#exchangestudentproblems

I just spent about 2 hours writing a much better post about the Austria trip! And then my internet crashed.  I don't think it's meant to be.  A picture is worth 1000 words so here's the story.

Sunrise in Salzburg

 My trip started with a tour of Munich with a couchsurfer named Baran. He knew every nook and cranny of the city, and the history and stories of so many buildings and statues.  Munich is such a beautiful place and I was so lucky to have such a great tour guide. From here the trip took quite an adventurous turn.  Jakub, a rowing friend living in Germany, and I headed down to Lech Zurs in Austria to do some skiing.  We hit the slopes with vengeance...and Jakub ended up with 2 cracked ribs, a ruptured spleen, 2 fractured vertebrae, a concussion and a broken humerus. So, I began my trek from Zurs to the Feldkirch ICU. This created a few adventures of my own, not the least of which was getting there in a pair of hotel slippers because my shoes were locked in the car.  The car, a tiny stick shift Renault, also had to be driven back to Feldkirch so Jakub could take care of it later, so I stepped up to the plate the next day. First time driving stick on my own, through the Alps w/ some heavy snow passing through...quite the drive. Luckily I had Bruce Springsteen to keep me company on the local radio station.



I returned to Rosenheim, got my stuff, and headed to Salzburg the next day.  The trip really began there.  Another couchsurfer, Michelle, texted me as I arrived in Salzburg saying there was a parade in Ebensee, a small town in the Salzkammergut.  So, I hopped on another train and headed out. Am I ever glad I did.  We experienced Fetzenmontag, rag Monday, a ridiculous parade where Austrian children came around and hit you with large wooden sticks, girls were carried off in wheelbarrows to bars and the whole town comes together for a party. After the parade we were invited to a party, but not quite the usual fare that I am involved in.  This party was in a tiny cedar boathouse, on the edge of Trawnsee, a small mountain lake, with Trawnschtein, a monster of a peak overlooking it.  There was white sausage and beer abound and with everyone still dressed in their costumes it was quite the time. We partied the night away with the Austrians and on Sunday went to another parade in Bad Aussee. On the train there and back we were serenaded by a group singing traditional Austrian festival songs, what an atmosphere. I will post this now because I feel as though an update is necessary, but I will come back and finish it later when I am not about to fall asleep....goodnight everyone!

and the winner is...

herro everyone,

so what with the lack of success of the last comment plea post, I am implementing a new system.  Best monthly comment as rated by me will get a post card from wherever I happen to be around the time of deciding. The first one will be decided in the next 2 weeks to kick things off right. Post on the epic trip to Austria to come soon. Stay tuned for driving stick shift in the Alps, the handiest pair of slippers ever, and some crazy Austrian festivals.

G

bad jokes

every night on exchange sounds like the beginning to a bad joke:

so there was 3 Germans, 2 Belgians, 2 Canadians and an Asian sitting at a table...

Nessie and Shortbreads

Hello everyone!

So, Inverness and Loch Ness. Saturday morning comes with apprehension and smiles! The bus brings heaters that seem to be powered by the heat of the sun and a driver which is apparently very short sighted.  We lurched and sweated our way to Inverness to do a little exploring before we headed to Loch Ness.  Inverness is a quite city, complete with a quaint Victorian Market, inner city river, and free shortbreads.  Wait what, free shortbreads! Not really, Tucker and I bought some beautiful Scotland prints from a tourist information store, and with our purchase came a pack of 20 shortbreads.  What do you do when you have free shortbreads and a hungry day ahead of you? Have a contest.  A remarkably uncomfortable, ridiculous contest in which no one wins, except those darn shortbreads.

We continued onto a remarkably touristy Loch Ness. The gift shop was complete with "I love haggis" shirts, fuzzy Nessie hats, and boxers with Scottish flags. We had some fun w/ the gimmicky gifts, then left for a boat tour, which started beside a giant purple recreation of a cartoon Nessie complete with floats, maybe this accounts for the myth?! The Loch and vistas from atop the boat were beautiful, but it was crowded and extremely windy.  The boat ride took us to the "remarkably unremarkable" (thanks Heather) Urquhart Castle, which we explored and headed back on the dreaded 3 hour bus ride. The trip as a whole was a bit of a disappointment as it was very scheduled and a little rushed because of the size of the group and bus ride, but lesson learned.  Planning your own trips is definitely worth it. Although it wasn't perfect, collectively we had a lot of fun, the first 10 shortbreads were delicious and if I had come back from Scotland without seeing Loch Ness I'm sure there would have been quite a few confused faces.

