Hello all! We are happy to report that we have arrived at St Andrews safe and sound and are now settling into the town. Our flight over was thankfully uneventful, and after a ride from Craig, the University's shuttle driver, we arrived right in front of our dorm. St Salvators Hall is a beautiful stone building that houses many freshmen and study abroad students, but we didn't have the energy to take it all in as we clambered up to our room on the top floor the first night. Imagine our surprise, then, when we woke up 12 hours later to realize our dorm room window overlooks the North Sea!
We have a spectacular view, helpful and friendly Wardens (Resident Assistants), and catered dining. That means we are to be downstairs for meals 3 times during the day or else we miss our opportunity to eat. So far we've found the food to be filling and edible but nevertheless flavorless. That is, until we tasted sticky toffee pudding. Little did we know a dessert so divine existed in this world! I had been told by friends at home that I must, MUST try this dish while in Scotland, but I admit I was skeptical when we first saw the brown lump that supposedly was sticky toffee. However, after the first bite, I was thoroughly convinced. We can't wait to have it again.
Most students haven't arrived yet since classes don't start until Monday. We've been busying ourselves around the town (which has only 3 streets) to find all our necessities. We decided to allow ourselves to be embarrassed without caring for 1 month, then we have to start looking and acting like locals at all times. So far, we've been taking advantage of our rule...in the grocery store, restaurants, our residence hall, you name it, we've adequately embarrassed ourselves in some form or fashion. But it's ok! It's acceptable! We're only study abroad students, after all!
Last night we had our first real Scottish pub experience at a place called Central that's about a block away. With old wooden floors, ceilings, walls, and tables, it was everything we hoped it would be. Our embarrassing story here is that we asked if we should seat ourselves when we came in, only to get a puzzled look from one of the bartenders who informed us, 'Well, this is a pub...so yeah, sit anywhere.' We made friends with the other bartender after taking a seat and asked him to recommend a beer. He instead let us taste 3 of his favorites, and we both decided to order Edinbugh Gold. We had a fantastic time sipping and chatting the night away.
We can't wait to report more adventures as the days progress! Classes start Monday, so our temorary vacation will somewhat come to and end. However, we hope to look ahead a day at a time and take full advantage of all the University has to offer. Pictures and more stories to come!
Claire
That's a great ass rule.
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