Let me explain this to those of you who are not quite up to par on your geography (AKA: Me, before I got to Great Britian). The entire country of Scotland IS NOT that large. On the map and in the hearts of the Scotts, yes it looks like a significantly large land mass. But for perspective, the entire country of Scotland is about the size of the state of South Carolina. Within that small-ish area, most of the country is composed of rolling hills and tiny villages. There are basically only two main & significant cities, Glasgow & Edinburgh & after visiting those you must see the Highlands, and if you’re lucky enough, some of the Scottish Isles. After those main areas are proudly hit, you have basically experienced the bulk of Scotland.

I tell you these little facts, merely to gain some perspective to what I am about to say. Today marks ONE MONTH since Erin & I have landed in this GORGEOUS country. One month ago, we were hopping off our airport shuttle and feeling completely lost in this tiny town. One month ago, we started at point zero, with an entire list of aspirations for this trip.

Looking back, for a minute I was feeling really disappointed with myself. In one month, I know more people that would have seen so much more of a country than I have. In one month, I feel they would have thought themselves having been keen travellers of Rome, Italy, & all of Scotland. But then I gained some perspective, just the kind of perspective that I detailed above. Amongst classes, homework and adapting to a new city, I have already seen those two significant cities, become comfortable in my own city, seen the rolling hills of the country side, travelled the span of Scotland to its opposite coast, and have already set in motion plans for my trip to the Highlands & multiple Isles off of the coast. I have tried my first taste of Hagas, am soon to see a real football (soccer) game, explored a castle and so much more. For one month, while fighting an interesting class schedule, Erin Marie & I have been quite successful in seeing the main parts of Scotland & beyond. We have already planned a camping trip to a secluded beach on an Isle of Scotland, an excursion involving rafting & jumping off a cliff (of sorts) & have booked our first Hostel stay near another epic castle.

Needless to say, I am proud of us (: & am SOO excited with what the next 3 months will bring. I did all that, in my adjustment period. Imagine what is going to get accomplished in the upcoming months with spring break, friend & family visits, extended weekends, Italy, Ireland & England etc. I say, BRING IT ON SCOTLAND and their European Counterparts! You’re no match for the wee Cavanagh twins (;

This was solely my… pep talk to myself. Thought, might as well psych myself up on a public forum. Thanks for bearing with me & wish us luck in all that we wish to accomplish in the (seemingly) short period we have left! <3