It's still hard for me to wrap my head around the fact that I've been here more than ten days. I feel like I'm in some sort of time paradox because the time passes quickly and slowly at the same time. Usually I don't know what the date is. 

This past weekend marked the end of Freshers Week. Saturday during the day, Ellie and I decided to make the trek up Arthur's Seat. What a trek it was. 

At the base.

Arthur's Seat is located in Holyrood Park and according to the internet, "geologically what remains is a basalt lava plug that choked the neck of a volcano which would have been active around 335 million years ago. The action of glaciation has cut into its heart, making it one of the most accessible exposures of an ancient volcano."

The highest point is 251 m/823 ft. I heard that it was named after Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (Sherlock Holmes author)…?

We started off with a quick pace from the base (which is a short walk from our flat) but quickly slowed it down and paused to rest a few times along the way to the top. I don't think I've ever climbed anything so steep. It was a nice, cool day but so windy, particularly at the top. Imagine mild hurricane winds and a sunny day and that describes how it was at the top of Arthur's Seat. I definitely think I'll climb it again because the views of the city were incredible - pictures just don't do it justice.

Falling down Arthur's Seat.

Climbing down I thought that my knee caps were going to crumble and both of our legs were shaking when we made it to the bottom. Definitely worth it though.

Later that night our flat went to the Freshers Ball which is one of the most popular events at Freshers Week. It was like the Scottish prom I never went to. The best part about the night was the Celildh (pronounced 'kay-lee') which is basically like a Scottish line dance with lots of swinging and sweating. Definitely a lot of fun. Not quite sure what the steps are? Just find the nearest guy in a kilt. After the Celildh everyone makes a large circle, crosses his or her arms and holds hands while singing "Auld Lang Syne" to the bagpipes. During the second verse everyone continues to hold hands but runs into the circle and out. Funny and fun.

I'll talk more about classes, societies and exploring in my next post. Guid nicht!