A month is a long time. A long time to experience. A long time to explain. A long time for me to update. It's also a short time for those same reasons. So, I'll try in a short time to summarize the happenings of a long time.
First things first, school has begun! Not only has it begun, I'm already halfway through my first semester of overly academic reading and plenty of intense discussion. Its somewhat odd to think that a mere three months ago I was sitting at my desk in an office imagining the inherent freedoms of a relaxed study schedule unfettered by the constraints the 40-hour work week. Well, I may have been a bit presumptive in that assessment of higher education! Not only is the work time intensive, but mentally exhausting as well.
That being said, I'm thrilled to be sitting in a library using my blog as an excuse for ignoring Sociological Forensics and it's drab companions. In fact, I wouldn't have it any other way. Well, maybe I'd have it with sunshine rather than rain, but hey, TIS (This Is Scotland)! Aside from the studies, loads has been going on. If I've never mentioned it before, Scotland is BEAUTIFUL! Hiking, camping, castles and culture, four of my favorite things all combined in one little green space called home. Though I've not officially played the role of tourist in Edinburgh, I've enjoyed being a spectator of tourism. Soon, though, I'll venture into the palace and castle that I can currently see out the window and that are visited by nearly every foreigner that trod the streets of this city.
I did have the chance to visit St.Andrews, with it's ancient university and original golf course (no, didnt get to play a round as it's reserved for slightly more important people than myself). If you don't like the hustle and bustle of the little-big city of Edinburgh, then this provides a quaint alternative. In fact, the town is better described as a few homes and businesses built amongst a university, providing for a culture somewhat unique to Scotland. Rather than tourism, academia is it's primary source of influence and economy. After a few woodland hikes and a tour around the bayside town, I managed my way back to the train and home to Edinburgh.
Last weekend provided for another similar adventure, only to the town of Pitlochry in the self-described highlands of central Scotland, though I might call them the midlands as they didn't quite fit the magnanimous bill of the highland peaks. After meeting with one of my closest friends who studies at the university of St. Andrews, we started hiking, arriving to a soaking wet campground in the middle of the woods. Once we'd set up camp at the caravan park, we managed to find the most splendid sight our eyes could see....a spectacular restaurant/pub that would keep us out of the rain! After a dinner of steak pies, we started yapping it up with a few people at the table next to us, who an hour and a half later invited us to their caravan for further discussion. The two middle-aged couples were fantastically scottish, through and through, one of them originally from Pitlochry even. After a drab of single-malt (cant refuse a local tradition after all) we continued the night of conversation, exchanging stories and learning more and more about the scottish way of life. I can't imagine a more lovely night. The rest of the weekend brought 14th century castles, beautiful hikes and quaint villages, but my most cherished of memories will be of the human kind, Scots who were willing to share their time, home and a peice of their lives.
So that quite linear rant nearly brings me up to date. I know I've been pretty rotten at posting, but absence makes the heart grow fonder, right? Assuming all of your hearts are frustratingly fond at this point, I'll do my best to be a bit more consistent in the blog. Adios for now.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Thursday, September 8, 2011
When words don't suffice
I realize it's been a wee bit since my last posting, in which I'd promised more on my trip to Ireland and Germany. Well, that trip has come and gone, leaving me with good memories and a camera full of pictures. Since I do have photographic proof of said journey, I think I'll allow the picture to speak the thousand words I might have said otherwise. So, from the beginning, though not comprehensive, here is a visual run-through of my last few weeks. Enjoy!
Grafton Street, Dublin City, Ireland. Where U2 was discovered.
Dublin Castle and Cathedral. Built a long time ago.
The infamous Temple Bar. I know, overdone and touristy, but I thought I'd better throw this in just to prove I was a good tourist. Never actually went there, just took pictures.
St. Patricks Cathedral. Taken just after he'd kicked all the snakes out.
Blarney Castle. "Blarney: Talk that aims to charm, pleasantly flatter, or persuade"
Kissing the Blarney Stone. Awkward picture, I know. It's said that kissing the Blarney Stone will provide one with a lifetime of eloquence. We'll see what happens. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blarney_Stone
Galway, Ireland. One of the more picturesque cities I've been to. Beautiful canals run throughout its western portions.
