MISSION SCOTLAND 2002

Três anos, após a minha última "longa estadia" em Glasgow, regresso à Bonnie Scotland para reencontrar amigos, o St Andrews College e o país do coração. Esta viagem foi planeada durante um ano, pois 2002 seria o último ano em que o St Andrew's College estaria de pé. Após o Summer Course, o edificio seria demolido e o destino das residências (que detêm o estatuto de património local) ainda estava incerto. Após longas e difíceis negociações com a empresa onde trabalhava, o meu pedido de férias pelo período de 15 dias foi negado.

Despedi-me!
Scotland means that much to me...

Porque havia acesso ao Laboratório Informático, tinha a possibilidade de enviar emails aos meus amigos e ao Tim que, mesmo do outro lado do oceano em Green Bay, Wisconsin (E.U.A), viajava comigo em espírito. Foi através dos e-mails que pude manter um Travel Log.

Em casa, o Marco assumia (um pouco amuado) as funções de dog sitter no domicílio. O Billy adorou, o Marco...(bem, não sei...o certo é que tão cedo não quis pôr os olhos no Billy lol)

Scotland's 2002 Itinerary

The last summer course at St. Andrew's College

1. Day 15th Monday - Glasgow
2. Day 16th Tuesday - Kelvingrove + Botanic Gardens
3. Day 17th Wed - Necropolis
4. Day 18th Thrus - Glasgow Cathedral
5. Day 19th Friday - Hunterian Museum
6. Day 20th Saturday - Edinburgh + Star Wars Art
7. Day 21st Sunday - Glen Coe + Loch Ness
8. Day 22nd Monday - Queen's View Walk
9. Day 23rd Tuesday - Movie Night  "Braveheart"
10.  Day 24th Wed - Bearsden + Luss (Loch Lomond)
11. Day 25th Thurs - The Lighthouse
12. Day 26th Friday - Loch Lomond Shores
13. Day 27th Saturday - Stirling
14. Day 28th Sunday - St. Andrews
15. Day 29th Monday - Isle of Bute

MISSION SCOTLAND - Days #12 to 15

FINAL REPORT

Ora viva!
Sim, cheguei. Ontem. Viva! O que já de si é um milagre dado os sucessivos acidentes aéreos que povoam pelo mundo. Eu cheguei mas, a minha mala não. Erro no sistema dizem eles. Por mim, desde que a mala venha inteira... (chegou - hoje de manhã). A minha mala de estimação regressava a casa com tantas histórias para contar.

Saí em boa hora da Escócia, aquilo estava a ficar chuvoso, um tédio e muito soturno - o meu humor também.. Com ameaças de chuva que não chegaram a acontecer, fui a Stirling. Mais um castelo (lindo), mais um cemitério (igualmente lindo). Fiz um corta mato e desci a cidade histórica para dar um pulo à velha ponte de Stirling, a tal onde decorreu a batalha com o William Wallace. (sim, ponte - vocês não deviam de acreditar em tudo o que veem nos filmes).

Fui ainda mais longe para fotografar uma abadia em ruínas, depois tive de subir a colina com 45º de ângulo para chegar ao autocarro sempre com a agradável presença dos italianos Roberto Begninis (eu queixo-me, mas os tipos são hilariantes - barulhentos, mas hilariantes).

No Domingo fui a St Andrews , na costa este da Escócia onde, segundo nos constou, estuda o príncipe William. St Andrews é igualmente a cidade do golf, onde existem resmas, resmas de campos de golfe com sinais a advertir "pass at your own risk". É igualmente a cidade com uma catedral e castelo em ruínas belíssimos. Mais um cemitério para a colecção. Não é uma obsessão dark, apenas acho os cemitérios anglosaxonicos lindíssimos.

Na sexta dei um pulo até ao Loch lomond mas estava um tempo de...fezes (há que dizê-lo com frontalidade), andei a deambular com a máquina fotográfica à procura de algo que não tivesse coberto pelo largo e escuro manto do nevoeiro e da chuva chata. Humft.

Na véspera de me ir embora (farta de Glasgow - the smelly city) dei um pulo à Ilha de Bute na companhia da Isabel que foi uma querida e ofereceu-me um lugar no autocarro turístico. Em boa hora pois o comentário fulminante do homem do posto de turismo "não existem autocarros que vão para onde querem ir" estragou-me os planos todos. Isso e o tempo nublado. A ilha de Bute tem um posto de observação de focas em Scalpsie Bay, pedras pré histórias, ruínas de uma abadia belíssima, um farol (e julgo que a maior concentração de vacas, ovelhas e cavalos por metro quadrado). Não vi NADA disto porque não há autocarros para lado nenhum. HUMFT. Só têm  um autocarro de turismo que dá a volta à ilha, para vermos vacas em pasto e os fantásticos comentários do guia:

"Estão a ver aquelas 3 arvores lá ao fundo?(1km de distância) Ao lado, em baixo estão pedras que datam da pré história."

