30 November, 2010

Random Mix

No Snow! old photo by Iveta
cemetary in Aberdeen (Iveta)

Scottish Unicorn outside King's College
You remember earlier how I said we are all be watched? Well now that I've gotten some of you freaked about that most of CCTV camera's mostly are a scare-tactic.

"Sign-on's or admittance in the morning to class is for those who are not EU. It's to keep tabs on these students, Immigration being Securitized." Andrea Teti. I thought that was a relevant.

St. Andrews Day! 29/10/2010


If this is a holiday that banks, stores, and just the city is closed why did we still have classes? Unfair. I did work though. I was waiting all day though to go to a St.Andrews day dinner that the Christian Union was putting on. It's free food, bagpipes, and dancing. I can't argue with that. I can put up with the little bit of the religion that always seems to sneak into these. I almost missed it because this is something I didn't want to go by myself again. My friends who got me all excited to go nearly flaked. Well Lisa changed her mind the last second and decided to come and I'm so glad she did. It was totally worth it. She never tried Haggis before. It took a little persuading to get her to but she likes it now. I love it! Don't think of what's in it. Oh and sorry about the poor quality of the videos and that they are sideways... Hope you can still enjoy them.



27 November, 2010

Glasgow

27/11/2010
It will begin with pictures since I have no time tonight to type. I'm going out in ten minutes.

30/11/2010
  I had time to do this Sunday but I didn't feel like it. I should really catch up now.

  This was another one of those trips with InterSoc. They only had one bus so it was a mad dash to get the  tickets the last Monday. It was well planned though. I think they got the hang of trips after the first few failures (here's your biscuit). The bus left at 7.45 in the morning. I knew that was going to cause some trouble for some students who got used to the 8.00 in the morning. Sure enough we had to wait an extra 10 minutes for two students who were late. That's not important though.

Museum

this is the fireplace I want

  This time I had a book that I borrowed from Lisa. It was A study of Scarlet. You had an expert from it in a prior post. I thought it was interesting. Unfortunately it wasn't long enough. There was two parts to it. I finished the first part on the way there and on the way back I finished the second part. I had plenty of time after finishing both parts that I was falling asleep. Dang it. Nearly made it.
  The first place we visited was the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow. I loved it. It was free to the public as well so it's totally worth going if you get the chance. There was all kinds of exhibits for everyone. There were statues, paintings, cultural, and stuffed animals (or the technical word that I can't remember).

  After two hours in the museum we drove over to the cathedral and the necropolis (city of the dead... really). We were a little worried that we wouldn't get to see anything in the cathedral since a wedding was going on. There were kilts and a bagpipe! I'm ashamed that I took a picture of this random wedding, but it is worth it. To make it better at least I wasn't taking a picture of the actual ceremony. It was outside the doors as they were all lining up for the wedding. Random thing I noticed, the bride goes first not last.
  I would have loved spending more time in the cemetery. I wanted to walk all the way to the top at least but I was with other people and feet were cold. What are you wearing tennis shoes for in winter? Why am I complaining even? cut Anyways, I got some really good pictures and i wish I could show you them all. Of course I have so many photos of cemeteries you might be thinking I have a problem soon (I think I said that earlier).
  We still had some time so we checked out the city of Glasgow after this. I wanted to get to the mall that has (supposedly) the largest glass roof in Europe. That's what it said on the flyer. We couldn't really find it but we found another mall. They wouldn't let us take a picture inside. Let me say one thing... It was packed! Way too many people. I never could live in Glasgow. The amount of people on the street and in the mall was incredible.
  We spent some fifteen minutes getting food and on our way back we found a mini carnival. It would have been fun if we had more time to go on one of the rides but we ran out of time.

That's all there was. There were a few complaining that it would have been cheaper for them to buy a megabus ticket to see Glasgow and then be able to spend the entire night there. I prefer just going with InterSoc, where I don't have to really think on getting there and back. yeah I wish I would have been more free but I had a great time seeing everything. cut


My face is funny but I'm next to a painting

random statue... Glasgow is littered with them


Cathedral


necropolis (love my boots!)