A university in Galway, modeled after Oxford University.
My traveling companions Stefan (also my host in Munich), and Brenda at a Foo Fighters concert at Chiemsee Rocks Festival.
Our sleeping arrangements following the concert. In the background you see Lake Chiemsee. Funny enough, we thought we were sleeping in an abandoned shack, which turned out to be an eating pavilion for a very touristy restaurant. Got out just before they opened :)
What a great sight to wake up to though! Lake Chiemsee, about an hour from Munich.
Incinerators, Dachau Concentration Camp. Pretty surreal touring the first established and longest running concentration camp of the Third Reich. It's much different than reading online or in a book, actually walking the same soil and hallways of those who suffered under the oppression of the Nazis. "May the example of those who were exterminated here between 1933 - 1945 because they resisted Nazism help to unite the living for the defense of peace and freedom and in respect for their fellow men." (memorial post at Dachau)
Some old government building in Munich. I love the testosterone that flows from the statues on nearly everything in Munich.
Nuremberg, Germany. Somewhat typical style buildings.
View of Nuremberg from the Castle tower.
Well, I hope you enjoyed the visual rundown of my trip. You may be saying, "Dan, I know you went to Berlin as well....where are those pictures?" Well, for all of my most likely imaginary questioners, I got lazy in the picture taking and decided not to photograph Berlin. No worries though, I did sneak a piece of the Berlin wall as my keepsake. I never leave empty handed. Berlin is all about the history either way, a city where the thousand words may actually be better than the picture.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Oh, Danny Boy!
I've now been to Ireland twice in the past week. The first was a layover in Dublin, about 5 hours of waiting airport style. Not really how I wanted to my first experience in Ireland to turn out. Not to worry though, the second trip made up for the first! The past week has been but a blur of bus tours, 40 shades of green, cathedrals and the occasional leprachaun sighting (no, really). My first stop was Dublin, probably most famous for Temple Bar, the Guinness Storehouse and Jameson Distillary. Besides the lively atmosphere and traditional Irish music of Temple Bar and the fame of the other two, I much prefered day trips to St. Patricks Cathedral, with it's endless spires and stained-glass windows. Or possibly even my visit to University College Dublin, seeing the Book of Kells first hand and glimpsing the university life for a Dubliner. Equally as interesting and much more relaxing was St. Stephens Green, a park built in the center of the city to ease the minds and days of its bustling citizens. A quick stop at the lake will calm ones soul instantly.
As my host, I stayed with a couple of Venezuelans whose flat was only 2 houses down from the late great George Bernard Shaw house. As far as hosts go, I couldn't have asked for more. They showed me around town, cooked for me, spoke plenty of Spanish with me and introduced me to many of their wonderful friends. There's nothing better than getting to participate in the lives of others, especially when one doesn't know the home culture and could use a little connection :)
Well, obviously I didn't stop in Dublin, but as I'm sitting in Munich, Germany, my current host is shortly anticipating me for an evening festival, camping tonight and a day of hiking around a Bavarian lake and mountainside tomorrow, so I must go. More to come.
As my host, I stayed with a couple of Venezuelans whose flat was only 2 houses down from the late great George Bernard Shaw house. As far as hosts go, I couldn't have asked for more. They showed me around town, cooked for me, spoke plenty of Spanish with me and introduced me to many of their wonderful friends. There's nothing better than getting to participate in the lives of others, especially when one doesn't know the home culture and could use a little connection :)
Well, obviously I didn't stop in Dublin, but as I'm sitting in Munich, Germany, my current host is shortly anticipating me for an evening festival, camping tonight and a day of hiking around a Bavarian lake and mountainside tomorrow, so I must go. More to come.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Touchdown!
To inaugurate the commencement of the football season, I decided to touchdown in Scotland today! As I flew over the flauntingly green tree-lined pastures and mountains of central Scotland, I looked down to this beautiful country that I now call home. And just to dispel a dastardly rumor that the Loch Ness monster doesn't exist, in mid flight I spotted Nessie with my own two eyes, churning the waters of the turgid lake. Or maybe with my own two minds eyes. Either way, as the poor-mans Gandalf once said, "of course it's happening inside your head (Dan), but why on earth should that mean that it is not real?" I'm just going to keep believing she exists until someone proves it otherwise (can you prove a lack of existence of anything?).