"Aqui, em Scalpsie Bay,  é um óptimo sítio para ver as colónias de focas. Se olharem bem lá ao fundo, nas rochas, conseguem ver uma." NOTA: O raio do homem devia ter olhos de lince pois eu, com uma lente de 200mm, não via  nem pedras, nem focas. Vacas!! Essas sim, viam-se aos molhos.

Tempo de dar mimos a cães que encontramos no ferry boat de Bute

Para os que estavam a seguir a novela "Dean" (o tal rapazinho jeitoso), sem muito esforço casamenteiro da minha parte, ele juntou-se a uma italiana. A moçoila disse ao "nosso" rapaz galã: "pensava que vocês os dois eram 'muito' amigos". Assim que ficou esclarecido que eu e ele não andávamos a saltar para a cueca um do outro lol, a rapariga avançou e o rapaz galã teve direito a pão com marmelada.

Andei com um humor de cão e, igualmente, sorte de cão. Depois de perder o autocarro, apanhar com chuva em cima, deixar dinheiro e o saco da lente zoom no autocarro turístico, perder o jantar, ficar apeada com o convite de "jantar" do sr Dean que se eclipsou sem deixar rasto (e sem se despedir) acabei o último dia na Escócia, no cinema, na companhia do sr Austin Powers. Perguntam vocês: "como foi?" Foi bom nos primeiros 10 minutos, depois disso, it all went downhill...

A comunicação do piloto do avião com destino a Lisboa:

"Estávamos demasiado em cima, tivemos de abrandar e corrigir o trajecto, daí terem sentido trepidações. A correcção vai causar um atraso de 5minutos, pedimos desculpa pelo inconveniente"

Comigo, da Escócia, vieram 11 rolos, 17 postais, 1 kilo de folhetos, brochuras e mapas, pedras do loch ness, lomond, muitas lembranças e ...uma constipação.

Aceitam-se doações em dinheiro para ajudar a pagar a revelação dos 11 rolos.

Obrigada
Bjos
Rute

MISSION SCOTLAND Day #11

Hey there

Good news, the fort is holding until next week, weeeeeee. The bad news is, I'm officially bored. Stayed in here most of the morning, with no clue where to go. I'm so sick of Glasgow, but, with nothing better in sight I went to the smelly city to the place called the Lighthouse - I mention that before and I have to say it was a pleasant surprise. They have this really cool spiral staircase that takes you up there to the tower where you can see Glasgow. Anyway, I enjoyed. They had cool exhibitions, specially the Mackintosh gallery.

I think I’m going to Lomond Shore tomorrow - is this shopping centre on the shore of the Loch Lomond that works as a visitor's center and the gateway to the loch lomond park. There's a bus that takes you there for 1.95 so I’m taking it. If I go to Glasgow one more time, I'll puke - talk about weird fumes, smells and pollution.If the weather cooperates, - and it hasn't been doing that cause it keeps raining and the sun won't come out - HUMFT - the Lomond shores thing could be fun. At least I'll be on a different shore than before - Luss. I'll give you a map of Loch lomond and explain that later. As usual I’m bringing this huge mount of brochures, maps and stuff.

I was suppose to see Austin Powers tonight but Dean said we could only go tomorrow. I'm stuck in here tonight, but, good news, the italian are all gone til 8.30 so we have the college all to ourselves. Having said that, I'm off.

(Bored) teeth
Ruth

p.s - the rumour is, will be going to Stirling, St Andrew's and Falkland this weekend. Weeeeee

p.s2 - homework - Falkland Palace

p.s3 - I arrive on Tuesday

p.s4 - Yes, the romans where everywhere and so did napolean(this last one stole several works of art from us)

MISSION SCOTLAND - Day #10 Part II

Phew... the only PC with internet is still here (for now). I don't know for how long I can keep the fort lol

Just a bit of trivia before I tell you about 10th day. Remember I told, I went to Fort William (also Glen Nevis - didn't tell you that but we passed through) and, of course, Glen Coe). Well, if you saw "Braveheart" and "Rob Roy" you had the chance to see those places as well cause (bring out the drums) those movies were filmed on those 3 locations. So, when you see Mel Gibson running on those mountains - remember I took about 36 photos of those places inside a moving vehicle - now you know why! ;)

Moving on
In the morning I went to Bearsden to find that cemetery with the roman wall. Good cemetery, pathetic roman wall - I don't know why they call it that, because it's rocks on the floor. Anyway, another session at the cemetery lol I bet that sounds as weird as it seems lol

When I got back, I found out we were going to 2 cities just at the Highlands frontier. Same places where there's nothing to do so why drive for one hour to go there. I found out at the last minute, the Italian group was going to Loch Lomond but there wasn't room for me. I was really pissed off about it cause no one bother to mention the flip situation. I would rather be in front of the TV than Aberfoyle and Callader, but John call me at the last minute cause one of the italian girls was feeling sick so there was room for me!! Hooray from sickness!! (I think I’m being punished for that remark cause I have a cold now - humft)

We went to Luss (again), its a small really beautiful town but I was hoping to go the further up to this place where we catch a boat to go to the other island. Anyway I took some photos and sobbed over this Scottish Sheppard dog that was there. Also went to Helenburgh and stalked birds to take zoom shots ehehhe

I don't know if I told you this but I used to have one earring shaped like a bagpipe. I lost it (both of them) so I got 2 sterling silver thistles in Luss lol

Speaking of bagpipes. They don't exactly come of the thin air but, they have some guy playing it in every tourist site - which covers about 80% of Scotland lol Usually they have this old guy playing it fully dressed (with the kilt and all that) but that's kidda frustrating cause we hope to see young, gorgeous, Ewan McGregor alikes and all you get is this flaccid old guy. I did see this wee young lad (I'm getting into the local language - 'wee' could mean small, big, cute, gorgeous, nice, depending on the context) playing the bagpipe just outside a chapel cause there was a wedding.

