In Edinburgh and (no) hogmanay

Beginning of New Years...
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The next morning we got off the ferry and got our visas taken car of.  Unfortunately, it took a while and we missed the bus back to the train station.  Due to this, we had to walk about a total of 2 miles with all of our luggage to a bus, then to the metro, then to the train station.  We eventually got back and waited all day for Steven (amy's friend) to come get us.  He saved us 80£ (160$) by coming to get us.  We got lost, but eventually got to Edinburgh.  We got ahold of the couchsurfing guy, Aaron, from New Zeland, went to his work and got the keys to his house and crashed there.  It took us about 2 hours to find it because Scottish guys are just like American guys...they don't ask for directions.  Aaron is probably the best host ever.  We crash on a couch and on a mattress on the floor.  Not exactly luxury, but definatley sufficiant.  We are staying in a flat with a shared kitchen and bathrooms.  Polish, American, and Camaroonians stay there as well.  We've managed to save a lot of money by eating at his place, with him feeding us at least 3 times.

Middle of New Years...
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Despite our plans changing every minute for New Years, it ended up great.  A bunch of couch surfers ended up at Aarons place, about 12 people crammed in his bedroom.  Polish, Brazillian, Scottish, English, Australian, New Zelanders, Germans, it was awesome.  After being there for a bit, we went over the Kellum's flat and had a blast.  Inevitably, you get into a lot of nationalistic, and political discussions being American.  Generally, I feel relativly well-recieved, especially by the Scottish.  Last night we met up with some of Aarons New Zeland friends and then Miranda and I split off and went down to the festival area where there are rides, food, etc. very carnival-like.  Some cops offered to take a pic of us and were so excited we were American.  He asked why we'd want to be in bloody Scotland when we're American and said he's go over in a minute.  I guess being over here I'll see if the grass is really greener on the other side.  Its a lot greener in Scotland...but thats probably because of the rain.

Its a lot greener in Scotland...but thats probably because of the rain.