I spent the first few hours of my time in Edinburgh with Iain and Kate Keter, my host Rotarians for the year. They were gracious enough to come to the airport to pick me up, sign and all, and take me out for my first meal in country. After we supped heartily on Burger King (funny first meal right!), they dropped me off at my flat where I chatted with my new roommate, Amir, for a while before heading out on the town. August is a big month for Edinburgh festivals, of which I noticed around 6 different ones during my 2 hour walk downtown. The main festival, called Fringe Festival, is an eclectic collision of art and performance, with thousands of street performers, comedians and artists lining the ancient corridors of downtown edinburgh. I'm thoroughly excited to get out tomorrow and spend some time witnessing this massive city performance a bit more.
On a quick side note, my flat is beautiful and everything that I need; big bedroom, spacious kitchen and living area, within walking distance of the school but not too close, great roommate. Should be a good fit.
I spent the first few hours of my time in Edinburgh with Iain and Kate Keter, my host Rotarians for the year. They were gracious enough to come to the airport to pick me up, sign and all, and take me out for my first meal in country. After we supped heartily on Burger King (funny first meal right!), they dropped me off at my flat where I chatted with my new roommate, Amir, for a while before heading out on the town. August is a big month for Edinburgh festivals, of which I noticed around 6 different ones during my 2 hour walk downtown. The main festival, called Fringe Festival, is an eclectic collision of art and performance, with thousands of street performers, comedians and artists lining the ancient corridors of downtown edinburgh. I'm thoroughly excited to get out tomorrow and spend some time witnessing this massive city performance a bit more.
On a quick side note, my flat is beautiful and everything that I need; big bedroom, spacious kitchen and living area, within walking distance of the school but not too close, great roommate. Should be a good fit.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Considerations
A penny for my thoughts? How about a nickel.
With only 3 days until the flag drops on my year-long race through a masters, I've begun the process of contemplation. Not so much thinking about the masters itself, though a quick glance at my first course reading list is enough to cause a tidal wave of fear to sweep through the already flooded academic tensions stirring in my mind. One only must remove themselves from the highly competitive world of academia for a few months to recognize the need for continuity in education; I'm now 7 years removed from what few would call a rigorous academic pursuit in my Spanish undergrad, entering into a field of study (Sociology) that I've not yet sat a single course. Need it be said I doubt and mistrust my capacity to compete with a younger, more educated generation? The only rest for my troubled soul comes from my father, who today mentioned he always thought Sociology was easy and for "people who didn't want to study." Oddly enough, that soothes me.
No, my contemplation comes in the form of nostalgia. As I sat on the porch today with my siblings, their children and my parents, celebrating my waning hours with 4-wheeler rides and conversation, I began to consider my life. My nieces and nephews ran around inventing games, playing those games and then crying when someone bent the newly-founded rules. Observing this highly-entertaining cycle, I began to realize my own role within it. Just a mere 20 years ago it was my cousins and me, all now grown up and serious, sitting on the porch, creating new worlds of adventure limited only by our drifting imaginations.
Three days from now I have a new opportunity. I can either attack this next year with the utilitarian mentality that I've become so comfortable with, or I can throw my head back and enjoy the breeze as my imagination drifts through Europe. I think I'll choose the latter.
With only 3 days until the flag drops on my year-long race through a masters, I've begun the process of contemplation. Not so much thinking about the masters itself, though a quick glance at my first course reading list is enough to cause a tidal wave of fear to sweep through the already flooded academic tensions stirring in my mind. One only must remove themselves from the highly competitive world of academia for a few months to recognize the need for continuity in education; I'm now 7 years removed from what few would call a rigorous academic pursuit in my Spanish undergrad, entering into a field of study (Sociology) that I've not yet sat a single course. Need it be said I doubt and mistrust my capacity to compete with a younger, more educated generation? The only rest for my troubled soul comes from my father, who today mentioned he always thought Sociology was easy and for "people who didn't want to study." Oddly enough, that soothes me.