Funny thing, about music and travels, for some reason (I have no clue why) the band Live its the best "on the road" soundtrack. And indeed, celtic and irish music it’s the perfect choice when you travel. Too bad I didn't bring any with me. The only thing remotely similar was that music in the titanic soundtrack - "irish party".

Well, that's all.  I'm off. Tonight we have Ceidth (kaylee) - traditional scottish dancing , just after the "6th sense"

Teeth
Ruth

MISSION SCOTLAND Day#10

LAST COMPUTER STANDING...

...but I think they will pull the plug at any minute. Now, I'm on a computer (that doesn't have a password - yes!) with huge letters, which makes me believe it  belongs to someone who doesn't see very well. Jim, my guy from the internet connection lol is here right now trying to hook up the computers so maybe there's a change. I don't think smoke signs will work, but, if you give me your phone number, I think that will be more effective! lololol I still have 16£ on my phone card, after making all the phone calls to Portugal, if I have enough left I’ll call ;)

Well, that postcard I sent its a small sample of what Loch Lomond really looks like. I guess you have to see it to know what I mean. Although there's a lot of postcards with the Loch in the sunset that gives you a pretty good idea.

 

Anyway, glad you liked the calendar. I've only been to Edinburgh, the rest of the places featured there I’ve never been in. See I get jealousy as well :P

Well, I'm off to somewhere I still haven't figure out. I have no clue where we’re going. Stirling would be nice!

Teeth
Ruth

MISSION SCOTLAND - Day #9

Hey there
Argh, its raining again.

I wanted to see a roman wall they have here in Bearsden - stretches all the way to Edinburgh and has a beautiful cemetery as well. Jezz, I sound like a freak with all the cemetery trips. lol

Anyway, as far as I know, we were here on time, but I was at the chat in the o jeez yahoo club. I can't download anything in this computer so I don't have a "massager" (so, my light doesn't shine lol). You have to get in the chat to find me. The time gap is correct 6 hours. So again, I'll see ya tonight at my 7, our 1 o' clock

See ya then

Cherio
Ruth

p.s - tonight we're watching braveheart in the lecture hall.
weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee. I’ll tell you the thistle story later - I need to know more details (century, the name of the king, place etc etc)

MISSION SCOTLAND - Weekend #6 and #7

Gajos e gajas, olá

Eis o relatório da semana - avisam-se aqueles sensíveis a babar com inveja para não continuar a leitura.

 

Este fim de semana, finalmente, fui à adorada cidade de Edimburgo (Edinbra) ver a exposição de Star Wars - 4 andares repletos de coisinhas interessantes, desde art work, story boards, efeitos especiais, documentários, droids, guarda roupa, enfim, uma óptima forma de passar o tempo em Edimburgo, especialmente quando está a chover a potes. Detalhes interessantes a reter - a Natalie Portman é mais baixa que eu, a respiração do Darth Vadder foi feita com aqueles tubos de respiração debaixo de água, o som dos sabres foi descoberto acidentalmente, quando o responsável pelo som deixou cair o microfone ligado por detrás da televisão e o tema "Anakin" é a marcha de Darth Vadder tocada ao contrario.

Enough about movies Com os restantes 60min que tinha, fui para uma colina que aparece nos postais, meti-me dentro de uma torre com 175 degraus e lá de cima via-se TODA a cidade mais o rio e ilhas. Foi um disparar de fotos até fazer 360 graus. A Zenit (a tal com cicatrizes de guerra) quase voou tal era o vento lá em cima, mas pode ser que alguma foto se aproveite.

Raista parta do tempo que tinha de estar assim logo quando fui a Edinburgo.

Para compensar, no Domingo, quando fomos a Glen Coe (em tradução livre - montanhas de fazer cair o queixo) e ao Loch Ness, estava um tempo lindo, sol e calor a dar com um pau. Juro que tirei um rolo inteiro dentro de um autocarro em movimento. Eu bem tentei pregar as minhas mãos ao assento, fechar a mala com cadeado para evitar as maquinas até bati nas mãos para evitar tirar fotos, mas - credo - é impossível evitar disparar fotos ao vermos aquelas montanhas lindas, com muitas vaquinhas ovelhinhas, florzinhas, cemiterios etc etc etc

Loch Ness, para alem de ficar a milhas de distância - 4h30 num autocarro cheio de italianos a cantar o caminho todo lol (enfim, podia ser pior) não tem nada de especial, mas tem um castelo giríssimo. Monstro não vi, mas tenho uma foto exclusiva do esqueleto da criatura.

