Hold Fast, Scots.

It's really neat being in Scotland because all of the sudden, our marching band uniforms make so much sense. As soon as we got off the coach in Edinburgh, I found a Macleod plaid key chain that had "Hold Fast" written on it with a goat and recognized it from the broaches we have to wear in band that Ben and I were analyzing last year.

When we got in town, we stopped at a small Scottish pub for a little break. It turns out that the Scots have this really awesome beer that's brewed in rum bottles called Innus & Gunn and it's a really sweet, potent beer. I recommend it highly.

Then we stopped at Danny's friend Jen's flat where she's staying while she studies at the University of Edinburgh. We went out to eat with a lot of her friends from the school (who, oddly enough, were all from the East Coast, also studying abroad) and began the night. We went out with a lot of girls and a couple of Scottish guys. First we went to an on campus pub called Rush and listened to really drunk Scots butcher country songs, and then we went to the Hive to dance.

Here, dancing is so much nicer than it is in the states. The music is loud and the lights are bright, but no one grinds and it's awesome. You all dance together and every once in a while you get twirled around. So much more classier. Plus, you walk home in between castles and on cobblestone streets. Take that, Amurica.

Today, we did a lot of touristy things, but they were really great. We went to the Museum of Scotland (which was free!) and it was amazing. So enlightening about the Scottish history and culture. It made me think of Kate, and I can totally see why she wants to live in a museum, now.

 

(That's totally Mary, Queen of Scot's tomb)

 

Then, on our way to Edinburgh Castle, we made a brilliant discovery: The Elephant Cafe (a.k.a. THE CAFE WHERE J. K. ROWLING WROTE HARRY POTTER!) And, I totally had to have a tea there, silently hoping that I might be struck with the gift of storytelling :)

After that memorable moment, we made our way up to Edinburgh Castle, which made for spectacular views of the whole city.

B-E-A-U-tiful!

We finished off the day with eating in (mac & cheese) and setting up our cheap, pre-paid phones. They're adorable. Everything over here is like ten years behind. If you're in the UK, WE CAN TEXT because I miss you so much, who ever you are, haha. And if you're not in the UK, I still miss you like heck, and we can text for 25p a text (so, we can't really, but if you can't stand how much you miss me, I'll pay the small price :)) My number is: 07530026241

Anyways, off to the showers! I really miss everyone back at home, and Peanut :( I'm excited for school to start so I have even less time to let my mind wonder, and to get my head back in the game of academia!