Discover Who You Are

       We begin any journey with a sense of unease, nervousness, and agitation for what lies ahead, whether it be the changes we must face or the great and mysterious unknown which exists in this big ‘ole world. Yet as our adventure comes to a close, we are filled with an overwhelming amount of joyous energy and rejuvenated confidence in our own selves for being a part of something which can only be defined as purely amazing.

       It is difficult to say in mere words the extent to which I have loved my experiences the past few months in Scotland. I am blown away at how spectacular and magnificent and truly awe-inspiring this great country is and deeply saddened to be leaving my newfound home. It has been a long journey, no doubt, but worth every minute of it.

       And so, as I write my final words of advice to all ye wee travelers out there in the world while I am laying down in my comfortable bed back home in good ole New York, I urge each of you to complete the most rewarding task any person on this Earth could do while on an adventure: discover who you are.

       I can say without a doubt in my mind that I am not the same person I was three and a half months ago. I was filled with a sense of uneasy confidence in myself and unaware of how much beauty and life and excitement there is in this world. Yet now, I feel as if I could take the world by storm. My confidence is overflowing in the knowledge that one day, I will succeed in traveling the world, seeing new and thrilling and different places to challenge my mind and excite my soul. As humans, we are constantly distracted within our lives, witnessing events with a narrow vision and focusing only on the small things that matter throughout our everyday lives. Yet if we can reach beyond that, if we can see into the distance and take that one momentous step, there is no stopping us.

 
       I now know who I am, what I can still become, and what I want to see myself as. I want to be able to look at a series of photos when I am old and wrinkled and be able to remember and feel every single emotion I felt when that photo was taken. I want to be able to look at a photo of Glencoe and remember my trip to the Isle of Skye and the feelings of amazement and overwhelming awe at the great beauty of Scotland for the first time. I want to be able to see and photo of my great friends while here and remember the nights we spent in pubs and bars, getting to know one another so well that we became, in our special and unique way, a family. These moments helped me to discover who I am and I cannot express in words the immense joy I have for knowing this.

       A journey has one purpose, one underlining meaning which stands true no matter what: helping us to find ourselves. Throughout our daily lives, there is so much that goes on around us that we sometimes find it hard to focus on ourselves. So I now challenge you, my dearest readers, to fight these distractions and take that leap- endeavor into an adventure to discover yourself and feel these emotions of great content and fulfillment that I do. Every moment of my study abroad experience was an absolute blast and I would take nothing back, because through all the nervousness and agitation, all the laughter and chatter, all the dancing and fun, and all the smiles and tears of joy, there stands one truth which will never go away, one truth which reassures me now and for every moment of the rest of my life that I have discovered myself in the absolute best way possible, one truth which I will forever remember in my heart:

       I have had one hell of a good time.

 

 

Reflect

       As any journey winds down, we must accept the unfortunate fact that things will be coming to an end. This process can leave us saddened and longing for more time, yet we cannot forget an important truth- how much we ourselves have learned, have changed, and have developed over the course of our venture. And so, with only two more lessons to be taught, I should now recall everything that has happened over the past amazing fourteen weeks.

1.      Explore and discover lands that remind you of the great places from your childhood imagination and let absolutely nothing in this world hold you back.

2.      Embrace your inner cheetah and welcome changes with open arms.

3.      Appreciate the guiding hands and gracious hearts that allow you to experience your journey.

4.      Be a newbie- experience everything that comes your way with an overflowing desire to see even more.

5.      Sing like no one is listening and dance like no one is watching by truly living in the moment.

6.      Create amazing memories with people whom you will remember for your entire life.

7.      Witness something truly life-changing.

8.      Roll with the punches so that, in the end, you can call someplace entirely new your own unique home.

9.      Do not be so afraid of life’s uncomfortable and unexpected curveballs- you never know what could happen.

10.  Interact with as many people as possible no matter where you go.

11.  Chase your dreams and never let them go.

12.  Remember that it is perfectly natural to miss home.

13.  Explore every inch of a new area without a map to guide you.

14.  Admire the great beauty of our own little world.

15.  Find a true friend who will always be there to pick you up if you fall down.

16.  Allow your mind to be open and free to everything new and exciting in the world.

17.  Reflect on what you have learned and appreciate the great gifts you have been given.

       I cannot stress enough how important it is to remember everything you have learned throughout your journey. Doing so allows you to reflect on all the great memories, all the hilarious laughter, and all the beautiful sights you have been a part of.