Tirando as aventuras em terras altas (leia-se Highlands),a vida no St Andrews campus vai avançando, com os seus pontos dull (leia-se aborrecidos). As minhas noites são passadas na lecture room a ver filmes - olha que bom, mesmo a propósito tendo em conta a minha crise de nostalgia cinematográfica. Tudo épicos: Titanic Harry Potter, Indiana Jones, Entrevista com o Vampiro – só falta mesmo o Braveheart para completar a lista.

O ultimo grupo de italianos é um fartote. Imaginem italianos expressivos que falam alto- género Roberto Begnini e ficam com uma ideia do grupo italiano. E agora, o momento estranho do dia (por acaso foi ontem) Estava sossegada a ver o big brother inglês - NOT!! acho que era um filme com milhões de anos com a Brigite Nielsen e o Arnold Swarchzenegger quando um italiano (penso que era o Alfredo) abeira-se da minha pessoa e pergunta (em italianês) se tinha um gancho. Dei-lhe o meu, mas segundos mais tarde, outro italiano atira-lhe as chaves pela janela. Já com as chaves na mão, o nosso alfredo, entrega-me o gancho, agradece e diz que já não precisa porque tem as chaves.

É mesmo caso para perguntar: "o que é que fazias antes de ser estudante, hein?!" Na volta arrombava portas com ganchos. Bem, é isso ou talvez seja uma deixa de engate lololol vero... 

E não é que o Dean continua um rapazinho muito jeitoso...

Hoje, subi uma colina e cantei "the hills are alive" até rebentar com os tímpanos dos outros climbers. That's all folks.

Acho que mencionei que tenho acesso a internet. Se calhar, não é má ideia mandarem uns mails de vez em quando. No mails, no postcards! Tipo, No Rules - Great Scotch Por falar em postais, eu já gastei 6 contos em postais - isto não é normal! Curiosamente também gastei 6 rolos.

Boa praia, bom sol, bons cozinhados (lolol), bom estudo, bons caracóis (:P)

Cherio
Rute

MISSION SCOTLAND Day #8

Soooooooo, You've seen Urquhart castle before. Now I see where the fascination with the Loch comes from. Yes, and I do think the name of the dinosaur you mention is the one. It's not like I don't believe there was a monster but...it was so long ago, its dead by now, I don't think an animal would last that long - not even the oldest turtles!

Anyway, I just got back from the Queen's View Walk - nice weather – it wasn't that cold up there. Took photos from the view to the loch lomond (definitely my fav loch) and even took a photo of a thistle (tessle) – the national flower. I'll tell you the story later.

I'm on my way to lunch, I'll get back after. I can't download anything in here but I want to see if we can talk using the yahoo club. Be there around my 6.30 – 7.

See ya
we have cherrios as well lol but they say CHERIO
teeth
Ruth

p.s - see I told you, scotland was gorgeous. Hummmmmmmmm butter cookies, toffee

MISSION SCOTLAND - the Weekend!

GOOODDDDDDDDDD MORNINGGGGGGGGGGGG!!!!!!!!!!!

(actually is raining but, I'm not surprised if it clears -no one has a clue what the weather will be like anyway lol)

So, here I am for the full report. I'll start with the sunday trip – Glen Coe and Loch Ness.

First let me say I spent, I figure, a full roll of film with pics taken inside the bus. I tried nailing my hand on the seat, put a key lock in the bag to stay away from the cameras, even slapped my hand a couple of times to stop me from taking pictures inside a moving vehicles but…JESUS...its impossible, there's no way you can avoid picking the camera up when you see these gorgeous breath taking mountains, even when you know, photos taken inside a bus going 60 miles per hour will be crap. Plus, there isn't a camera in the world that can capture the full view of the mountains.

I know, I know, this sounds like stabbing knives of jealousy towards you. but it was a bit frustrating. The thing is, when you're on these trips, on the bus, for long hours, you can't choose where to go and the hour to leave. At Glen Coe, we stopped at this new visitor's centre with the worst view and who the f*ck wants to be inside a building when you have the damn gorgeous Mountains outside. Jeez. I mean, the visitor's centre was ok, but if I only have 1hour I would choose to spend it elsewhere. humft. We did go to the site of the MacDonald's massacre - remember I told you something about that - (its supposed to be a haunted place) - but it wasn't the best place to view Glen Coe. No wonder I was aiming all over the place with the camera inside the bus. Just be glad I got good postcards and brochures. I think I spent 20£ worth of postcards (jeez)

Anyway, it was frustrating but we did see Fort William and Ben Nevis – the highest mountain in Scotland. On the way back we stopped at Fort William and I took, what should be pretty decent, photos. It was a gorgeous day - really sunny. Kind hard to believe that the day before was pouring, when we went to Edinburgh - but I'll get to that in a minute. 3 long hours to Inverness (where Loch ness is), a few sheep, highland coos (that's cows in case you're wondering lol), cemeteries away lol we got there. Like I said before, Ness is not the best looking Loch. We drove through Loch Lomond and the difference between the 2 its obvious. Anyway, we went to Urquhart Castle (I don't even know how to write the pronunciation to that but, believe me, its no way close to how's spelled). Urquhart is a castle a long time destroyed by king something, on the banks of the Loch Ness. But, even in ruins, its pretty awesome to look at. I took so many photos I'm afraid to admit. I left the spare roll inside the bus so I couldn't take more photos with the zenit, which was the best choice of camera so we’ll see how the Yashica behaved.

