Two Months In....

There are a few things that every traveller hears just prior to leaving for home:

The ones that make you want to get a T-shirt made:

And then there are the various other comments about what to do (as if I were going on an extended vacation and not going to get a DVM):

-“You should travel to X,Y, and Z places”

- “Don`t forget to try….”

- “They are known for this, that, and the other products, foods, etc.”

Now I know these comments are meant in the best way and that people are only trying to be helpful, but somehow no matter how many people you talk to, the books you read and the websites you search through, nothing can actually prepare you for packing up your entire life, saying goodbye to everyone you know and moving to a new country.

Once you get all your passport and visa and travel paperwork done, the struggle is not over. The other little things that come with transcontinental travel begin to become apparent.

1)      You must close out your checking account and get the funds converted into a different currency (your bank may need some time to figure out they actually CAN do this).

2)      All electronics that must be plugged in will either need to be replaced or have a power adapter/converter (do not be fooled by other outlets…..).

3)      Finally try packing everything you own into a few small suitcases….

a.       Clothes

b.      Photos

c.       Room décor

d.      Paperwork

e.      Any electronics you cannot replace

f.        Etc. Etc. Etc.

So now that everything is packed and ready to go you fly around for the day, and with a few hours hop into the future (a 5 hour time difference) you touch down safely.

Settling in was relatively easy and the people here really are as friendly as they say! People always are willing to point you in the right direction when you are lost, show you the local sights, and laugh over the rainy/cloudy weather. Getting a bank set up can get confusing and the shear amount of paperwork during the first 2 weeks is probably enough to fill 3 binders, but things quickly settle into a rhythm (namely : Wake-up, go to class, drink, go to gym, drink, socialize, drink, sleep, repeat).

Needless to say, in a country known for its alcoholic drinks (and kilts) there are quite a few social events held as part of the program and a few cultural shocks for a first time traveller abroad.

1)      Alcoholic beverages are served at club meetings and during guest speakers.

2)      Teachers drink with the students and encourage drinking games at social events.

3)      KILTS!!!! So I thought this might have just been a stereotype but the guys around here seem to wear kilts to any kind of social event. (esp. true when attending ceilidh)

4)      Ceilidh= Scottish line dancing (I have yet to make it to one of these but apparently they get VERY wild)

5)      Holy Scottish accents! While some of these sound nearly British (and therefore completely understandable) there are a few that have such a thick accent that even other Scottish folk are unable to understand them (as stated by a local Scot).

6)      New words-

a.       Ceilidh (pronounced like Kay-lee) – see definition above

b.      Wee- small or little

c.       Baobhan sith- scary demon monster that preys on lone male travellers (much like a Scottish vampire)

d.      Glaikit- stupid

e.      Fankle (also known as a Flap)- flipping out, getting flustered

f.        Scunner- something annoying

g.       Dinnae- Don`t (Do not)

h.      Wellies (aka Wellington Boots)- rain boots

i.         Keen- eager or able to catch on to things quickly

j.        Chips- Fries

k.       Crisps- Potato Chips

l.         Flat- Apartment

* Needless to say I have heard a few more than this but these are some of the most popular ones.

On the whole, the first two months have been quite the experience. I`ve met people from all over the world (Sweden, Canada, Singapore, Ukraine, etc.) and made friends from everywhere. While most of the people I tend to hang out with are from N. America (due in large part because they are relatively the same age), I still get a little homesick for my friends in State College and all of the fun times I left behind. With a five hour time difference, it usually means that I will find myself up at 2am just to talk to friends back home. Eventually I will make it back to the States, but let`s just hope I don’t lose that “cute American accent” (which seems to amuse the locals to no end) before I go back.