"It's elementary"

"I consider that a man's brain originally is like a little empty attic, and you have to stock it with such furniture as you choose. A fool takes in all the lumber of every sort that he comes across, so that the knowledge which might be useful to him gets crowded out, or at best is jumbled up with a lot of other things, so that he has a difficulty in laying his hands upon it. Now the skillful workman is very careful indeed as to what he takes into his brain-attic. He will have nothing but the tools which may help him in doing his work, but of these he has a large assortment, and all in the most perfect order. It is a mistake to think that that little room has elastic walls and can distend to any extent. Depend upon it there comes a time when for every addition of knowledge you forget something that you knew before. It is of the highest importance therefore, not to have useless facts elbowing out the useful ones."

-Sherlock Holmes in "A Study in Scarlet" by Arthur Conan Doyle

I read this entire book on my way to Glasgow and I thought this exert enlightening. I thought I would share it while I remembered. I borrowed the book from Lisa and I am glad I had it. I wish it were longer so as that I didn't finish it and then fall asleep on the bus.

26 November, 2010

Condensed week

   My week hasn't been as eventful as usual. Perhaps it was but I've already forgotten most of it. I did not write anything down in my journal so most of this is what I can remember. I'm trying to catch up since tomorrow I'm going to Glasgow (booyah baby!).  Most of my weekend was taken up with trying to get my work done. Except for a few hours at night time. It seems I've created monsters of my friends. I taught them how to play BS and now we play it almost every night. I suck at BS but it's great to try and screw with the two who are always constantly winning. Me? Spiteful? Never.

Tuesday dream


   Tuesday I was talking to a lot of my friends and family. Big mistake! I loved hearing from you all but I had the most awful dream that night. I still remember it because it really freaked me out. Basically I packed my clothes and went home without saying goodbye to any of my friends here. The dream was so real that I really felt like I was with my family. When in the dream it became the 18th I became panicked because that is when my ticket for Lithuania is, except for I'm flying out of Aberdeen with it. I was stuck in the states trying to get last minute plans to get back to Aberdeen. This is when in my dream I'm like... "no this is a dream, I wouldn't leave all my souvenirs, jewelry, and makeup in Aberdeen before I even travel to Lithuania" but in the dream I was convinced I wasn't dreaming but just acting crazy. About the time my beloved brother agreed to buy me a ticket to get back to Aberdeen I woke up for real. It took me a few moments to feel right. I really hate dreams like that. They are not pretty and my day is pretty messed up.

Wednesday
I couldn't let it get in my way. Wednesday was the big plan to see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows with my friends Lisa and Amandine. I had missed the premier so there was no way I was missing it on Wednesday. For some reason though I felt sick all day (dream or food-poisoning) I don't know. I skipped my french Tutorial for the first time. When you are walking and you keep thinking to yourself that you don't want to puke here then it's time to lay down. So that is what I did. I laid down and slept for five hours till I got up for the movie. Yeah my priorities are great. I still felt like shit but I loved the movie and it was well worth the pain... At least I didn't throw up.

Thursday


   Most of our hall and a few friends went outside and made snowmen. We also had a small snowball fight. I avoided it till the end. It was fun. I will post the pics as soon as Lisa and Amanda post them. Some jerk smashed the snowmen in only an hour after we made it though.
  I also made a Thanksgiving Dinner.... sort of. I made green bean casserole, which I messed up because I bought cream of chicken and not cream of mushroom. I had mashed potatoes and gravy. Also I had sliced turkey from the store (no, I was not about to cook a turkey). I made enough for everyone but only one girl tried the casserole. The others didn't want to. I don't blame them. I wouldn't trust my cooking skills either. We had dinner together so that was all that mattered.
  Oh and Iveta finally told the Spanish people that they had to be more respectful for others in the kitchen. Whether they listen is another thing.

The Union Square sign


Friday


I skipped two classes of my Romans, Celts, Druids, Warriors, so it's only fair that the one time I do show up the Teacher then skips it. We all waited 20 minutes before leaving.
Iveta wanted to go shopping so down to the Union Center I went again. I am glad we did for we caught a International Market going on. It was wonderful! I didn't buy anything but the smells and different stalls were nice to smell and see. We then hit Primark, which is a really cheap store with nice clothes. I had to buy gloves since I lost one of mine. Definitely need a pair of those in this chilly weather.





Snow on the 'laying student'

Snow in King's Courtyard

Graduation day... I wonder about why some had light purple and others have light green?