I didn't see any monster but I do have an exclusive photo of her skeleton! lol True, she was at a museum we saw Friday - the Hunterian Museum lol Actually, the ‘monster people’ believe Nessiewas ve ry similar to an extinct dinosaur called something I can't remember (I'll let you know later). The dinosaur's skeleton was in the museum so I took the picture just for fun.

Even though it was a long trip and a bit frustrating at times, still, it was worth going, of course. By now you're sobbing all over the keyboard lol

As for Saturday, the trip to Edinburgh. Like I predicted it was raining, correction pouring. I was planning to stay most of the time at the Star Wars exhibition but still I wanted to take pictures of the city but, with that weather humft. I spent, I think, 3 hours at the museum - 5 floors of Star Wars- art work, story boards, costumes, creatures, special effects, documentaries etc etc. For some reason I have no clue why, the lights in the museum were so dim. Jezz, I just know the photos will be dark. Since everything was inside glass, I didn't want to use flash but the lights in the museum were so poor - Once again I was trigger happy at this museum so out of 2 rolls some photos should be ok...hopefully.

Since I only had 1 hour to take pictures of the city and it was such crappy weather my plan was to go to this hill (its on every postcard), for a better view but I had no clue how to get there. So, just like I did with the Flat Iron building in New York city, I went to the visitor's centre, took the postcard and asked. Turns out it was really close to the meeting place. So, I went up there under rain, great views of the city but I wanted to try the Nelson Monument this huge tower - a perfect place to take photos of the city. I have my share of photos from Edinburgh - castle, church, streets etc etc, So I was aiming for landscape photos. Anyway, 150 steps later I was up there and JEZZ, what a view. My camera almost fell over because of the strong wind. I'm pretty sure the photos taken with the zoom lens will be blurry cause I couldn't even hold the camera still, I took some shots with the yashica just in case, cause that magnificent view shouldn't be wasted. I could see the firth of clyde, all the way to the castle, the memorial, st giles cathedral, princes street - everything actually :P. Hopefully we will stop by Edinburgh again without the rain and I can take some more photos, although the money is disappearing fast!

I have no clue where to go today. We're doing a Queen's View Walk - that's the fancy name for climbing up a hill lol I've been on one of those twice - great views of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs (another tough pronunciation there) but... I don't have climbing shoes and I was going to the burrell collection today. Arghhhhh, tough decision, I could go to Glasgow any other day...

I guess I leave my choice to the weather...

Well, I guess that's all. Its almost noon anyway - lunch time. I'll talk to you later, if you don't drawn in your own drool lolololol

Teeth
Ruth

MISSION SCOTLAND Day #5

Heyyyyyyyy

This is quick cause I’m on my way to fossil groove. To make up for the trip to Glen Coe I’m missing - yes, its a beautiful place but we only stay 15m in there and I rather spend a all day in Edinburgh- I've just found out that Sunday we are going to the LOCH NESS WEEEEE!! 5 hours going and 5 hours returning but hey...will take lots of pics so you can put on your comp. and dream about nessie.

Watch out for the mailman ehehehehe

double teeth
Ruth

(TIM'S RESPONSE by email)

“ Ruuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuthhhhh!
Buuuuuuuaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!! IT'S JUST NOT FAIR!!!!!! Boy oh boy, I dont think I have ever been more jealous in my whole life. You are getting me back for every concert and every trip to wolf country there will EVER be! Well...at least think of me while you are looking out over the home of "Nessie". I'll be there with you in spirit. You had better take tons and tons and TONS of pics. Jeez, I'll be thinking about this all weekend....

Sooper dooper jealous teeth,
Timoteo do norte”

(Email PART II)

The saints must be smiling at me cause; we're going to stop in Glen Coe!!! How lucky is that?!?! Well, it’s a good thing we're stopping there cause a 5 hour trip will be really...long! I'll be by the window crossing my fingers so the photos I take inside a moving bus will turn out ok. There will be tones and of sheep, highlands coos, cemeteries on the hills, mountains – you name it. Since you can't stop in every interesting stop, at least to aim the camera hoping to capture the moment.

I'll do a full report of the ultra way super dooper weekend: Edinburgh, Glen Coe and Loch Ness on monday This is too perfect so I’m betting it will rain humft - although fog in the loch would be cool.

I'll trade Loch Ness pics for wolf pics. eheheheh
Shinny, bright happy teeth
Ruth
:D

MISSION SCOTLAND - The Hills Are Alive...

Meninos e Meninas

Já sei que vocês ai estão a esturricar com o calor absurdo que tem estado. Eu bem o senti no domingo no dia que me vim embora, imagino agora.

Eu também imagino, em terror, que alguém poderá ter deixado o meu cão fechado na marquise e que ele derreteu, mas espero que seja só imaginação...