       There is, however, one final lesson still to be learned…

Learn And Live Part 2

       As the final chapters of this blog come to a close, I would like to refer back to one of my earlier posts regarding my trip to the Isle of Skye in the great Scottish Highlands. I emphasized the beauty of the world in which we live and how much we can reflect on our own lives in this amazing planet by appreciating everything it has to offer. Well, boys and girls, there is still more to learn.

       A significant part of these past three months have been spent studying at the University of Glasgow, educating myself on the ins and outs of Scottish literature, culture, and history. I have learned so much and I can only thank the university with sincere and honest gratitude for allowing me the chance to have this entire experience. I have read texts that helped define the nation and create a culturally-aware society like none other. Though, to be honest, schoolwork was not my most absolutely favorite aspect of studying abroad, I must admit that I learned very interesting facts and stories about certain authors which I find truly valuable.

       One of the pieces I read was a poem by Edwin Morgan titled “The Loch Ness Monster’s Song.” [A copy of the poem, as well as a recording of it, can be viewed here- http://www.poetryarchive.org/poetryarchive/singlePoem.do?poemId=1683. Trust me, you will want to see it.] The poem is written in a very unique style in which it appears the author slammed his head against the keyboard a few times and then sent it out for publishing. The first time I read it, I laughed. Yet when we discussed it in class, I discovered something very interesting. Edwin Morgan was homosexual; and this, his seemingly deranged rant against the English alphabet, was his coming-out story. The sounds which begin the poem are Morgan’s own proclamation about himself, screaming out to the world who he truly is and he has lived in secret, similar to the mysterious monster. Edwin Morgan, in an attempt to define his own self through his poetry, compares himself to the secretive and oh-so-great Loch Ness Monster.

       The poem stands as an emblem of confidence, of courage and self-awareness, refusing to accept society’s standards for defining who he is. When I discovered the meaning of this poem in class, I was amazed, bewildered, and absolutely stunned. Perhaps it is just the English major inside of me, but I found this piece of work so powerful. My study abroad experience was no doubt highlighted by the travels I undertook and the wondrous sights I witnessed, but it will moments like this one that will forever stay in mind. The education I have received in the past three months will exist as some of the best in my life because, in truth, it is like none other. Like my visit to the Isle of Skye, there is more out there in great, big world for us to see as well as learn.

 

 

Have A Great Friend

       You remember that scene in a movie when the main character is standing on a street corner in the rain after facing unseemly obstacles and is at their absolute lowest point, so the director, in order to add comic relief, has a car drive by and splash the character with a huge amount of water? Well if that had happened to me today, I would not at all be surprised.

       Today, I traveled with one of my friends, Rachael, to Aberdeen- a city of absolute beauty in Scotland, as told by various people I have met in Glasgow. The day was no doubt eventful and no doubt the worst trip I have taken, for both comical and physically painful reasons. Yet after it all, I found a silver lining that is never to be forgotten.

       Our day began in a frantic rush as we both missed our bus, forcing us to buy a more expensive ticket for the next bus and endure an oddly uncomfortable VIP-treatment bus ride for three straight hours. Once in Aberdeen, we were shocked by the, shall I say, grayness of the city. Buildings, signs, clothes- nearly everything embodied the pure color of gray. We ate by far the worst muffins ever, as my apple-cinnamon muffin tasted like a plain bagel that the baker realized needed to be a cinnamon muffin so they mixed in a cup of pure ground cinnamon to recover from their mistake.

