I believe I can safely say item number 15 on my list has been filled. The Scots are, after all, known for being very sociable; maybe traditional “Southern Hospitality” stems from our shared Scot-Irish heritage. (Aside: My friend from the Highlands tells me here in the motherland Ulster-Scot is used instead of Scot-Irish, Ulster being an ancient name for Ireland. Interesting, no?) Over the past week I’ve begun many friendships with a handful of really solid people from all over Britain and North America. I’ve been so blessed to fall in company with fellow students from both the Christian Union as well as AWAKE. Just last night a friend from St. Andrews Baptist invited me to her flat for tea and movies; this morning I had a great chat with a fellow student from the CU about Scotland, America, religion, and politics. All in all, I’m really looking forward to becoming better acquainted with each and every one of these precious people.
Also today, I found time to (safely!) re-visit Holy Trinity Church. The sheer history of the place is still baffling. Medieval choir stalls, tombs from the 17th century, and a World War I monument are scattered about the church’s knave – really incredible, I think. Once again, I paused and listened to the organist send sweet music through brass pipes as creaks in centuries old wood absorbed every note.
The sun was, surprisingly, once again shining bright around the Royal Burgh of St. Andrews. I found a quiet reading room in the School of English, complete with portraits of famous authors and authoresses, which was perfect for pouring through Robinson Crusoe. Before meeting my JSA friend to do some light shopping, I marveled once again at the castle by the sea. If I wasn’t one of the most romantic people on the planet before coming to Scotland, I certainly am now. Today I saw a princess leaning out of a turret window, a knight approaching the gate, as well as a mermaid flipping about the waves. Its official: I’ve read far too many novels.
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