Eu cá ando (bem mais fresquinha). 21 graus, morno, sem chuva, nem é preciso andar de casaco - ando com ele atrelado à mala just in case. O tempo muda de 15 em 15m. Ando mais orientada, já sei o trajecto de alguns autocarros e ultimamente não me tenho perdido (valha-nos deus!). Contudo, os azares continuam, o autocarro para o Culzean Castle foi sem mim e logo na altura que estava 10 minutos adiantada. Raista parta dos italianos que me enganaram com as putas das malas de viagem. Julgava que o autocarro ia para o aeroporto, mas, afinal ia igualmente para o castelo. Humf

Pensava ver-me livre duma remessa de italianos e surge outra remessa made in Italy logo a seguir. Estes embora mais rebeldes duma fauna diversa, parecem mais lively e 2 deles até tentaram comunicar em inglês. Milagre.

O grupo português e o Dean (o tal amigo amigo de olhos verdes) vieram no mesmo dia. Lá consegui agarrar o Dean pelo telefone. Ena ena, estes 4 anos fizeram-lhe bem. ‘Tá com um corpinho nota 10, com tudo no sitio, uma tatuagem e alto...muito alto. Sim sr... Olha que pena que a minha faixa etária passou dos sub18 para os "sobre" 21 lolol

Hoje foi um bom dia, estive numa de religiosa. Visitei a Catedral e fui a um cemitério lindoooooooo. Mas mesmo lindo, numa colina (em espiral) com cruzes, anjos, querubins, sepulturas, memoriais, capelas até ao alcance da vista. Até veados tinha!! (infelizmente a câmara apanhou um em modo tremido, mas prova que eles existem por lá) Os portugas com problemas em enterrar o pessoal nas santas terras e, os cemitérios escocês tem pessoal do século XVIII.

Amanhã, Burell collection (com as esculturas do Sr Rudin e centenas de otras cositas interessantes) No sábado, Edimburgo aqui vou eu.

Vocês, meu amores, vão à praia, ponham a cabeça no frigorifico, bebam muitos refrescos, comam muitos gelados mas, principalmente, não deixem a porta da marquise fechada para não me sufocarem o cão.

Cherio
Rute

MISSION SCOTLAND - Day# 4

Heyyyyyyyy

Well, I guess I may overdid my teasing and I got punished for it. Oh, by the way, yes we travel around on bus, its part of the summer course activities, even if I’m not doing classes, I can still go on the trips.

So, anyway, John says the bus is leaving at 1pm. I'm ready to go at 12.50, since there's a bunch of italians with the bags outside I figure they are going to the airport so, that's not my bus. I've waited around in the common room watching E.R. Its 1.15 and no sign of the bus. At 1.30 I go outside, there's a bus there. I asked Siobion (Chevonne - irish name - in here nothing is pronounced the way its spelled lol) "Where's the bus?" and she said the bus to Culzean left at one o clock, this one was going to Glasgow. BLOODY HELL, I was really pissed off about it, cause I didn't see John passed through me on the way out and I was in there early HUMFT (that's what happens when you get distracted watching E.R)

So, I didn't go to Culzean and yesterday was a gorgeous day, really sunny and no rain at all buah. You can see Ireland when you're standing up there in Culzean castle. Man I'm never teasing you again. John said they might go again but I doubt it. I've been there before but I didn’t have the opportunity to take photos cause it was raining heavily. humft

Yesterday the portuguese group arrived and I got in contact with my friend. It was his day off but he's busy most of the week working or training. Man...I'm really bored around here. Its different when you stay in hostels, you're out most of the day and only eat dinner and breakfast. In here, since lunch is at noon I can't go anywhere in the morning, although today I may go to bearsden (the small town where St Andrews is at - glasgow is a half an hour away by bus) to check out the roman bathhouse. Not much, just a couple of ruins but at least i'll be away from the computer lab. Oh, by the way, it’s the same time zone - the Greenwich meridian. I do my emailing at 9.30-11am, so you receive it around 5am. The thing is the big trips away from glasgow are on the weekends and Wednesdays and since I don't have much money I can't go on my own. They don't usually go to the Highlands because
it's too far up, although they went to loch ness last sunday. I'm impatient, I guess. For now I’m stuck with Glasgow - there's plenty to see, but I’m getting tired of the smelly city. Today I'm either going to the Hunterian Museum or Glasgow Cathedral (it was closed last time I went).There's also Fossil
Grove in Victoria Park with footprints of dinos (should be cool) The good movies are all opening in the last week of July so I’m stuck at college, bored. Just me and the tv - E.R, Friends, Ally Mcbeal - just take your pick, they have it all in british television.

Yes, I did hear about Scotland being the place where more UFO's were spotted but I think they forget to mention that Scotland it also the place were people drink A LOT! (See the connection?! lol)

Here's today's scottish lesson.

