The Dark, Cold Winter Months are Here...

Well guys, I'm sitting in my room at 3:00 pm here looking out at almost a dark sky, drinking a cup of hot tea trying to stay warm. The extreme cold and dark have arrived...and apparently are here to stay for quite some time, unfortunately. Hope everyone had a great and enjoyable Thanksgiving and has recovered from the feast they all consumed!

Thanksgiving was not forgotten here, we were just unable to celebrate it on the official day. Last Sunday, myself and two of my American friends cooked a 20 pound turkey and prepared mashed potatoes, homemade cranberry sauce, candied parsnips, and gravy, of course, for a Thanksgiving meal. Everyone that came either brought a vegetable dish, desert, or drink. It turned out to be a huge success and so much fun! We sat around a table with 24 people and enjoyed our huge Thanksgiving meal. I can attest that I think a picture of this year's Thanksgiving meal will be engrained in my head for the rest of my life. It was such a neat experience that I am very thankful to have had the opportunity to be a part of. Let me tell you why...

Before we ate our meal, we stood around holding hands and blessed the food as well as explained what dishes were on the table (especially the very American dishes some people were not familiar with). Once everyone had served themselves and sat down, we went around the table and every single person there said something they were thankful for. I think the most moving part of the meal was that we counted how many different countries were represented at our Thanksgiving dinner. There were 10 different countries there! How many people can say that they've shared a very American holiday with people from 10 different countries??? And people sitting in harmony, enjoying everyone's company, even people we all call our friends. We sat around for hours after the meal just talking and enjoying ourselves. It was definitely a very special Thanksgiving, and I must admit, although not the same, it wasn't a bad trade 0ff for being at home with family. People here definitely feel more like my family away from home for sure.

Last weekend was also St. Andrews Day, where the saint for which this town was named after is celebrated. A special time of year, as all the museums in town are free, and the only time that the Royal and Ancient golf club is open to the public...even to women! I went to see the R&A on Sunday, as I saw it as maybe my only opportunity to see this famous building and organization. It was very impressive! I also went up St. Rules tower, which is right outside my front door in the Cathedral ruins, where you can see a panoramic view of St. Andrews from the top. It's quite breathtaking to say the least!

This week I took my last official in-class exam before Christmas, which is a relief. Only one project to turn in and my work will be finished until after the holidays, when I will then have finals. Yesterday I went with the Postgraduate Society to the Christmas Markets in Edinburgh. It was a very nice, but cold, day, and good to get out of what everyone calls "the bubble" of St. Andrews for a day. However, I felt like it was Christmas Eve in Edinburgh, as you could hardly walk there were so many people out shopping for Christmas gifts. Quite annoying at times. Hope everyone's got a good start on their Christmas shopping and are enjoying the holiday festivities. In less than 2 weeks, I'll be taking off for Slovakia and Austria and a tour around Europe with four friends! I am getting exciting! I'll be in touch before I leave....thinking about you all and missing you more everyday! Sending my Love....