Yup, it was haggis. If you don't know what it is, it's sheep's heart and lungs mixed with oats and spices before being put back in its stomach to be boiled. Add some neeps and tatties (turnips and mashed potatos), and you have the most satisfying meal I've ever had. Quite a national dish if you ask me...
So if you haven't guessed, I've successfully made it to Scotland. Edinburgh is absolutely one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen. Sorry, but this blog will be a SparkNotes version because I found some free internet by walking into a fancy hotel like I own the place, even though ther is no way I could afford to stay here. (Just being a bit scrappy!) I left London yesterday morning at 8:45 am, and let me tell you, lugging a gazillion pounds on luggage all the way across London by tubing it is quite an ordeal. I wouldn't recommend it. I'm definitely sending stuff home TOMORROW.
I was pretty nervous being here by myself, but it turns out my hostel is immediately across the street from one of the exits of the train station. I'm in a six bunk room, which means instant best friends. I explored for awhile last night, walking down Princes Street, down a bunch of side streets and through the Princes Street Gardens. Edinburgh Castle is beautiful, as is the Scott Memorial. Dinner was fish and chips at the pub literally IN my hostel, which turned out to be quite a happening place! Wasn't expecting it, but it's a pleasant surprise.
Well, when I was trying to figure out what to do with myself last night, I came across a company that has three tours that they do: a free walking tour of Old Town Edinburgh, a pub crawl at night, and a ghost tour (the latter of which is on tonight's agenda!). I decided that I would try the pub crawl, which basically they lead you through 5 prominent pubs and end at a club with VIP entrance. Totally worth it. I don't care much for the alcohol, but I really wanted to meet some people. Which gets me to my point here.
Travelling by yourself is a must. I have been here for just a little over 24 hours and you can't imagine the people I've met. Between the pubs last night and 3 1/2 hour tour I took this morning, I've met the most amazing people. Here's a run-down:
My roomates last night were...
Paula, who can't wait to get home to Brazil.
A couple from Edminton, Canada.
Jackie, an amazingly outgoing girl from Australia, who's been travelling for 6 months.
Added to the list is:
Stewart from Poland, who is a bartender at my hostel. I think he fancies me a bit. :)
Andrew from North Carolina, who is now working for a law firm in London.
Zoe and Andy, an 18-year-old couple from Adelaide, Australia. They just graduated from high school and are couch surfing for 6 months before college. They just got to the UK from California! We're getting dinner tomorrow night.
David, a fourth year business student from Missouri who is studying in Dublin.
Alicia who is Australian but lives in Dublin. She wants to give me a locals tour later this week when I'm there.
Claudia, a 30-year-old teacher from Spain. She opted out of the Spanish tour this morning to take the English one because she's here to immerse herself in the culture to perfect her Enlgish.
Jeff from New York City, who just quit his job working for a celebrity (Oprah!) to pick up and move to LA. He's travelling by himself for two months!
Amy and Daniel from Dublin, who are visiting for a weekend. She wants to be an illustratorf ro children's books, and he's the craziest traveller I've ever met. He just drove from Boston to San Diego, and in a few months he's driving from France to China. We made plans to get a drink in Dublin on Wednesday night.
So anyway, I'm having a great time! And don't worry Mom and Dad, I'm being absolutely 100% safe. I miss you and I love you all! I'll be in touch, as long as I can keep finding a computer. :)
P.S. I typed that so quickly that it probably makes no sense. Sorry!
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