True, Braveheart isn't as accurate as real live. For start, William Wallace was ugly lol nothing like Mel Gibson. Second, there was a queen of France but she was 12 at the time, they never even met much less had time to make a baby. Third, the 1st battle doesn’t not take place in a field but a bridge - it was stirling that's correct and i have a photo of the bridge. Long shanks (the king of England at the time) was a mean old son of a bitch bastard and although his evilness was accurate I imagine it was a lot worst. That thing about an english soldier having the first night with a scottish bride was unbelievably true. Robert Bruce did betray Wallace but we regret it and in his memory he kicked some english arse and manage to win some autonomy (?) from the english.

Also, today's peeks in the internet.
Glen Coe (jaw droping) - there's this story about the new year's massacre. Some rivalry between clans either in the 12nd or 13th century - not sure, need to ask john (I always mention a john but there's 3 of them! – john corcoran, john macmannus and John angus - they're part of the staff)

Well, I’m off to the post office. To redeem from my teasing I'm sending you a special treat. I'll be passing by the post office today ehehheehheeheheh. Need to have lunch early to go to Glasgow since dinner is served early today - 5.30pm . jeezzzzzzzzz

teeth
Ruth

(Email PART II)

Hello again

Now I know the password of this computer so I'm the master of the universe (at the computer lab, at least).

Today was a good day, went to Glasgow's Cathedral and this beautiful, huge cemetery called Necropolis. Its on a hill, that goes in spiral with load of tombs, memorials, asmall chapel, all kind of crosses, you name it - its there. I even saw a deer in there. Well, I guess its pretty common in the states to see a deer (or wolves, bears and lions (?) but not where I live. I never saw a deer 100meters away from me. The deer spotting was absolutely an event. I took 2 photos, but since most my zoom lens photos result in crap, I figure these photos will be the same. Nevertheless I took my fare share of cemetery pics.

I'm not sure about tomorrow, but since I'm emailing tonight, I’ll visit the Fossil site in the morning and either the burell collection or the science center after lunch. Glasgow means green glen but a lot has change since they baptized that way. Glasgow it’s not the capital but it’s the biggest city in scotland and more industrialized with the stench of breweries, fish and chips places and the pollution yeckkkk.
Today I found out they are making 2 trips on saturday, one to Edinburgh and other to glen coe HUMFTTTTTT (damn) That as close as you'll get to the highlands. I know, it’s a shame to be in scotland and not visit those jaw dropping drooling highlands. Yes, I imagine they had to send a truck with the loads of rolls you would use.

The botanic gardens have its share of different flowers but I’m pretty sure they don't have one who holds a baby lol

Well I'm off to swim. We have a sport facility here and since there's nothing to do until 9pm (bingo night! - how exciting!) I might as well go. See you monday then, this place will be close on the weekend, I'll email you tomorrow night if this place isn't close - I’m the master of the universe but I'm not God!! I don't have the key yet lol

teeth
Ruth

P.S - by the way. I read a book about wallace, apparently bruce didn't betray wallace, it was his friend for the same reason the film states. Wallace was indeed brutally tortured but not quite as shown in the film. He was dragged through the street by 2 horses, i think they did take his guts out, was hanged and then cut into pieces and each piece was put in display in different scottish cities. Really nice guys these english jeezzz This of course resulted in a rebellion and the scottish wars of independence. Like the man said. "They make takes our lives, but they will never take our
FREEDOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!!"

MISSION SCOTLAND - Day #3

Hey there :D

Jim and me (the computer guy) are starting to grow on each other, meaning, I'll get access most mornings heheeh. Good thing the italians don't speak a word of english otherwise they would invade the place.

Today we’re going to Culzean (Cullen) castle - really cool castle in south scotland. I've been there before but this time I'll just be outside taking photos - I hardly had time to do that in 98. It’s a gorgeous castle on a cliff. I hope the tiny rain clears. It usually does. I'm surprised at the weather, its been warm with few clouds. Like London, the sun always comes out at 6 pm (weird). The staff in St. Andrews is always looking forward to see the portuguese since we (as they say) "bring the sun". Good thing eh?

Routine here is quite different from Portugal. Eventually you get use to it. Eat breakfast at 9, lunch at noon and dinner at 6, which gives me little time to stay in glasgow, usually its one thing at a time although yesterday. I went to the Botanic Gardens (quick visit), Kelvingrove and passed through Glasgow university. I didn't get lost this time, but I did take the longest possible route humft - having no sense of direction sucks! Plus I don't have a bus map yet so I have no idea what bus to take, so I have to walk a lot.

Have to get a map otherwise my feet will collapse. They had a Ceidth (traditional scottish dancing) the night I arrived but I was so tired I didn't have the will to get up to photograph it.

Last night, at 8 o' clock they showed Titanic in the lecture hall. Believe it or not, at 11pm, when the film ended the sky was still bright - one of those delightful things about Scotland.

Saturday we’re going to Edinburgh, now that will be a treat! The Portuguese group arrives today so hooray to that. It’s been kidda boring without them here. I can't get in contact with my scottish friend, he's a croupier in a casino I guess he works late hours and our schedules aren't the same. Plus the darn Italians kids don't speak a word of English so, there are not much people you can hang out. I do know most of the staff but they're busy with their work.