I have developed a bit of a cold, had some more struggles with scheduling earlier this week, and am finding it a little annoying that I haven't been able to train properly because of this cold, scheduling, trips, nutrition etc.  The past few days there has been a definite spike in, wow I really miss ---- (big bed, big fridge, big stove etc.) coming from the exchangers and I. As we all know, this is part of it. When you apply for exchange, you must go through orientation, and from what I've heard, most orientations spend some time talking about the W curve of cultural adaptation.  It's one of those things that you kind of shrug off, saying, ya I could see that happening, but who really cares. Well, past self, you care. It is very obviously apparent and it is nice to be able to know that it is common and it takes a little time for everyone.  Soon it will feel like home.

I don't think this rut will last too long though. This weekend I am heading to Munich, then down to AUSTRIA TO SKI THE ALPS OOHHHHHH MY GOODNESS...sorry this is actually a life long dream that is being lived within the week.  This cold best disappear! My friend Jakub from rowing in first year lives in Rosenheim just south of Munich, and just outside the Alps, so I will be there for the weekend, and then am thinking of going to Salzburg, and potentially getting up to Prague before I return to Munich to fly home on Wednesday. VERY EXCITING. I will also be getting my camera back when I head to Edinburgh Thursday night to fly out! So there will be a few more pictures up very soon.

Miss everyone back home more all the time! Actually, that reminds me.  If you want to send me anything, and I know you do, my address is:

George Payne

Unit 287 B

Hector Boece Court #26

Don Street

Aberdeen
AB24 1WU

Happy Valentines Day!

George

Call for help!

I am lost in the internet, trying to find the perfect balance between budget and powder.  I am in need of assistance! If anyone has tips on where to ski in the Alps, or good ideas to help me find them, please post a comment! I will be eternally grateful.

G

I found the solution, find the cheapest flight you can, book it, and go.

They're just guidelines!

I am starting feel like a real Aberdonian!

Yesterday was a sad occasion with Dave, another UoG student, having to go home, but we made the most of it with true Scottish cooking! For Dave's last dinner, we cooked our first real haggis from a local butcher (which was delicious) alongside organically grown local produce, with rice pudding for dessert.  It was superb and I think we sent Dave off in style.  A genuinely generous and thoughtful person, we were all lucky to have him here with us for the last week. Wishing you the best from da Boece, Dave!

This weekend brought the first of many adventures around Scotland.

Friday night was our first real night as a crew out in the city. I visited Will and his diving friends, then Hannes and I went downtown to meet the exchangers. We were all extremely impressed with the music being played, Kings of Leon, Barenaked Ladies, and Arcade Fire, just to name a few!

Saturday was uneventful, minus a visit to Becycle, a program where you build your own bike from run down trade ins for free with their tools! I plan to get one as soon as the new shop is up and running, it will be so much easier to get around! Although the campus and surrounding area is beautiful, the walks from Hills Head to class, the gym and the grocery store are quite a hike, and bus fares are a little ludicrous. Later, we had a group dinner, discussed plans for Sunday and got a good sleep for the trip to Dunnottar on Sunday.

Just guidelines?

Is it ever a good thing we did.  As I am still relatively new to travelling, I knew a lot of walking would be involved, but as a group we covered a lot of ground.  It was all worth it though, Dunnottar Castle is exactly as you would imagine the Scottish coast on a beautiful day. Perched on top of limestone cliffs rising out of the sea, with only a narrow valley to gain access, the smell of sea air with a hint of sheep and a brisk coastal breeze blowing, I couldn't imagine a more perfect scene. We took it all in as it is a few miles down a coastal trail from Stonehaven where the train station was.  The Guelphites hoofed it ahead of the a particularly slow moving American named Rachel (ha!) and started exploring the castle.  What a place! Even though much of the original inner fortress has been ruined, there are nooks and crannies, thief holes, a brewery, and great views abound.  There are also thick gates stopping you from getting the most scenic views from atop the ramparts, but after a bit of perusing at the top of a tower we decided, those are just guidelines!After exploring, eating lunch on the cliffs, scaring some sheep, and visiting a beautiful World War memorial, we headed back into town.  By this time, we were all tuckered (punny if your an exchanger) out, and were in need of some food and warmth.  We tried the main strip, but there was little in the way of the local seafood we sought, but, when in doubt, ask an old lady! Kendra and I asked a couple of them as they passed and they recommended the Ship's Inn, which was right on the wharf.  We all enjoyed seafood, some haggis, a lot of beets, and a place to rest our feet.  We enjoyed the food, set out for the train station, got distracted by some delicious chocolate and fudge samples at a local candy shop and eventually caught the train back to Aberdeen.