International Market Fruit Stall



Dinner with a Scottish Family

I'm back. I should have come back to this nearly on Wednesday but I've been avoiding the trek to the computer lab. I am going to break this up though.


It's blurry and it's a random church I saw along my wandering

  Last Friday the 19th, I had dinner with a lovely family in Aberdeen. They were more on the outskirts so it took me a bit to get over to their place. it was only an hour or so on the bus. Since I didn't know how long I was supposed to ride on the second bus (that I've never been on before) I got off too early. I walked for a bit before I asked a shop clerk how much farther it was. Turned out I got off way too early so I got back on the same bus (good thing I had a day pass) and rode it for another ten minutes. I gave the lady of the house a ring to tell her I was outside a inn she told me to wait at and they came to pick me up. Mind you, I've never met this family before. We were hooked up through the Radiate program here in Aberdeen, which is a mass of religions under one name that is for the students of Aberdeen (Aberdeen Uni as well as RGU).
  We hit it off nicely. I was introduced and we started talking right away. They were a older couple and they had just returned from their second place in France (that is why it took so long for me to have dinner with them).
  May I say first off, they have two Siamese cats! or Burmese I don't know the difference. They were well-behaved beautiful cats and I was in absolute heaven.They also have a great Dane or some other big dog like that. I miss my animals more then anything and I miss my cat more then that. Yeah I know I'm slightly mental.
  We had a lot to talk about in which case I'm not going to regale you with everything. It's the usual conversations but it got deep when I told them about my topic for my IR essay (To have the euro or not to have the euro?). They were a family that was well-off. I was afraid that I was going to dump my red wine on their immaculate floor. They also had beautiful paintings done by a famous painter who has even done the queens portrait. The place setting for dinner had the etiquette cutlery you see for fancy dinners (thank goodness for my small experience with it). Yeah like I said they are well-off.
  So the food was amazing (barbecued chicken, tatties, Greek salad, peas, fried mushrooms), the conversation was wonderful, the animals were cuddly, the wine was delicious, and the couple were good-humored. It was the best three hours. I loved every minute.

I will suggest to any of the students coming over to Aberdeen that you join Radiate. You don't need to be religious but when you can get away from the student life and to experience a more adult culture.

17 November, 2010

Remberence Day 14/11/2010

  By chance did you see any UK news during this week or weekend? The Harry Potter premier? Do you see the poppy they all wear? That is for the support of the soliders of the UK. On this day there though there is a parade in many of the major cities. This was the parade in Aberdeen. Iveta and I absolutely loved it. Our friend is in the pipe band so there was no way I was going to miss this. I had dragged Iveta out an hour too early for it. She punished me by making me make her a cup of tea and buy her some chocolate to share after we got back.


Amanda Campbell, a friend of mine in the front row. She was trying not to laugh at me and Iveta


Beautiful bagpipes
I've been told my posts are getting too long with all the random thoughts I have. I apologize for that. I'll try to break it up a bit from now on.
  One last thought though is that I'm not going to Isle of Skye. I'm vera disappointed on that but it can't be helped since that weekend will be better for a cheaper trip to Glasgow instead.
The last little bit of the anthem of Scotland... I love bag pipes! I just want to dance when I hear them.

13 November, 2010

Random November update

I'm sorry folks. It's been almost a week since I've posted. Well at least it has felt that long. I have kept meaning to get on and really I should not be on right now. I have some major work to do over here. That means it might be another week before I get in contact again. I've curtailed my traveling which is sad but I've seen so much and experienced so much I think I can afford the little bit. I wanna say that I'm at the point that I am not a tourist but I feel like I wont stop being that. What I'm trying to say is that while I have friends here, a life, and activities. I haven't invested everything in being in Scotland. At least I'm not counting down to the days before I go back to the states. I think of the moment and I think of what I can do to further my experience.

On that thought, I've arranged to have dinner with a Scottish family next Friday. I can't wait to get away from the school atmosphere. This might be why I feel detached from the culture. I'm stuck by other students who also are traveling or are busy with their own schooling.

So I've also wrote down a few notes and they are random so bear with me.

1) Have I mentioned that everyone is being watched in Scotland? It's not that big of a difference in the states. Really there are cameras in front of ATMs, in stores to prevent theft, and stop light cameras. Well in Scotland the amount of cameras is phenomenal. The roads are covered by speeding cameras. The streets are covered as well. Every store, hall, public building, and store has a camera. I wonder if all of them work? I also wonder how much CCTV cost? Does it really help with crime? How does this aide the police? How do locals handle this?