You should go to a scottish site and take a look at Culzean castle, oh, and another thing, I want to go to the cool place called the lighthouse. The arquitecture and design centre with Rennie Mackintosh's work.  I'm getting you for every SA concert you saw (also that trip to wolf land remark - buah).

In Kelvingrove museum there was an exhibit about endangered
species. I wasn't aware of this but apparently wolves were extint by the 18th century – total extermination (jeezzzz).On the other hand, foxes are very common even in parks - but by dusk and they go as fast as the wind. I won't be teasing you about scottish pastry (yeck) although they have great toffee and butter cookies hummmmmmm.

The cemetery was small but very nice, the great thing was there were grave there from the 17 and 18th century. How cool is that. Has for pictures with me in it. In London I took some of me in the museum's bathroom lol this time i had my fun taking timer pics in a swing lol I just know I'll laugh at the result.

Anyway, glad to hear your root canal went well. You went expecting the worst so it turned out alright.

Boy , this email sure was long...
See ya either tomorrow or friday

Cherrio (that how people say goodbye in here)
Teeth
Ruth

MISSION SCOTLAND Day #2

Goooooooooooooood morning

Well, I'm here. The weather is not that bad. Kidda like London, but St andrews college without the portuguese group looks like ghost town although there are tone loads of tiny, teenage nightmare italians all over the place. The 1st 2 days were more memory lanes, I been checking out places were I used to go when i lived here. Took loads of pics of the small chapel and cemetery in Bearden, looking forward to see the result. Got lost in Glasgow several times trying to find a damn church, keep going round in circles trying to find it and the damn thing was right in front of me. My feet are so sore and it’s only my 1st day. Jezzz.



I found the only computer place working in st Andrews cause the school is shutting down buahhhhhhhhhhhh. I don't know if I have access again but with my expertise and power of persuading lololo I'll be fine

Anyway, today I'm off to kelvingrove museum. Tomorrow will be going somewhere hopefully Edinburgh.

Teeth
Ruth

MISSION SCOTLAND Day#1

Gajos e gajas do meu Portugal

Cheguei à terra do sr. William Wallace, o tempo está comestível, mas a vida no st andrews college campus já não é o que era. Está tudo empacotado, pronto a fechar - existem toneladas de italianos tamanho S (sacanas barulhentos) e sem o grupo português isto anda um bocado sorumbático.



Já andei por Glasgow, algo desastroso pois andei 40m à procura de uma igreja (Glasgow Cathedral)que estava mesmo ao alcance e andei ás voltas para a procurar. Credo, a falta de direcção é uma coisa muito triste.

Engraçado como em 3 anos, uma cidade muda. Agora têm um multiplex de cinema com 1500 salas (p’raí) mas sem nenhum filme de jeito - tristeza... O antigo Odeon, lá continua (sem nada de visionável)

Outra missão impossível - encontrar um computador. Ah pois, os anos dourados do St andrews já vão longe. A escola foi vendida á universidade de glasgow que acabou por decidir fechar tudo. Mesmo tudo! - Enfim são aquelas coisas burocráticas idiotas. La' consegui descobrir o good old communication department - vulgo sala de computadores - a minha segunda casa quando vivi aqui no st andrews. Esta viagem mais parece um memory lane. Não sei quando terei acesso de novo mas com a minha expertise eu consigo tudo lolololol right

MISSION REPORT

- Isto sem os portugueses é muito estranho
- ir a glasgow de autocarro custa os olhos da cara –1.95´£
- os italianos crescem das arvores e não falam puto inglês
- a comida do refeitório é boa mas os gajos são obcecados
por fritos

Por enquanto não houve pervertidos nem situações estranhas apesar de ter apanhado um tropa algo "pissed off" no autocarro. Apenas perguntei o horário do autocarro e ele disparou logo que tinha chegado do Afeganistão."Isso não um sitio muito pacifico para estar", disse eu mas pelos vistos o gajo adorou - como estava no exército teve oportunidade de dar cabo do canastro de muito talibãs. Assim que o motorista do autocarro insinuou que ele não tinha mostrado o bilhete o gajo passou-se da marmita e cuspiu todas as asneiras, ameaças conhecidas pelo Homem - ainda bem que os motoristas tem aquele vidro senão o homem tinha levado um murro. Enfim... um dia normal em glasgow.

Hoje ao pequeno almoço, perguntei ao John pelo Dean, o meu amigo desaparecido em combate (que pelos vistos esquece-se de ligar o telemóvel), ele diz que o viu há pouco tempo, que estava em excelente forma física porque anda no judo.
"Que idade é que tens?" - pergunta ele
"25" respondo
"Nah..." - és muito velha para o Dean - mas ele bem que precisa de uma mulher experiente que lhe ensine os factos da vida"

NOTA MENTAL (LOLOLOLLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL)

"Não me parece que eu seja a pessoa ideal para lhe ensinar os factos da vida" - disse-lhe eu. CREDO, este pessoal só pensa com a braguilha.

Pois bem que o Dean tem olhos verdes é bom rapaz e bem bonito, mas a minha faixa etária só engloba 21s para cima.

Nunca mais chega quarta para ir a edinburgh humft

Bjos
Ruth