Dunnottar Castle

After a long day of walking, my feet and body moaned for a rest, but the Superbowl and rowing guys called my name as 10:30pm rolled around.  I dragged myself out the door to a friends and we enjoyed monstrous amounts of pizza and a Giants win.  By the time I got to bed it must have been around 4am. Bed had never felt so good.

Monday was spent unpacking, cooking breakfast for dinner, and a number of mishaps in the group effort of cooking the a fore mentioned dinner.  Tuesday: class, chores and haggis.

Good friends, good times.

Now that I have unpacked, the flat cleaned, groceries stocked (kind of), haggis cooked and have most things figured out, it is really starting to feel like home.  It still feels like an amazing experience, still like living in a foreign country, but things are ship shape and I am really enjoying the experience.  I have met some great people, and am looking forward to meeting a lot more.  There's been some unforgettable experiences, some good, some bad, and I welcome both kinds in the up and coming months. The phrase, the people make the place, really has a new meaning to me, and I think that anywhere can feel like home if you surround yourself with the right people, but there is no yin without the yang and the opposite is true as well.  Moral of the story, good friends mean good times. 

Ah, feels good to get back at the blogging, hope everyone has enjoyed it so far and I will hopefully add some pictures in the next little while.  Leave some comments if you please! Please?

Oh, its dark, must be 5 and time for dinner.  Goodnight from the Silver City, and good day to everyone back home!

Comments people, comments!

Good afternoon/evening to everyone back in Canada eh! Today has been quite the day, visiting Dunnottar Castle with spectacular weather has been a real treat.  I will post more later, but for now, if you like my post (or dislike it) or have suggestions, questions etc. comment and post your thoughts! It's nice to have feedback. Aye?!
Aye! Have a good superbowl night, I will be watching with some rowers at 2am!

George

Baby Seals, Mince Pies, Pheasants and Guiness

Ah, where to start. The last few days in Aberdeen have been full of some great times with great people. I said goodbye last time as I was heading out to row on the River Dee, and it sounds like a good place to start as well.

First of all, let me just tell you how nice docks are. They are so dry, so warm! They may sometimes be covered with goose poop, but they really are beautiful things. Sadly, Aberdeen University Boat Club (AUBC) lacks docks. This means wet launching boats, in north eastern Scotland, in the middle of winter. I have a much greater appreciation for the luxuries of home, and have a new found concept of rowing cold. After an extremely painful launching, we get on the water, it feels great. The shoulder is a little sore but the salty sea air and the giant seagoing ships surrounding us quickly take my mind away from anything but the rhythmic sweep of our oars. We get off, debrief and I head back to Will's for dinner and a movie.  I am a little skeptical about training full time with AUBC as most races are on weekends and I would like to be travelling on most but I think once I'm settled and know a bit of routine I will be able to make a more informed decision.  In the meantime, the gym is INCREDIBLE! A new multi million dollar sports village with 5 oly. lifting platforms, foam rollers galore, brand new ergs, and free yoga classes. I think I will like it here!

Anyways, on to the epics of yesterday! Morning was nothing out of the ordinary, except there was some sun! Kendra and I had an Art History class. Bit ridiculous isn't it, George Payne in an art history course? But that's what exchange is for! New things, and this new thing turned out to be great! We discussed Gothic cathedrals, specifically, St. Machars which I pass by every morning on the way to campus! Knowing the history and importance of things really makes you appreciate seeing it so much more. I think this class will be a definite success.  As it was a beautiful sunny day we decided to get the exchangers together to go to the beach! But only after I fixed my phone, and attended my coastal ecology class, which was quite interesting, filled with more local knowledge, and the prof and I went and got a mince pie (DELICIOUS) after class! My courses are looking great, not to mention, I have all of today off.

