Let the Sunshine In!

A good fairy must have worked her magic overnight. This morning, a sleepy St. Andrews was awash with golden rays of sunshine and everything seemed bright and cheerful. The ancient streets held an entirely new type of enchantment. Having seen the town in a different light, literally, so many little details become apparent. For an instance, how architecture mirrors the attitudes of St. Andrews’ past residents. High medieval walls surround much of the city, a reflection of the fear and uncertainty of the day. You really get the sense that citizens barricaded themselves against Vikings, the Plague, and each other!

As planned from last night, I met with several students from the Christian Union for early breakfast and prayer, had my first bowl of Weetabix and a cuppa tea. The sugar we used was apparently approved by Her Majesty the Queen, as indicated by a royal seal. Talk about celebrity advertising! Silliness aside, my spirit was once again encouraged by the heart my peers have for revival in their country.

Before my Development of the Novel lecture, I stopped for a coffee in a little café. Despite my full intentions to study, I happened to sit next to a very friendly Glaswegian. This jolly old Scottish soul just kept the jokes coming! I can’t possible remember them all, but this one was my favorite – both in terms of content and his delivery. I’ll try to give justice to the brogue:

“Noo, one day inside the proud walls o’ Buckingham Palace the Queen asked Prince Charles to walk one o’ her corgis. Prince Charles took the dog on a lead and went outdoors. Charles thought the wee doggie had been quite well-behaved, so he decided to let the dog run free. As soon as Charles did, a bus ran right over the Queen’s dog – killing the puir creature in an instant. Prince Charles found a paper bag and placed the corgi inside, afraid for what his mother might say.

As he began to bury the creature in a palace garden, he happened upon an auld lamp. Sure enough, a genie popped right out and offered Prince Charles one wish.

‘Could you possibly bring this dog back to life?’ he asked, ‘My mummy would be so grateful.’

‘Och noo, son,’ the (apparently Scottish) genie said, ‘I’ve been in this wee lamp for a thousand years. I’m afraid I can’t do something that great just yet.’

Prince Charles paused for a moment and then thought of another wish, ‘Well, then, do you think you could make my new wife Camilla as beautiful as Princess Diana?’

‘Let me have another go at the dog.’ The genie responded.”

Can you believe that? What a riot!

Eventually I excused myself and escaped to the beach. How majestic! I’ve always loved the ocean, being so close to the shore is such a blessing. Basking in the romance of the moment I just stared at the North Sea for the longest time, not even caring that my fingertips were numb with the cold or that the wind whipped around my face. Hopefully as winter melts into spring (one of my favorite things :0) I’ll be able to just sit and read for a while, without contracting hypothermia.

Modules finished for the day, I returned to New Hall – but not before running into my new friend and her children on the street. We walked around for a bit, marveled at the Scottish love for carrying around shopping bags, and went our separate ways for lunch. Life goes at such an easy pace here in St. Andrews. Day-to-day errands are accomplished with little fuss or pomp. Living itself is a pastime, I think. Off to get lost in another Scottish novel, for the moment. Thanks for reading!