From Scotland With Love

Guys. Scotland is gorgeous. BBC Radio 1 is perfect. Scotch eggs are delicious. There are sheep everywhere! And used bookshops for charity! And wonderful beer, and people, and fun!

I arrived in Scotland a week ago. Grant picked me up from the airport and we drove to a picturesque town in the highlands, Pitlochry, where we met Natalie. That evening we listened to live bagpipes, traditional Scottish music, and saw trad dancing at the town hall. I had my very first Scotch egg (a hard boiled egg encased in breaded meat) and loved it. The next day started off right with a full Scottish breakfast--including black pudding! We went out to Blair Atholl where I had my picture taken with some highland cows! (Mad horns, man!) We rested mid-day with high tea whilst watching Wimbledon. (At that point, I realized how insane these stereotypes were getting, but, when in the UK...) The next day I saw Blair Castle. The Ballroom is ridiculously decorated with a bunch of deer heads and random swords and it's pretty amazing. It has a huge wooden floor and I imagined I was out of time at some sort of contra dance-viking-fusion party. For dinner we went to The Old Mill Inn and I had haggis. And I loved it. The next day I relaxed and wandered around Pitlochry. It's pretty small, but cutesy. I got a poetry anthology at the train station secondhand bookshop for £1. After Natalie got back from work, we went to Gregg's for lunch. Hooray for cheap, hot food! On Friday we walked a path to Scotland's smallest distillery and went on a whiskey tour. It was cool to see how whiskey is made (and to taste some...especially on a cooler, rainy day). After lunch, Grant, Natalie, and I headed to Inverness! On the way there we stopped at the Battle of Culloden Memorial where Natalie told us the story of how Bonnie Prince Charlie lost Scotland to the English in in 1746. That night we got delicious pub food and went to a place called Hootananny where a group of 20-something guys were playing live traditional Scottish folk music (read: jigs and waltzes...it reminded me of Pine Lake so much). We made friends with a pair of older gentlemen named John and ? who've been to Belarus. They had some incredible stories. We ended up staying in the most lovely, chill hostel. In the morning we had free tea/coffee before heading to Primark where I got some new shoes (my old ones were wrecked from hiking through wet grass). Before heading out, Natalie showed us this AMAZING secondhand bookshop called Leaky's (which, let's be honest, belongs on Diagon Alley). Then we did some serious touring of the highlands, guys. I actually can't believe we got this all in--Urquhart Castle, Fort William (and Loch Ness, of course), the set of the Great Lake and the Hogwarts Express from the Harry Potter movies near the Glenfinnan Viaduct, and Glencoe. We did all of this on our way to Glasgow, where I got to meet Natalie's friends and get a taste of the Glasgow Uni neighborhood and Glasgow bar scene. We had a DELICIOUS American-style brunch at TriBeCa restaurant the next day before touring Glasgow University campus (which is essentially Hogwarts). Later we got refreshments on Ashton Lane and watched the crazy tie-breaker between Federer and Djokovic in the Wimbledon final. And then we headed to Linlithgow where I took a much needed shower, relaxed, and enjoyed a lovely evening with Natalie and her parents.

On Monday and Tuesday we're volunteering at the charity shop and seeing the Linlithgow sights and then on Wednesday I'll get to see Edinburgh before heading off to London. So much is happening and it's all wonderful and I'm just really glad, happy, and thankful. I can't believe I'm here. Shout out to Natalie for being a tour guide/host goddess; Grant for driving and being patient and up for anything; Sarah & friends for hosting Natalie and me in Glasgow; and Natalie's parents for being the sweetest people ever. Okay, I'm done now. 

(No pictures at the moment because my computer charger doesn't work in the UK but stay tuned!) 

Wedding & Beyond

I've been bedridden for the past couple of days. Reason? I've been having too much fun. I had a manic socializing phase, and getting sick is my body's way of telling me to slow down. On the one hand, it's good that I'm getting time to myself to recover and rest. On the other, I wish I'd been a tad better at reading myself and my needs. Because I'm coming to the end of my stay in Nice, I want to get the most out of it. But there's definitely a balance that can be struck between friends and me-time.

The main thing that has happened since I last wrote is that I went to Kristen and Lee's wedding. It was awesome. The ceremonies happened on a Wednesday and Thursday--one day was the French civil ceremony (it was really cool to see how a French marriage places a lot of value on rearing children) as well as champagne and canapés at High Beach, and one day at Kristen and Lee's wedding villa in Cannes. I can't believe that this is my life. But apparently when in the south of France...