2) I really don't like whispering. End of statement. It follows with the next point.

3) I have a vivid imagination. It sometimes worries me. I hear people whispering and then I imagine them talking about me. Also I've gotten to the point of checking my bed every night because I'm terrified to see spiders in it. I think I saw that in a movie once and now its become a paranoia. However, have you seen how big Aberdeen spiders are? The darn things are bloody huge! Even writing about them gives me chills. Of course having a imagination means I can have fun doing a lot of things. My passion of movies might be from this example but it's why I never watch horror movies (where did I see the spiders in the bed then?)

4) "Scotland is a nation with no state, thus the anthem (Flower of Scotland) has a line that is just false." --Archie Simpson (IR instructor)

5) Riddle me this (yeah a Riddler from Batman reference). How can I do my best thinking when I'm walking yet I can't just stop and write any of it down. This is actually my second time thinking this.

6) What to pack when coming to the UK
          leggings and heavy tights... since they roll up and are light I suggest at least seven or eight. you might have to sometimes wear two layers since it gets nippy for those not used to the cold
          only a few pair of jeans... when you want some covering. You can also find some in stores.
          scarves 2 to start with... you can buy more here
          shampoo and conditioner... it takes up space on the way here and then you can just leave it behind I would say medium sized bottles not the big ones or the small ones
          a old set of sheets and a spare pillow case- it should be a set you can throw away after. don't buy a duvet or pillows from the campus store but find a Morrison's or a bedding store that sells them for cheaper.
          you don't have to bring any pots, silverware, or cups. Find a Poundland and it would only be some £10 for all of this. Don't buy from campus.
         long shirts that go over your leggings and tights.
         zip-up sweaters (jumpers)... hoodies are worn but hoodies take up space in your bag and sweaters are lighter.
         knickers and bras... who wants to buy those and get confused by the different size labels?
        I would pack only two pairs of shoes... for Aberdeen I would not pack any heels because of all the cobbled stone streets its hard to get used to. Also you can buy more shoes here and they aren't that expensive if you look correctly.

      You can bring your computer and many ways I wish I had brought it. However it gets me out of my room. There are computer labs that you can do a lot on (except Skype. Good thing my folks don't really understand it anyways.)

Well that's it... Well except that last night I went to see Burke and Hare (It's only £3.50 for students to see movies). We went to see Due Date. However, we couldn't get seats next to each other so we went to Burke and Hare. I'm so glad since I didn't want to see an American movie. The entire time during the indecision of what should we see, I was secretly going "Burke and Hare, Burke and Hare, Burke and Hare". They finally got my hints that it would be the best option to watch. I loved it! Well there were parts where I was like "ah no... eww... what the hell?" I laughed a lot though so it was all good. Iveta, Amanda, and Carrie didn't like it as much as I. Iveta was laughing at me more then at the show because of how into the movie I was. Oh and the cinema is awesome! It's like a theatre how it's set up with the best seats ever! I can't wait to see Harry Potter here.

:P

09 November, 2010

9/11/2010

  I've written a few notes to talk about for the day.
 
  This morning was my first french exam in class. We were given 20 minutes to hurriedly answer everything. It really wasn't that much and it would have been just as simple as I'm used to. However, there is one thing  that I'm punishing myself for. It's one of those stupid mistakes you know but only once it's two late to do anything about it. "Nous Amions" or "we like" in french. I've done the conjugation of this verb so many times I should have it memorized. I know it. I was doubting myself as soon as I wrote it but this is what I put on my test "Nous Amieons"... Why Samantha? Why?
  Maybe it was that I wasn't functioning so early in the morning. Maybe it was the fact it was rushed. It could be from not studying hard enough (though I wouldn't have studied this). Who knows why but I know there is going to be one point off on that test and there probably were a lot more different mistakes. Yippee! To follow the theme I've added this nice song in French that I am enjoying to no end.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nSAwgCoy2s&p=A6D4B9CDB80CFB3C&index=2&playnext=2

then there is this one. I think I've already posted it but I can't remember. Je suis moi, which if I'm right, means I am me. I really like Shy'm...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdwC26FHxkA&p=A6D4B9CDB80CFB3C&feature=BF&index=9

  On another note on my way to this torture of a test, it started to hail. It wasn't big hail or even hard. It also melted a half hour later. It seems though that Aberdeen is lucky on this front. I read in the news and apparently winter has come early for the UK. The highlands and some of eastern (?) England are having problems with the large amount of snow that came over night. Time to crack out the salt and shovels. I already bought some good winter boots so I'm all set on that front. I might need a hat... though I say that every year for in the UP but I never buy one.

