A few more anecdotes

Scottish Parliament corridor
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I started a blog earlier about our day at the Scott monument and the Scottish parliament. I didn't really get to finishing it, so I will tell you a bit about the Parliament.

We set our tour for 1:30 in the afternoon, and I was quite intrigued to see what the building would be like. The Scottish parliament was dissolved hundreds of years ago after Scotland and England were united, and it did not begin meeting again until 1999. The building in which it is housed is directly at the northern end of Hollyrood park, where Arthur's seat is. Since it was built in the 21st century, the architecture is very modern. Since Kiera and I were with our Scottish friend William, we asked him what the Scots thought of the building. He said that many thought it was too costly and a poor representation of the Scottish people. Now, normally I don't care for modern architecture too much, but I was quite struck by this magnificent building. I'd love to describe it in detail, but these detailed entries are a bit too tedious. I will say that the building was a mosaic of concrete, wood, and steel. Everything was precise and there were many symbols and representations throughout the building. The architect carefully and meticulously planned everything out. My favorite part was a corridor area that has glass skylights shaped like leaves or overturned boats overlapping each other. I liked the building a great deal, and I loved how the meeting rooms were integrated with the natural long grasses which extend into Hollyrood.

Castles anyone?

Cemetery at the Church of Holy Rude
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On to other things...

On the next weekend, Kiera and I joined some new friends on a trip to Stirling, a medieval city with a castle and other historical buildings. We got up early that day and took a short bus ride (about 1hr15min) to Stirling. The first place we visited was the Stirling prison, where an overly theatrical (but nice) man toured us around the building. Next we decided to get some brunch at a cafe. Even from the start the day was relaxed. We then proceeded to walk towards the Castle, but ended up getting absorbed and lost in a sleepy cemetary. The grass was mushy and soft as you would expect in Scotland. We all split up and wandered around taking photos. At this point, it was rather cloudy, but still nice weather. By the time we finally reunited and entered the castle though, the sun was shining in the most beautiful fashion. As we walked in through the castle battlements, the first thing we noticed was the most gorgeous garden looking out upon a spectacular mountainous view. (We had seen the view earlier, but the garden only illuminated it further.) The wandering and photograph taking resumed. I don't know when I've forgotten my sense of time so completely. We explored the castle further, until we found this hilly area just inside the outer wall. Children were playing and rolling down the hills to their parents delight. We plopped ourselves down and marveled at the view, sky and green grass. We lied there in the sun for who knows how long. (Like I said...I had no sense of time). We left the castle and the clouds returned. We briefly explored a small noble's estate, and then began to head back towards the town. We found a really neat playground and messed around for a little bit. Then we found our way back into the main town, agreed upon a pub, and ate dinner. I tried some cider which one of the girls recommended. Then we caught a bus back to Edinburgh around 7.

Outside the Castle
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The following week was a busy week, and I almost did something every night. I went to international night at a bar, saw the Importance of Being Earnest with Kiera, and went to the National Gallery of Scotland.

On Saturday I went with the two of the girls from the Sterling trip to Perth, another beautiful Scottish city. It was smaller and less hilly than Sterling, but rather quaint and cute. The river Tay cuts through Perth, and the bridges which cross it make the city distinct. On the other side of the river is a large wooded park with a hill called Kinnoull. We climbed to the top of it, and I felt very woodsy and adventuresome. We even stopped and had a mini-picnic at the top. We didn't have a whole lot of time in Perth, so we climbed back down, explored a small garden, and headed back to the bus station. It was a rather nice day.

Stirling Castle Garden
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The classwork here has been almost nonexistent, and I don't even know what to do with myself. It has allowed me a lot of time to think, which could be a good or bad thing.

I am going to London this weekend!!