November

I apologize for not posting as regularly as I would like, time has been flying and nothing too notable has happened. I have one essay done at least in first draft form (on WSIS and Internet Governance), and am compiling research for my second now (on the UN General Assembly). I hope to get the second done this week and the third the week after - because then my mom and sister come to Edinburgh and we are off to Italy for Christmas!

Scotland doesn't celebrate Thanksgiving (obviously), and thus we have no break from classes, however I decided to take my own vacation. My friend Zak and I ventured to Barcelona, Spain! We left in the evening on 17 Nov and flew back the night of 21 Nov. It was a phenomenal trip - among other things, we wandered all around the city, saw a lot of Gaudi architecture, explored museums and shops in the Gothic District, ate some authentic Catalan and Spanish food, traveled outside the city to a beach town called Sitges, and had a little taste of Barcelona night life. My favorite Gaudi site was definitely the Sagrada Familia. Construction began on the huge cathedral-esque building in 1909 and it is still in the process of being completed! Aside from Spain just being gorgeous, it was also warm and sunny- A great break from Scotland, where we had left a long stretch of cold, rainy days! I had two friends in Barcelona, one studying there for a semester and the other visiting him for a few weeks. It was really nice to spend some time with home friends, it made the whole trip extra exciting.

Although I was very stressed about taking a vacation in the middle of essay writing, and I was exhausted right when I got back, I have actually felt surprisingly refreshed since returning. I was so bogged down in work right before I left that taking a complete break allowed me to come back to my essays with a renewed energy. I am back to the grind now, however.

Another update, last night was the first snow here! We had heard it was snowing farther north already, but we had yet to get any flakes. Last night what started as a light flurry turned into a decent snow that actually stuck. Now the roads, rooftops and hills are all coated with a light layer of snow, and the snow dusted city is absolutely stunning. Think 101 Dalmatians. Last night I was out with friends and our long walk across the meadows to a party turned into a winter wonderland photo shoot. Luckily while I was in Barcelona (and taking advantage of the Euro exchange rate) I picked up a new winter jacket that is complete with a sturdy zipper, toggles and a big hood. The weather has been surprisingly nice lately, cold for sure but otherwise sunny and dry with little wind. I hope it lasts! My camera memory card isn't working right now, but when it decides to cooperate I will update with pictures of the first snow that I took last night!

Edinburgh is currently transforming into Christmas-land which, along with the snow, makes the city feel even more like a story book. They have a 4th of July style carnival here (still not sure why carnivals in winter are considered a good idea) and set up a whole outdoor ice skating ring down in the New Town. We were going to go check it out last night, but decided to postpone it until next week since one of my friends had to pack for a weekend in London. I accidentally admitted I used to figure skate, as most young girls do growing up in Lexington, but I am pretty sure I am just as uncomfortable on skates as if I had never donned a pair in my life. Edinburgh is also preparing for its HUGE New Years Eve festival, which I am very much looking forward to. They have a big street party and a concert, and tickets are not too expensive. Apparently they spend so much money on the festival that it is getting to be a controversial subject, especially since many locals complain about having to pay to be in the streets of their own city. I think this year they have downsized a bit, but I am glad they they didn't scrap the party all together at least while I'm here! If you want to do some reading on another controversial subject in Edinburgh, look up the debate surrounding the impending tram system!

Friends from my accommodation has a Thanksgiving dinner on Wednesday that was great, and another set of friends is having a big dinner tonight. Funny enough, though, I did not actually celebrate Thanksgiving on the 25th. I did get to Skype with my mom, Carly, and with my dad's side of the family. (Dad - don't worry, I will call you after this and we can find time to Skype!) Tonight should be a great feast, I am currently distracting myself from the urge to snack so I can be ready for all the delicious food later! I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving back in the U.S., survived Black Friday, and is getting ready for the winter holidays!