       Our main goal for the day was to walk along the 2-mile stretch of beach, relaxing for one last time as we prepare for the last week of finals. The weather, however, did not agree with our well-intended plans. The wind blew around us with an endless fury and as the day went on, the sky opened up and let out a torrent of rain. As we walked along the beach, our pants became soaking wet and covered in sand. Best of all- when we had to walk in the direction of the wind, the sand would be swept up and attack our faces like a horde of bees heading for the mother-load of honey. My face has never been in so much pain; eight hours later, it still stings.

       We decided to get away from the beach as fast as possible, proving to be more difficult than one might assume as we had to trudge through the heavy, heavy winds. There was, however, a light at the end of the tunnel: Brew Dog, the oh-so-glorious pub and bar which have fallen in love with while in Glasgow. We found where it was in Aberdeen and headed to it in the hopes that a drink from our favorite craft beer will make the day better. After cleaning myself off, I stood at the bar, ready to order a drink as I have done numerous times in the past three months, when the bartender came over, took my order, and asked for identification. I showed her my license, but she declared that she needed a passport or I could not drink. My day was officially ruined.

       Referring back to the movie scene where the main character is splashed beyond belief, the director always adds in a final glimpse of hope, a symbol that enlightens the mood and tone of the whole story. For me, that came in the form of Rachael, one of the many friends I have met throughout my study abroad experience who have been with through it all. Once we realized the day had gone to ruins, Rachael put on her optimistic, comical persona to make the best of every situation.  We need people like this, friends who will be there for us and make us laugh in even the most disastrous of situations, friends who, when you are both shivering cold walking in the fierce wind and rain, will declare that they wish they could just pee themselves in order to feel some semblance of true warmth.

 

       I would like to now thank all the great friends I have made since being in Scotland and urge you, dedicated readers, to seek out these great companions while on your own journeys. Friends are with us through it all- through the times of stress and anxiety, times of curiosity and wonder, and times of utterly spontaneous excitement and amusement.

 

 

Watch A Sunrise

       On one night last week, my friends and I were casually hanging out, trying to relieve ourselves of the stress of schoolwork, the anxiety of our upcoming final exams, and the frustration that our study abroad experience was coming to an end. We decided that we should go hiking the following morning to witness the beauty of the Scottish Highlands, yet as the night progressed, we all slowly lost interest in that plan and did not want to leave the comfort of each other's presence. Out of nowhere, the suggestion was put forward to watch the impending sunrise. What followed was one of the longest and funniest nights I have had yet.

       So much can happen in one night. We watched videos, took random online quizzes, played cards, and learned what a geoduck is. As for the latter, I suggest that if you do not already know, to wait to find out until you in a comically-induced state of mind. Overall, it was a great night because I was spending it with the same people with whom I have spent my time in Scotland.

       Anyway, when the time finally came to walk up to the main campus of the university and watch the sun rise over the great city of Glasgow, we all sluggishly moved through the fog and the darkness to see a truly spectacular sight. The sky lit up in pink, purple, and orange hues, beautifully outlining the city's landscape and opening our eyes to a bright new day.

       The best part about the sunrise was that as I looked out over the city of Glasgow, a city which can often be bursting with excitement and energy, all was silent. There were no noises, no bustling crowds. The city was at a total peace. It is nice every now and again to just sit back and admire what is right in front of us. Glasgow is a truly vibrant city, but seeing it in a state of blissful harmony made me love it even more.

 

 

Discover The Meaning Of True Exploration

       It has been a crazy ride. Nearly three months ago, I boarded a plane across the Atlantic Ocean to experience what has been, without a single doubt in my mind, the best months of my entire life.

       One of the main points of traveling is to explore, to discover and find things that we never knew existed, opening ourselves up to the vast world in front of us. The past few trips I have done, Dublin and Amsterdam, have allowed me time to just go out into the city and see what it has to offer. I may not have a plan or a set destination, but that is okay. I let the winds take me wherever they want.

