I am one lucky girl. That is the thought that was floating through my head as I strolled through town today, listening to the church bells ring the hour in the great stone tower. That thought actually floats through my head a lot. Like during a meeting for UNYSA last week, when we were brainstorming events for AIDS week in December, and I was able to draw on my experiences from high school and this past summer to give ideas and advice. And as I was making dinner with a huge group of friends, in a kitchen that overlooks the Royal and Ancient golf course. And as I listened to an expert lecture on Humanism during the Northern Renaissance. And then of course, at the Opening Ball last Friday night which deserves a paragraph of it's own...
Since the day of my arrival here in St Andrews, there has been a group of guys outside the Union hounding my fellow students and I about buying tickets to the Kate Kennedy Charity Opening Ball. I finally gave in and bought the 28quid ticket ($55!!! which is why I was hesitant, but it was worth it). So the night of the ball arrived, and my friends and I all crammed into one bedroom and fixed each others hair, and got all dressed up. It was raining, so we took a taxi into town and a man in a kilt greeted us and held an umbrella over us as he directed us towards the welcome tent, where we were all handed a flute of champagne and a yellow rose. We were then led to the main tent, where we joined a few hundred beautifully dressed people mingling and sipping on overpriced drinks as we danced and chatted the night away. It was like a movie.
I have a group of really great friends, who make life so much better. Last night we made two dinners, haha. The first was tacos and the second was PANCAKES!!! It was so delicious. I haven't been missing American food much, but tacos and pancakes have been what I have been craving most, so it was a really good night. Our weekends usually consist of some culinary adventure, and then the 15 minute walk into town to hang out at the Union or curling up in the TV room and watching a movie.
And of course, there is the copious amount of studying I am expected to do. I have found my favorite spot in the library, where I can spread my work out and focus for a few hours. And I know all the best coffee shops in town, where I rejuvenate with mochas and scones. Overall, I am really enjoying my classes. History is my favorite, and daily I am reassured in my decision of that as my degree. Hebrew continues to be challenging and fascinating. International Relations...well, hopefully I'll learn to enjoy it.
Today is my one month anniversary here in St Andrews. I feel like I have lived here for much longer. I love it here. I do miss home, but I truly feel like I belong here, and I thank God he led me to this small, quaint, gorgeous, lovely place.
Any news from home is always appreciated, as are letters and care packages :)
Lots of love xoxo