No, my contemplation comes in the form of nostalgia. As I sat on the porch today with my siblings, their children and my parents, celebrating my waning hours with 4-wheeler rides and conversation, I began to consider my life. My nieces and nephews ran around inventing games, playing those games and then crying when someone bent the newly-founded rules. Observing this highly-entertaining cycle, I began to realize my own role within it. Just a mere 20 years ago it was my cousins and me, all now grown up and serious, sitting on the porch, creating new worlds of adventure limited only by our drifting imaginations.
Three days from now I have a new opportunity. I can either attack this next year with the utilitarian mentality that I've become so comfortable with, or I can throw my head back and enjoy the breeze as my imagination drifts through Europe. I think I'll choose the latter.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Things I never thought I'd like
Some days I sit back and think about things. Things that I like. Things that I dislike. Things that I'll never like. Yesterday was one of those days, and in the process of doing said activity, I began to realize something new. I really like certain things that I used to really dislike. Example: wearing clothes. Ever since I can remember, I always loathed the restriction of clothing. Even as a kid, my mom says I would rid myself of the encumbrance of clothing. Now, I like clothes. Or at least I recognize the necessity of them. But this isn't about clothing, it's about running.
As of two months ago, I really just couldn't grasp the idea of running for fun. A) running isn't fun. B) it's semi-pointless. Now for those who know me, you'll know that I'm a fan of exercise in general, but running? seriously? Couldn't I do the same thing only with a ball and a basket and a bunch of other people and a reason behind said activity? We could call it basketball. And basketball would be a two-fold experience; fun and healthy.
How narrow-minded right?
A good friend of mine runs regularly and he got me to thinking, "Okay, why don't I just try running to see what happens?" I'm up for trying pretty much anything else in life, why not running? So I started slowly. 1 mile. 2 miles. 2.1 miles. (yeah, pretty slow start) Over the course of a few months life began to change for me. I know that seems over-dramatic, which it is, but it's also got a hint of truth to it. I started realizing that ones body can actually withstand the physical beating of a 7,8,9 mile run. In fact, it almost likes it. My body has begun to respond with a series of grateful gestures, such as my heart rate has dropped, I sleep better, I feel more rested, a short jog from my car to the office in the rain doesn't leave me winded. Weird. Besides the mere physics of the exercise, there's also been a mental benefit. That hour on the road gives me time to think, time to reflect, time to pray, time to consider who I am and what I'm doing in life. In pushing ones body to it's limits the mind is then trained to progress, fight, strive for more as you realize that the mind is stronger than the body. You truly can withstand more than you've ever believed, both physically and mentally. You can move internationally, take that new job, fight that disease, give of yourself to help that other person. I'm starting to sound like a self-help book here, so I'd better slow down. Let's just say, I've nearly been converted.
Now that I've ranted on running, here's my list of things I now like that I used to dislike:
1. The word "moist"
2. Sauerkraut
3. Mustard
4. Wearing clothes (as mentioned)
5. Soccer
Heres my list of things I used to like that I now dislike:
1. Inline-skating
2. The cold
3. NKOTB
4. Sneezing
5. Boating
As of two months ago, I really just couldn't grasp the idea of running for fun. A) running isn't fun. B) it's semi-pointless. Now for those who know me, you'll know that I'm a fan of exercise in general, but running? seriously? Couldn't I do the same thing only with a ball and a basket and a bunch of other people and a reason behind said activity? We could call it basketball. And basketball would be a two-fold experience; fun and healthy.
How narrow-minded right?
A good friend of mine runs regularly and he got me to thinking, "Okay, why don't I just try running to see what happens?" I'm up for trying pretty much anything else in life, why not running? So I started slowly. 1 mile. 2 miles. 2.1 miles. (yeah, pretty slow start) Over the course of a few months life began to change for me. I know that seems over-dramatic, which it is, but it's also got a hint of truth to it. I started realizing that ones body can actually withstand the physical beating of a 7,8,9 mile run. In fact, it almost likes it. My body has begun to respond with a series of grateful gestures, such as my heart rate has dropped, I sleep better, I feel more rested, a short jog from my car to the office in the rain doesn't leave me winded. Weird. Besides the mere physics of the exercise, there's also been a mental benefit. That hour on the road gives me time to think, time to reflect, time to pray, time to consider who I am and what I'm doing in life. In pushing ones body to it's limits the mind is then trained to progress, fight, strive for more as you realize that the mind is stronger than the body. You truly can withstand more than you've ever believed, both physically and mentally. You can move internationally, take that new job, fight that disease, give of yourself to help that other person. I'm starting to sound like a self-help book here, so I'd better slow down. Let's just say, I've nearly been converted.
