbetween. Its quite cozy and I have taken it upon myself to make my room adorable. The girls on my floor are all really great. There are mostly American students, but we have one girl from Brazil, one for the Czech Republic, and one from Scotland. I don't know all of there names as of right now, but theres plenty of time for that. Classes are starting and I'm trying really hard to be social and talk to people in my classes. There are SO many people in my classes. Its amazing there are this many people here. Cause you never see them walking around campus or downtown. Sara, Elisabeth and I have gone out clubbing, to a pub quiz and to various coffee shops in town.

Also Liza wanted me to let everyone know that she was also ready an hour before she left. So there Liza. Also thanks for getting this thing actually working. 

 And now for some photographs from Edinburgh that I just figured out how to upload:

Hogwarts in the flesh. 

Diagonalley

Oh you Scots, so funny and obsessed with placing odd objects on heads.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A drop of water landed on my person, so excuse the face.