Kristen and Lee are such wonderful people, and they surround themselves with cool people. I loved getting the chance to hang out with their family and friends, and bond with my lecteur/Nice family. Caroline and Tom, Jenny's friends from home, visited as well, and it was really good to see Caroline again (we went to Dublin together along with Helena and Jenny), and meet Tom.

I feel really blessed and lucky to have met so many amazing people since I arrived in September. I didn't know much about Nice before I left my Pine Lake home. I wasn't sure what I'd find here, except for maybe some teaching experience, some free time to figure out what to do with my life, and some sun burn. Now that I'm leaving, I'm really sad to go. I think I've definitely lived life to the fullest here--more so than I did when I first lived in France. Maybe too full at times. I guess I shouldn't be sad that it's over, but that I should "smile because it happened," or whatever.

Anyway, here's to more fun times ahead! (I'm not leaving yet).

Now That I've Finished Teaching...

I went to wine country outside of Nice with Kristen and Lee a couple of weeks ago. We tasted several different wines, drove in a CAR (which was so liberating...public transit is nice, but this American girl misses her open highways), and managed to see some really beautiful land.

The wine is for a party of sorts. 72 bottles = success.

Then Kirsten and I had people over for a pot luck!

Kristen has a Vitamix that only seems to work at our house when the dishwasher and oven are off (the industrial blender takes a lot of energy to use). Kristen made delicious hummus, gazpacho, cashew dressing for a salad, and silky-smooth tofu chocolate cake with the super-powered blending possibility on hand. I made a veggie tarte. Kirsten made veggie wings and kale chips. Amy made a cheese hors d'oeuvre, and Lauren, Katya, Lee, and Jenny all came, too. 

Yesterday Kirsten, Kristen, and her brother, Kevin, and I all went to Antibes. We did a coastal walk on Cap d'Antibes, and then got lunch at a lovely vegetarian restaurant. Lee met us later and we got coffee, then checked out the ENGLISH BOOKSTORE. I didn't know there was one so close to Nice! But there you go! It is really small and cozy and caters to the many English tourists that visit the cute coastal town. After the bookstore we went to the good 'ole Absinthe bar. It was a great day!

Cordon bleu--breaded and fried tempah

with goat cheese

Floppy hats!

Absinthe and random hat-induced sass

Other than hanging out with friends, I've been reading, watching TV, and private tutoring. I recently finished Gilmore Girls and have caught up on the latest seasons of Game of Thrones and Once Upon A Time. I have yet to go swimming at the beach. I've definitely acclimated to Niçoise temperatures because 75 degrees doesn't seem hot enough to put on a suit and get in the water. 

An Update in Three Parts

Part I

I went to Italy to see Alessandro graduate from the University of Milan and got a sneak-peek of Italian living--of both family life and college-student life. It was really fun to walk around Milan, pick up some Italian words, and meet some of Alessandro's family and friends. And eat! I had some great meals in Italy, as you do, but I didn't get to try nearly as much as I would have liked to, so, basically, I have to go back...

One of the classic moments from this trip was after we'd all gone out to celebrate Alessandro's graduation. We'd been drinking and it was fairly late, and I was hungry. I suggested stopping somewhere to get kebab or fries--some sort of drinking food. But Alessandro's friend was like, "Oh, I'll just whip up some pasta when we get home." And she did. So there's Italy for you.

Me, Cyril, and Alessandro in Milan

Lake of Como

Hotdog encased in Italian bread

Alé chillin' with his degree

Hurt feet from walking the streets of Milan

At the graduation party

Part II

When I studied abroad in Paris, I had the wonderful luck of meeting some of the world's greatest people. One of these amazing humans came all the way from Brest (basically draw a diagonal line across France from Nice, and that's where you'll find Brest) to see me. Emma! We had a lovely time together--from exploring Nice, to celebrating Emma's birthday with brunch, to hanging out with some random animals at Parc Phoenix, to eating good food, and to some great nights out. I'm really glad we got the chance to reconnect and create some new memories together!

Birthday Brunch

Oh, hey, mini Statue of Liberty!