  Another note I wrote was that today I think I almost made my CE instructor cry. Well almost. He announces that next week there are no tutorials or lectures for next week. I couldn't stop my elated "yes". I love this class compared to the others but really I like breaks. He was laughing and said he didn't believe that I meant his class is bad. I had to smooth his hurt feelings before I actually left. You know I didn't like him at first because of how he falters through his speeches but he has become an okay professor. He is one of those nerdy professors with the thick glasses and follows shows like 'Merlin'. I can't be say anything on that since I like the same thing and I can't do the job either. Oh there was this other time in tutorial where he was offering a book for the class to read. Nobody needed it but he was just continually offering it for nearly three minutes. Finally I was like "I'll take it then". It was to just so we could get on with whatever complicated exercise he was making us go through. Everyone laughed, including him. I sometimes feel like I have become the class clown in this class.

One last note for today and then I'm on to actual work. I did a little grocery shopping so I can actually eat tomorrow. That's not the note though. What happened is that on my way back to my dorm room I have to go all around the building to the front door to get in. I was checking in the window if there was anyone I knew in the kitchen to let me in the fire exit. Well, I got caught by the porter. There was one girl from my hall but I changed my mind about asking her so I was turning around when the porter saw me. He was like "you know that you aren't supposed to go in that way". I was cranky and I didn't want to hear the lecture so I said "I know". Then he is like "then you know if we catch you we take away your id card and charge you £100". I didn't answer but kept walking around the dang building with him following me in his little car. Nothing happened and I went to have some dinner. What I should have said was "I was just debating if I wanted to scare my friend in the hall and that was all. I changed my mind though."
  Besides the layout of the hall is crazy stupid. It's a big U with only one actual allowed exit at the center. Well fook that. They need to add a legit door at the back or they should realize they should allow people out their "fire exits". It's freaking inconvenient and bloody ridiculous. Now I'm cranky all over just talking about it. I really hate being threatened. The door slams on the way out anyways so there is no worries about it not shutting. I know since I continually exit through it. Like I said it's easier then going all the way around.

Well hope everyone enjoyed my little notes. I have realized I've not actually said how I am doing but I figure you might be able to notice from my mood of text. I've noticed I swear a lot more when I get agitated. But I also am finding that I love it here. Don't take my complaining wrong... I just can't stop myself.

08 November, 2010

Stirling!


An Actor at the Wallace Monument

  If you ever come to Scotland. Stirling is one place you do not want to miss out on. I didn't see much but what I saw was enough for me to love it. The Wallace Monument was a hike up to the top but the view was worth it and there were other hikes that I wish i had time to explore but unfortunately not. A word of warning, there are 236 or 246 steps to the top of the Wallace Monument and it's winding staircase. I made at least 200 of them before both my fears of winding staricases and heights crippled me and I turned around. There were small rooms on the way up so I took breaks but it was too high up and I didn't feel safe. Dang it! Stupid fear. I hadn't known how many there were till I was that far up. For some silly reason I wasn't thinking there were that many.
  Anyways the tour of Stirling castle is worth it. If you go after Easter next year there should be restored bedchamber in the castle part that you can see. It should be amazing. At least the hype is for it.
  On a side note I loved hearing the history from the tour guide. It was great how I could compare what he was saying with what I knew of Scottish history. I love that most of it I already did know. I have been absorbing the information from the stories and history books I've read my entire life. Yeah for me!
  Now I've posted a few pics. The one with the queen has a small story. The man asked me where I was from. I answered Michigan. He says "that's were M&M's from". I swear that's what I heard so it took me a bit to say "oh yeah Eminem is from Detroit". Which for this small time yooper is another city entirely for Michigan.
  We finished the tour at a small brewery. There were four samples of beer we tried. I couldn't really taste a difference except that I liked the third on which was made with some special hop or no hop. I didn't hear. The fourth one was by far the best. That one had chili pepper added. The spicy after taste was by far the best beer I've ever had. Another small story; the German guy, Cornelius, I was talking to gave us a good laugh as we tried that last one. He was surprised that the "chili" beer was spicy. I was like (sarcastic) "that is usually what chili is". Then he is like, "I thought he said 'jelly'." Yep we laughed at that.

