A brief update

I finally have a free moment to post a short update for y'all. The process of setting up my internet here is quite elaborate (it involves registering my computer make and model and MAC address with the network people, then many long hours of waiting for a confirmation email to arrive in my inbox - it has yet to arrive), so my contact with the non-Scottish world has been limited.

Well... that's not strictly true - I've spent the past 48 hours hanging out with a bunch of Canadians and Americans who live in my residence. I've only met one girl from Britain in our building, and no Scots, which makes sense considering that International Students are guaranteed accomodation here. But, I have met people from further afield than North America - one of my flatmates is from Japan (the other is from Iowa), and I've met people from South Africa, Germany, Brazil etc. Overall a really great crowd of people - we've all come a long way (and spent a lot of money) to get here, so you can tell that people are trying to make the most of their time here - all very open, friendly, and fun. Two nights in residence and already two pub nights... a sign of a good year to come, at least socially! The first night was especially entertaining - we went to a nearby pub following the rez Meet and Greet night, only to spend the whole night listening to Journey, "Cotton-Eyed Joe," Michael Jackson, Britney Spears... not so much an authentic Scottish experience, but a really good time nevertheless! It kind of feels like Douglas Hall all over again, but better - I feel a bit older, wiser, and hopefully less socially awkward as a result, so I've been able to meet friends quite a bit more easily than four years ago. My program is small, so I'm sure I'll be meeting more people later this week at Induction Day and other orientation events.

Lest you think I'm spending all my time here in pubs, I've also spent a fair bit of time in the Scottish equivalents of Dollarama - "Pound Saver," "Pound Stretcher," "The Edinburgh Bargain Store" - stocking up on odds and ends for my residence room. Our flat has three bedrooms, and bathroom, and a full kitchen with a small seating area, all along a long hallway. Though it is a 17th century building, the inside has your standard nineties university residence feeling to it, which is fine by me. My room is probably close to the same size as my room in Doug - and there is definitely floorspace for one or two overnight guests, in case any of you are considering a visit!
Now I'm off for a campus tour before possibly setting up a bank account - keep your fingers crossed that my internet gets sorted out, as then I will be able to post more pictures and get onto Skype. Hope everyone is doing well, and I will try to talk to you soon!