Ah, To Be Back! (Scotland, Take 2)

Happy New Year, everyone! If you’re new to the blog in 2012, my name is Zoe, and I’m spending my junior year at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. I miss Chapel Hill every day, but I’m having loads of adventures in Europe. So far, I’m loving every second of my study abroad experience.

I flew back to Edinburgh last Thursday, after spending winter break in Connecticut, with my family. My friend Emily (a fellow Tar Heel) arrived a day later. When she knocked on my door Friday afternoon, she was jetlagged and starving; but after a bagel and a couple cups of coffee, the two of us were ready to go. Our dormitory was virtually empty, so we packed overnight bags and boarded a train to Glasgow, to visit our Scottish friends, Jamie and Calum.

The next couple of days were perfect. Just what I needed to feel at home (again) in Scotland. We enjoyed family dinners, watched British television, and lay in bed with Calum’s dog, Diesel. On Saturday, we took a nature hike in the woods, and went to a pub in the city centre. Pictures below:

Calum and Diesel

The view at the end of the nature hike

Good thing we packed our rain boots!

The short version: I miss my family, but I’m so, so happy to be back in Edinburgh.

A sneak peek at adventures to come: tonight is Robert Burns’ night (famous Scottish poet), so my girlfriends and I are going to the Southsider pub to eat haggis and listen to music. And, this weekend, Em and I are travelling to Basel, Switzerland - just for fun. I’m taking three classes (Meta Ethics, Fiction Writing, and Scottish Art History), and, with any luck, I’ll meet loads of new people.

Shoot me a comment or email if you have any questions about UNC study abroad. Until next time!