From the base of Wallace Monument


From the bottom of Wallace Monument hill

Stirling Castle outer wall


inside the courtyard

Inside the great hall

the view of Wallace Monument from Stirling Castle


The queen and the guard of Stirling Castle
 
Pumbkin Beer at a small brewery


06 November, 2010

Saturday slouch

Basically I was to be doing work all day... My good intentions didn't have a chance. I slept horribly and not from what I did the night before. I haven't mentioned in these last posts but I'm actually sick.... Again. Oh but I'm used to being sick more then once. I still dislike it and I gripe about it but I know the inevetible part of my winter. On Friday I was actually getting better. I have this amazing tea/ medicine. After I woke up I wanted to just read a book for an hour. Yeah an hour. Well that turned into four. It was very sad. I was bawling and then I couldn't stop since it has been a while since I had a good cry. So there was another hour wasted with me trying to mop up to go and get work done. Then I came to the computer lab and I couldn't concentrate on actual work. Well tomorow i'm off to Stirling. That should be fun. Better get well for it.

Attached is a vera great video. Yep this is what I've been doing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=daqfr6DJsGc&feature=related

5/11/2010

"Remember, remember the 5th of November"

.... but why do the Scots remember an event that the idea was rid the UK Parliament of the Scots ? or at least that is what I heard in Celtic Society on the fourth. Do I give it credit? I don't know but I now question the idea of November 5th. Ah but that does not mean I'm not going to remember it. What an awesome night!

  Actually there is not much to comment on the Fifth though. It would be all quite boring for the blog (also not interesting for my teachers who read this). We walked for nearly an hour to get to the beach for twenty minutes of fireworks (mind-stopping, wonderful, pretty fireworks) and then walked back another hour to hang out in the kitchen. I realize seeing fireworks is not a big highlight nor is it to post a few on the blog but they are some nice pictures.
  I should mention more on the Celtic Society the last night. Did I say how it's one of the oldest societies at Aberdeen? Well it might not be much like it was back then but it is a blast nevertheless. I couldn't get Lisa to come with me since she had finally asked them to play Bob Dylan and she would have hated if she missed it (that's if they would have actually played one song. she is disappointed now in the acoustic night). I said I would talk more on Celtic Society but I feel like I should also sensor on what I should mention. I can honestly say I laughed myself silly. I choose to forget to mention on what I found so funny for innocent ears (see, I can be diplomatic). I also learned a few words in Gaelic. I learned "How are you?", "I'm fine", and "My name is Samantha" along with a few others. Unfortunately I remember only the "few others" and they aren't fit (again?) to post. Do not worry though. I will ask again and again till I will remember them in the light of day.


loads of fun with friends... Iveta is taking the picture and Audrey in the middle edited from her camera

4/11/2010

Flower of Scotland. The National Anthem of Scotland. This is the best version I found and I love it. Follow the link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qxm35uIefyA&feature=&p=4570B9BF6FAA6D8D&index=0&playnext=1

Found this on Youtube. Click on the following link if you want a good laugh on Scotland. It's a comedy skit from a Scot called Danny Bhoy. I laughed myself silly. I think when I present about Scotland I will use it but only to show the local sense of humor some Scots have of their own country. I don't actually agree with any of it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFubsxHTApw

Here are some pictures along the River Don. Remember the spot I found to relax along side it? This is how to get to it. I was vera lucky to get this pics on such a brilliant day. The weather turned rainy only two hours later. That is a testamant to Scottish weather.

Oh and I've opened up comments on my blog. I forgot that I blocked them in the beginning. I'm less afraid of what people might say back. If you don't like how I write or what I say, well then go to someone elses blog then (I'm not in a mood, I swear)






If you can't read it says Grandholm Bridge.... I thought it funny.

