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Post-exam life is the best. The End. I’ve been able to indulge in those little luxuries which are generally impossible to fit-in during the year.
On Saturday, a kindred spirit of mine treated us to High Tea at the Old Course Hotel. Despite all my life experiences, I still have no idea how to really manage in uber posh places. I mean, our servers placed the napkins on our laps for us! What’s a girl with shoes held together by duct-tape to do? But as usual, I acted like myself and everything was fine. High Tea, with the Celtic harpist stringing away, was just lovely. My friend and I found two hours’ worth of conversation in each other, which was a great time to reflect on our respective semesters and to think about the challenges and changes we’ve experienced. St Andrews was in a glorious condition this Saturday, to boot. The Conservatory was the best location, with sunlight streaming in the open windows and plenty of golfers on the Links to keep us entertained.
Afterwards, I hit the beach with my lovely New Hall friends. We splashed about the waves and soaked up the sun. Really, I can’t believe that it’s only 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The locals are calling it a “heat wave”. And, to be fair, so am I! Sunshine is such a welcome reprise to the chilly Scottish days.
Sunday, which unfortunately kicked-off with a 4:30am fire alarm (some crazy idiot set fire in a stairwell), found me the most emotional I’ve been with regards to leaving Scotland. In the middle of Communion at church, my last “official” Sunday, I burst into tears. I think the only people who noticed were sitting next to me, thank goodness. The fact that my time is finished in Scotland, for the present, was one of the most bittersweet realizations ever. Eventually, I pulled myself together.
Church finished, my dearest friends and I went for a pier walk - another St Andrews tradition that no one can quite explain. Students are meant to walk to the end of the pier, then up the stairs to the highest point and walk back in their academic gowns. It’s quite a feat! We took silly photographs and prayed for our upcoming years. It’s quite a sight, especially since random tourists felt the need to capture our event on their Kodak’s and Canon’s as well. We lunched at a swanky, but student-priced, restaurant then I spent a quiet Sunday evening saying goodbye to more friends.
As you’ve probably noticed, saying goodbye has been an overwhelming theme these past few days. Hopefully I’ll get all my emotions out before I actually board the plane. Goodness knows I’m doing a great disservice to the British stiff upper-lip, disgracing myself all over the place! Coming to Scotland, I knew my time was temporary but it doesn’t make the departure any easier.
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