Canadian Love, Haggis and Proof of Humans

Hello again!

So I'm already lying in this blog. I said I would post yesterday but I didn't. Oh well. I'm here now!

One thing I find difficult here is understanding the Glaswegian accent. Apparently, it's the thickest Scottish accent you can find. Didn't know that. Do now. When we're having group discussions in class, I find it really hard to understand what other students are saying. They slur words, talk fast and start every sentence with "Erm". I've been told that the American/Canadian accent is really easy to understand because we speak so clearly. Yay. I'm always getting mistaken for being American. It's actually quite hilarious to tell people that "actually, I'm Canadian". The immediately start apologizing like they've just slapped my child. I've experienced a lot of American hate down here. I don't think Europeans are "the land of the free's" biggest fans. In one of my tutorials (like labs at U of R), we were working on a case study about a Japanese business man coming to the USA to work. An Australian girl was giving her answers when she was asked who she would rather work with, the Japanese man or the American. Her answer was that she would rather work with the Japanese man because the American in the case study was "just your typical, lazy American". I had already spoken, so people knew my accent. Once she said that comment, people started to laugh nervously and look at me. I noticed this and said "Oh don't worry, I'm Canadian" and you could feel the tension woosh out of the room. One person actually said "Team Canada!", so you know. They've got my Canadian back.

I've been trying to watch as much of the Olympics as I can, but it's hard with the 7 hours time difference between here and Vancouver. I did stay up to watch the USA vs. Canada hockey game a few nights ago (BRUTS!). The main coverage of BBC has been curling. Anyone who knows me, knows how much I hate curling. But that's all they show here. I've been trying to explain how curling works to the American girl I live with, but my high school gym memory only goes so far. The best part of the curling coverage is when they show the BBC commentators. They just look bored out of their minds. Probably because Canada is dominating.

The rest of the week looks good for me. I joined the university club volleyball team and we have practice tonight. It's not the caliber I'm used to with U of R intramurals, but it's volleyball nonetheless. I have two classes tomorrow afternoon (War, Terrorism and Conflict and Tourist Behavior) and then no classes Friday! It's just like being in business at U of R. I wonder if that's some sort of unspoken rule of business schools everywhere...whatever, it's great! I'll probably try to get some work done on my essays this weekend, since next weekend I might be taking a little trip with two American girls I met. We're thinking Norway, Sweden, Ireland or Brussels. Wherever we go, I'll be sure to post pictures!!

Oh and Dad, I don't take pictures of people, I take pictures of places! I don't think Mike would appreciate me bringing my new camera out to the clubs and taking pictures haha. However, I'll try to get some pictures of actually humans to show that I'm semi-social. But here are some that my friend Sarah from Iowa took at Dumbarton castle:

Okay this is just me, but it's a good shot. I mean, come on.

Me, Stacy and Sarah at the top of Dumbarton Castle.

So yeah, there you go. Proof of human interaction! Suck it Megan.

OH MY GOD I almost forgot! I had HAGGIS last night. Yeah. And it's not that bad! It just tastes like ground beef with different spices. It has a weird texture and a rank aftertaste, but it's not horrible. Apparently I need to try deep-fried haggis, but I think I'll leave that up to Mike to try when he's here. Not a big fan of the deep fried foods.

Until next time!