03 November, 2010

Missed Topic for 27/10/2010 A Halloween Tale

I forgot to tell you all that I went on a ghost tour around Aberdeen. Most of the sites I've been to before; Kings College, Elphinstone Hall, and the St. Machar cemetery. What was new was the little cemetery in the center of the housing on campus. That was neat. I went on the 7pm and it was already pitch black. Now along the way we were told ghost stories which was just brilliant. Absolutely loved it though the person who told them was just a little too enthusiastic for my taste. She screamed bloody murder once during her tale. Sorry I don't like when people scream though it made sense in the story... The last story told by a different person was much better. Guess what? I knew it. I read it in the little book I bought of Scottish tales.

The tale goes this way:

  Jamie Carmichael, a boy from Aberdeen, wanted to be the best wizard of all time. To become the best wizard one had to study with the devil for a year so Jamie Carmichael goes to the devil. Now the devil had thirteen rules that had to be followed. All of them were reasonable and easy to follow until the last one, which was at the end of their time with the devil and as they took their leave, the last one out of the house was to belong, body and soul, and for all eternity to the devil.
  Jamie took five minutes to think about it. His eyes wandered round the great hall. He looked at the great open door and he looked up at the great windows. Being that it was noonday, shadows were made from Jamie, the devil, and the furniture.
  "Is it through this hall and out at that door the students will leave from?" asks Jamie.
 "Aye," says the devil.
 "And at what time do they leave?" asks Jamie.
 "About this time," answers the devil.
 "Well then I'm in," declared Jamie. "trusting that since I've a good pair of legs, I shan't be the last man out."
 "That's what they all say," says the devil

  During the upcoming months, Jamie excels over the other students of the devil. As the months come closer to the end of their year the other lads start to be vera frightened that they will be the last boy behind and it soon has them all depressed. One day Jamie goes to them and says
  "Lads, all this worrying is un-necessary. I will tell you to stop that because you all will leave before me,"
At first the lads cried out at this sacrifice but after another month goes on and Jamie is adamant that they will all be able to leave they stop being depressed.
 On the last day at midday, the devil rings a gong and all the lads rush out the door. Only Jamie saunters through the hall towards the door. The devil cackles and grabs Jamie by the shoulder.
  "hands off!" says Jamie.
  "hands off, is it?" says the devil. "That's no way to talk to your master. You were the last person to leave and you are now owned by me for all eternity" the devil cackles.
 "Ah but I'm not the last to leave," says Jamie. "Take a look at the ground and you will see someone behind me."
  Jamie continues to the door.
 "There is none following you," yells the devil.
 "You cannot see my shadow?" says Jamie. "He is the fellow that's last to leave- and your welcome to him. Thank you for your teaching and good afternoon to you."

With that Jamie left the devils hall, leaving his shadow behind and the devil cackling.

(During the tour another part was added that wasn't in the book) Jamie returned to Aberdeen the best wizard of all time. However the devil never got over how he was tricked and continued to try and trick Jamie into being his for all eternity. Jamie is able to thwart every attempt.
  One day the devil comes up with an idea. He summons three demons and he goes to Jamie with them as gifts.
  "These demons will do do anything you ask no matter the task," the devil says.
  Now Jamie can't refuse a gift from the devil and besides it was a great deal. He accepted. The first thing he asks was a lunch. The demons brought a whale. Jamie asked for a beautiful lass. The demons brought a old crone. And all by five minutes. No matter the task Jamie set them on they would be back in five minutes. Soon Jamie had everything he wanted as well as what he didn't want as well. On the first night Jamie lay down to sleep but the demons were whispering in his ear, asking for what it is he wants them to do.
  Now Jamie can't get any sleep nor can he eat anything because every five minutes the demons came to him and asked to do a task for him. Jamie thought and thought on what he could have them do that there was no way for them to succeed. He was becoming quite desperate. Finally he thought of a plan
  "demons," he calls "I want you in the morning to make sure every student of Aberdeen awakes and gets to their class on time."
  The demons tried and tried. they used alarm clocks, they pinched and prodded, they screamed in the ears but they could not get to every student to be on time for students would cover their ears with their pillow, slam on the alarm clocks, or just using their thick duvets to protect themselves from the pinching.

to this day the demons try to get every Aberdeen student out of bed in time for their classes and it is the students imperative to never be on time to their classes if they want Jamie to continue to be at peace from the demons. Jamie by the way still roams Aberdeen as heaven nor hell will take him.

that's it. I thought it was worth mentioning. Its a vera good story. Oh and I'm great and I'm loving everything.