       While in Dublin, I had a series of places I wanted to see- old historical sites, college campuses, shopping districts –yet I had an entire day to get there, an entire day to explore and witness the life and energy of the city. I would leave my hostel early in the morning, head in a certain direction, and see what happens. I first went along the pattern of following a crowd, walking down alleys of small boutiques and quaint cafes. Once the group separated, I would simply follow the largest existing group, yet again venturing into unknown, exciting areas of the city.

       The same occurred in Amsterdam as I walked along the canals and cobblestone roads, passing by bicyclist after bicyclist. I ran into many different markets selling international foods, unique gifts, and flowers galore. The entire city was purely picturesque, admirable from any vantage point. And so, once my legs were tired from a day of walking, I found a small park hidden in the distance and sat there, relaxing and enjoying the atmosphere of the city itself. Soon after, I got up and sat along the canal, admiring the great fortune I must have for being able to experience this while studying abroad.

       Sometimes it is really nice to not have a plan, to go somewhere and simply explore. My advice, dearest readers, is to merely discover the meaning of true exploration, to not have a goal and a schedule for every day of our lives. Find a city, find a park, find something where, for one day, you can go and walk around, opening yourself up to the wonders you may find.

 

 

It's Alright To Miss Home

       It’s getting near the end folks. The finish line is within sight. Before I know it, I will be boarding United Airlines Flight 162 back to the good ‘ole U S of A. Our journeys in life will always have a beginning and an end, a start and a finish. We all know this, but still- I really wish this journey would keep on going.

       To describe the extent to which I have loved the past two and half months would be impossible. Glasgow has become my second home, filled with great people, amazing memories, and an overall sense of satisfied fulfillment. Now, however, is when the irony starts to set in. I both miss my home in Albany greatly, but do not want to leave here. Someone seriously needs to develop a teleportation machine within the next four weeks so that this dilemma can be resolved peacefully.

       A constant thought going through my mind lately are the things I both miss back home and will miss here. Sometimes it helps to create lists, to visualize our thoughts and figure out how our mind is working. So I thought I would share my lists with you. Let’s begin.

Top 4 Things I Miss About Albany

1.      I miss my family. Plain and simple. I miss spending time with my cousins playing card games all night, I miss going on random shopping ventures with my mom and my aunts, I miss sitting down and talking to my gram about everything and anything going on in my life. I love my family.

2.      I miss American foods (i.e. Chipotle, Goldfish, Cheesecake Factory, Cheezits, Potato Stix, Chipotle [again], Homemade Lasagna, Coffee Cake, etc.) and the endless hours I would spend eating American foods to the horror and disgust of others around me.

3.      I miss talking to my friends, whether it be those I see constantly throughout the day or those I simply run into around campus. Not having all of them here has been hard, but I cannot wait to share all my stories to make them insanely jealous. Insert maniacal laugh.

4.      I miss my dog. No description necessary. I love my old pup.

Top 4 Things I Will Miss About Glasgow

1.      I will miss the friends I have made here. Thinking of leaving them is not an option right now. I cannot express the immense bond I have formed with all of them. December 20^th is going to be an incredibly hard day.

2.      I will miss my two favorite pubs: Brew Dog and Hillhead Bookclub. I want to take home with me an endless supply of BookClub burgers and every bottle of Brew Dog’s Dead Pony Club.

3.      I will miss the ability to travel easily and, more important, cheaply. I have been to so many amazing places and I cannot imagine going two weeks without visiting another country or city for a few days.

4.      I will miss the energy of Glasgow, that friendly, positive, inviting, cultural, innovative feeling that comes about with every step I take around the city. This city has redefined my dreams for what I want in my future and I could not be any happier about that.

       It is perfectly acceptable to miss our old lives. It is natural sensation we cannot ignore. It reminds us of how far we have come and how far we can go. I love Albany. I love Glasgow. To say that I have had a worthwhile experience by studying abroad would be a severe underestimation of the truth. Glasgow has changed me for the better, and I cannot wait to bring a little bit of this Scottish city back home to New York.