After a mince pie Dave, Devin, Ainslee and I met with the exchangers at the newly meaningful St. Machars cathedral, and set off to the beach. With the sun low in the sky, no clouds, and a low tide, it was quite a beautiful site.  I apologize for the lack of pictures so far! I left my camera back at St. Andrews but will get it soon and will share pictures when I can. Check out http://animus-hospes.blogspot.com/ for some pics of the beach! As we wandered down the beach, collecting sea shells, crab claws, and sea glass (note to self, sea collectibles smell bad in pockets) a couple of women approached us, in quite a fluster. They needed our help carrying an injured seal to a pick up spot for the SPCA! Obviously, we obliged, and Tucker, Dave and I carried a dog kennel with a rowdy seal in it up to the road above the beach. How often are you going to save a seal on the coast of Scotland? We all smiled at our good fortune and snapped pictures. Tucker and I headed to the wonder gym, we had a great family dinner with the Americans, planned a trip to Dunnottar Castle and Tucker and I went and had a drink with Rachel, her roommates and a load of Spaniards. We headed to the Bobbin (student pub) with a Finlandian, Hannes, had a Guiness, and called it a night after visiting the neighbours upstairs.

This morning the sun is shining, and I have no class, what will another beautiful day in Aberdeen bring? Love from Scotland to everyone back home!

a lot of #exchangestudentproblems

So, the things they tell you about adjusting are true, weird.

I arrived in Aberdeen on Friday to stay with my cousin Will in his flat and spent my first night with the family.  The next morning I walked to campus and was greeted with some spectacular buildings.  Our orientation was held in a 15th century chapel, which is right across from a brand new library which has not even had its grand opening yet. There are deer in the park between residences and campus, and a study room with taxidermied specimens and a whale skeleton. Things are looking good. In fact, things are good, alas, not perfect.

Saturday goes by without too much hassle, Dave (another Guelph student) and I go to find phones in the heart of the city. Marischal College looms in the distance. We leave with ideas of what to get tomorrow and head back for course selection.  Course selection is medieval compared to universities Canada. Everything is handwritten, we don't have online schedules, the whole thing is pretty confusing, but things work out in the end.  Of course my choices start 9am on Monday and finish at 7pm on Friday (this will change tomorrow). Now for the walk back home, where is home again? Oh ya, Rosemount, where is that again?

Ah, a bus, oh, it doesn't stop at bus stops? I'll get the next one. Ah, they don't give change, there goes 20p.  How do I get to there on here? You can't.  Of course. I take it to the closest stop, and by chance recognize a bar we had passed on the way to dinner last night. Finally, home, there's chilli cooking and ale in the fridge, what a beautiful sight it is.

Sunday! Move in day.  We figure out the phone situations (or so I think) and head back to campus to see my room and meet for a Burns' night ceilidh! I have very low expectations of my room as I had seen Dave's the day before and it is dismal, mine is not different.  Mould on the ceiling in the kitchen, 1 shower between six people and two tiny toilets! But no worry, we applied for a change of residence Monday at opening. Later on that night along with some other exchange students I joined in on the traditional Scottish dancing and some haggis and had a great time.  One plus about my room is that two great American girls live right above me so we hung out, debated the trials and tribulations of being on exchange and showed each other pictures of home.

Since Sunday, my luck has not improved one bit, but I am surprising myself at each unfortunate even, keeping a positive attitude, and knowing that it is all part of the experience.  My visa and debit decided it was time for a holiday, so I called the bank, and as I did, my phone ran out of credit, and with no visa to add credit, I was in a downward spiral of #exchangestudentproblems. I also lacked food, and without money, it can be quite hard to procure any.  Luckily, another awesome American student gave me dinner! Americans are awesome. We were also both studying science at home so decided to work on our schedules, and the result was Mon, Wed, and Fri off! I don't know how we did it. Going from taking human physiology, biochem, nutrition and english last semester I feel like I am barely even going to school but that's just another #exchangestudentbonus I guess. Yesterday evening I was able to figure out the bank situation, and today will hopefully be able to get my phone back online.  With a working visa I was able to attend the kick off to the winter rowing season for the Aberdeen Uni Boat Club! It was another night filled with Scottish dancing and great people and I'm really looking forward to getting to know the crew more! I also love Scottish dancing. I think I will write an entire post on it. It is so much better than getting uncomfortably close to a stranger in a dark bar with deafening music in your ear in Canada. Scottish parties are right up my alley.

This post is very fragmented and I find that the quality of posts has suffered in the last two updates but don't worry, once I am settled in and my life is not a whirlwind of  unlucky breaks I will sit down and right and wonderfully insightful, humorous post on life in Scotland one that is full of #exchangestudentproblems.

Time to go for a row on the river Dee! I hear there are occasionally seals at the top, we'll have to see. Also, happy birthday Kendra!