Boots on the ground

My first 48 hours in Scotland have been a blend of giddy tiredness and downright awe! My arrival Sunday evening (after uneventful, on time, smooth flights – thank you NWA) was greeted with warm welcomes from the staff. We then had a cook out, Wisconsin style, complete with sausages (ok, not brats…but sort of) and kebabs. We enjoyed being outside in the warm evening sun. Yes, Scotland has been a bit on the warm side. A make shift fire pit with logs and we were set for s’mores (Scottish style complete with chocolate covered digestives and pink marshmallows). Conversation contained personal stories of experiences in the Program. They were wonderful to listen to as a newcomer to this communal place of living and learning.

My friend, Julia, says every trip needs a quest…so Monday was filled with the nuances of getting settled. A bus trip into Edinburgh for mobile phone needs, bus pass, etc. The Fringe & Festivals are winding down however they were still offering free walking tours. John Thompson was a wonderful story teller as he guided 7 hearty souls down the Royal Mile for 2 hours pointing out nuances of Scottish history, architecture, and culture. Although I was eager to take more in my body was dog tired. Back on the bus for the trek back to Dalkeith. Unfortunately I did not recognize the appropriate bus stop and when I asked the driver which stop was closest to the Palace grounds, he rolled his eyes and said: “Are you from Wisconsin?”, to which I proudly proclaimed, ‘Why yes I am”. He proceeded to tell me how far I had to walk back…2 miles later I entered the grounds happy to be “home”. I got the sense he was anticipating that question as the entire Dalkeith crew begins to arrive next week.

Tuesday was spent getting my bearings as I was not as proficient as I thought…the number of doors in this building is mind numbing. I am forever pushing when I should be pulling, avoiding passageways when I should be using them, taking the long way around. It has a very comical side to it. As I enter a room, stop immediately and think “no this is not where I want to be” only to find, that if I push/pull another door all is familiar once again. Most importantly I think I have the bus stop situation figured out.

Dalkeith is a lovely town…about the size of Menomonie with triple the amount of retail available. Plenty of grocery stores, cafés, pubs (karaoke seems to be hot in Dalkeith), travel agencies, banks, and municipal services. It’s a quiet environment compared with the Edinburgh hub. I took lunch at the café run by the ladies of St. Nicholas church. Curried parsnip soup and brown bread…the ladies mentioned that they make all items at their homes. So each day has different soup and bakery goodies depending upon who is working.

I have a lovely bedroom, faculty lounge down the hall, and work station in a shared office. I am beginning to get excited about the learning possibilities for students. My learning seems to be ongoing. Tomorrow is a new adventure…

Destinations

The space shuttle landed a day early due to Dean. Air Force 1 is at MSP so George can help Norm. And in 4 days I depart for Scotland. It’s all about planes, destinations, and hopes. I feel as if I’m on the precipice of something grand. Spending the past week with friends, Dennis and Kathleen (and new friend Colette from Ireland) was good on so many levels. They helped me see the enormity of potential, to really take in this opportunity, to explore my back yard in Dalkeith and Edinburgh as well as what lies beyond. At times I am excited beyond words. Gratitude is pervasive as I look towards my final week in Wisconsin spending time with friends, knowing that I embark with their love and support. Grand indeed.