Now that I've ranted on running, here's my list of things I now like that I used to dislike:
1. The word "moist"
2. Sauerkraut
3. Mustard
4. Wearing clothes (as mentioned)
5. Soccer
Heres my list of things I used to like that I now dislike:
1. Inline-skating
2. The cold
3. NKOTB
4. Sneezing
5. Boating
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Presentation numero uno
Today marks the beginning of what I like to consider a year-long venture of presentations and cross-cultural connections. After enjoying a fabulous lunch of one of the best slices of roast beef I've had in a while, I presented to the my host club, the Jackson Noon Club, on my scholarship and plans for the future. I'd like to think that I wowed them all with my excellent speaking ability, humorous stories and witty responses, but more than anything I realized that I've got a ways to go before anyone is calling me to speak at graduation. Thankfully I've got another 20ish presentations to give over the next year, plus a lifetime to learn.
For those who are interested in applying for this scholarship, go to the link in my previous post to look into the application process and contact your local rotary club immediately to see if there is scholarship fund availability for the 2012-2013 academic-year. You won't regret it!
For those who are interested in applying for this scholarship, go to the link in my previous post to look into the application process and contact your local rotary club immediately to see if there is scholarship fund availability for the 2012-2013 academic-year. You won't regret it!
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Where it's at
Each time a person asks me, "so what do you do?" I want to say something like "wow, that's a great question! I do a lot of things. I go to carnivals, I eat venison, I listen to records, I mountain bike, I pronounce the word root beer different than you, I shave my head just for fun." Most people don't really want to hear what you do, they want to make small talk, so instead I tell them my job, where I live, what sports teams I follow...etc. There is a time and place for that, but this is not it. Instead, I'm going to invite you into my life and you can choose to accept or decline, approve or disapprove, mock or well, probably mock. Either way, I still prefer this to small talk.
So where does one begin a blog? Maybe it's better to ask, why does one begin a blog? I'm not the "stream of consciousness" type of writer, nor do I regularly reveal my inner-self openly online, so this is a somewhat of a stretch for me. Two reasons: I'm moving and I'm sponsored. Starting in September of this year, I'll be in Scotland studying Sociology at the University of Edinburgh. I'm sure you've all heard of the Rotary International, but you may not have heard of the Ambassadorial Scholarship through the Rotary Foundation. It's somewhat similar to a Fulbright Scholarship only it's privately funded, international and muuuuuch larger than Fulbright. Sounds pretty cool right. Well it definitely is an amazing program and my local district has decided to sponsor me to study in Edinburgh! So I'm hoping to be able to share with family, friends and my sponsor Rotarians about my time in Scotland and beyond.
Feel free to follow along as I not only spend the year galavanting around Scotland but in my adventures throughout the rest of Europe! I'll be taking a month and a half before school starts to travel Italy and Germany and hope to make a few weekend trips during my year abroad.
So where does one begin a blog? Maybe it's better to ask, why does one begin a blog? I'm not the "stream of consciousness" type of writer, nor do I regularly reveal my inner-self openly online, so this is a somewhat of a stretch for me. Two reasons: I'm moving and I'm sponsored. Starting in September of this year, I'll be in Scotland studying Sociology at the University of Edinburgh. I'm sure you've all heard of the Rotary International, but you may not have heard of the Ambassadorial Scholarship through the Rotary Foundation. It's somewhat similar to a Fulbright Scholarship only it's privately funded, international and muuuuuch larger than Fulbright. Sounds pretty cool right. Well it definitely is an amazing program and my local district has decided to sponsor me to study in Edinburgh! So I'm hoping to be able to share with family, friends and my sponsor Rotarians about my time in Scotland and beyond.
Feel free to follow along as I not only spend the year galavanting around Scotland but in my adventures throughout the rest of Europe! I'll be taking a month and a half before school starts to travel Italy and Germany and hope to make a few weekend trips during my year abroad.
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