Time in the North: Rest, Reading and Exam.

It's been several days since I had Internet access because our group took a brief trip up to the very northern tip of Scotland. We stayed at one of the nicest ranked youth hostels in the country-- Carbisdale Castle (a Sutherland Castle converted into a youth hostel in the 50's). The castle is located in Culrain, which is a very small farming community... I'm convinced Culrain is just made up of those who work in the castle (cooks, maids...etc.). We were a little surprised at how remote we were (a 4.5 mile walk from the first market), but it proved to be a wonderfully relaxing couple of days without distractions. I managed to read through the rest of the Narnia Series (which Travis has been pushing me to finish all summer) and they were amazing. I spent most of my days in the library, curled up on a nice comfy leather couch reading Narnia or studying for the exam we had the day before yesterday. So, I am officially done with the first class of the four I will be taking over here! We meet up with our new professor tonight at dinner and so begins our British fine arts class... my realm of expertise ;)
I forgot to mention that we are back in Edinburgh now, and for the next 5 days or so, then we are headed down to Wales. Our tour of Scotland has been brief, but I'm hoping to come back someday and spend some more time hiking and exploring the highlands without a large group. For those of you that didn't hear the news, my mom will be joining me for 8 days during my fall break! We will probably be spending some time touring England, maybe go up into the Lake District and relax. It should be a lot of fun, and less stressful for Mom since I have been getting the hang of the train system and making my way around London and such.
Passing through the country side on the train the morning was wonderful, but made me a little homesick. Up in the highlands the hills are covered with green ferns, vibrant green grass, purple heather and fireweed. The blur of pink fireweed along the side of the train tracks reminded me of the fireweed running along the side of Egan Drive, and I longed to see the snow covered mountains of Juneau. But the Scottish Highlands are gorgeous, and are extremely beautiful in their own way.

I miss you and love you... and I need to go get ready for dinner tonight, our last dinner with our first professor, Keith. We're dressing up in our nicest clothes and having a fancy dinner in an expensive hotel!! ooo, I can't wait. Much love,
Giselle