Part II

Outside the walls of Edinburgh Castle.

My week really turned around after last Friday. On Sunday I dragged Sarah to Edinburgh Castle - she had already been about six years ago - and we toured it for about three hours. It was my first visit to a castle! The views of the city from the castle are great and we went through the different military exhibits, the royal palace, St. Margaret's Chapel, the Scottish National War Memorial and also got to sample some whiskey. The war memorial was my favorite part but pictures inside were prohibited . Here are some other photos from my visit:

Chosen to feel the weight of the spear.

Cemetery for soldiers' dogs.

Inside St. Margaret's Chapel.

Outside the Scottish National War Memorial.

Monday morning I had the opportunity to meet Anne's sorority sister, Marjorie. Marjorie and her family live in a beautiful house less than a five minute walk from my flat. She invited me over for coffee and madeleines. It was so nice to be in a home setting, have some free food and be around a motherly figure. I got to meet two of her four kids and enjoy their company for a few hours. If I'm in Edinburgh on Thanksgiving day, I'll get to enjoy a home cooked meal! I feel really lucky to have Marjorie and her family close by, especially if I need anything. I feel like the visit eased my homesickness and Friday's road blocks, as well as helped get my week off to a great start. Thank you Anne for setting us up! 

Regarding homesickness, for me it's more than just missing my family (including Skip). I get homesick for UNC and my friends there, the Ballet School, everything great that fall in NC brings, the ability to text/call/see a friend or family member anytime, etc… but I know that the experiences that I'll have here will make it worth it. I still miss everyone though! 

In other news:
- Our washer/dryer is finally fixed!
- I got to go to yoga and ballet this week again - for free. Three more coupons left until I have to start paying for class.
- I'm done presenting in my three classes so now I can focus on starting and writing my essays. 
- Taking a day trip tomorrow to St. Andrew's. Hoping to visit Will and Kate's old stomping grounds, reenact the Chariots of Fire beach run, and/or step onto a golf course.
- I'll be in Dublin from Wednesday night until early Monday morning. Excited to see my friends Gina and Mary, go to the Guinness Factory, and explore the city! Wish me luck because the first three nights I'm there, I'll be in a hostel solo.

I hope that everyone at home and abroad has great food, great company and great weather this weekend! 

Pray that my new debit card gets here before I leave for Dublin!