Random wildlife in Nice...JK

Typical Niçoise fare at La Tapenade

with Kristen

Paris sisters at Pub Quiz

Part III

I went to Dublin. It was pretty cool. The pride that the Irish have for their history, stories, language, drink, and culture really stood out to me. I felt so welcome and so a part of the city while I was there--so much so that I definitely want to go back. I traveled with Jenny, Helena, and Caroline and we had a lovely time going on a Literature Pub Crawl, as well as going to the Whiskey Museum, the Viking Museum, and a suburban town outside of Dublin called Dún Laoghaire, where we visited the James Joyce museum. We also had a good taste of Irish night life, in addition to trying some wonderful Dublin restaurants. This was an amazing holiday.

Welcome to Ireland. It's green.

What up, Oscar Wilde?

Jenny, Caroline, and Helena

outside of The Duke on our Literature Pub Crawl

Drinking Guinness at O'Neill's

Dún Laoghaire in the sun

That's what I've been up to. Oh, I also moved to a new flat, and have proctored some exams, and said goodbye to some lectrices. This is a whirlwind transition moment as my job is ending, adventures are just beginning, and the great beyond is utterly impenetrable. Hurrah! 

Late to the Party

Hello! Usually I post on a Sunday, Monday, or even a Tuesday, but this week I am showing up late to the party. One of the reasons for my tardiness is that I have been socializing like an extrovert. A proper let's-spend-time-with-people-ALL-the-time person. And surprisingly, I feel OK. Traditionally I get really tired and moody and need to spend two or three days alone if I see people too much. I'm wondering if the crash is just around the corner, daunting and inevitable, or if my tolerance has gone up! Either way, I'm riding this tidal wave of friend-time for all it's worth.

Since I last wrote, we've had two new people move into the flat. It's all temporary, but really fun! We've been cooking together, having silly dance parties in the kitchen; we've gone bar hopping, and out for coffee. The kitchen is dirtier, but my fun-meter has sky-rocketed.

I also went on a ski weekend adventure with Natalie and Helena! We had an amazing time. There were ups and downs, but like any ski trip, it was definitely worth it. Natalie and I stayed at a terrace at Isola and went to a hot tub, made dinner, and played Agricola (one of my favorite board games). Helena joined us on Sunday. The slopes were sort of slushy, because it's the end of the season, but it was VERY sunny and now I have an amazing face tan.

Next week we have final exams at uni, and then that's sort of it. We have to stick around to proctor exams, and I teach night classes, which run through May. But summer is fast approaching and I have a lot to look forward to! Beach errrrr day. Plus, visitors! Including a visit by Emma, one of my Parisian besties, and Wilson, a childhood friend from Finland. And then the traveling will commence!

Oh, and I'm moving to a new flat at the end of the month. April is always so hectic! As is May! Last year at this time I was doing a video every day challenge on my YouTube channel and filming "Seniors" with Jenna. And maple sugaring. And getting ready to graduate. It's weird to think about that... my life is so different now, and there is no way I could have known that I'd end up where I am today.

Have some pictures!

Selfie at Isola.

L'équipe!

Taco night with the girls!

Throw back to this time last year at Poem & A Cookie Day, an English Honors Society event! Yeah..I think my hair has gotten better. 

Tomorrow Isn't April; Time is Stupid--Let's Throw Rocks At It.

A fortnight, because that's more or less the interval between each one of my blog posts*, seems like an eternity. So much has happened since I last wrote, and yet everything is more or less the same. So, maybe I'm the thing that's changed. Ew. Is that too cliché?

This semester has been challenging in many ways, but also super rewarding. I've gotten a lot done! Doing night classes--teaching beginners--has given me a sense of what teaching is actually like (and it's not that bad). Hopefully the students retain at least some of the information I assume I'm giving them.

I've been reading (+ listening) to at least three books at a time, which can feel overwhelming, but this sensation is something I really enjoy. The sensation that I'm accomplishing something. It may be a weak attempt at simulating a college reading pattern (without having to write the essays), but oh well.

I do miss school. But also the idea of applying to school is disgusting. Maybe this is because nothing seems to fit just right. I love English and Creative Writing, but I don't want to only study those things. I want to go to a liberal arts graduate school. Hartwick has ruined me.

"But it was all a dream; no Eve soothed my sorrows nor shared my thoughts; I was alone. I remembered Adam's supplication to his Creator. But where was mine? He had abandoned me, and in the bitterness of my heart I cursed him." (15.11 Frankenstein) 

I've also had my fill of excursions: skiing and other various day-trips. These can be draining physically, as well as socially (poor little introvert), but they are SO WORTH IT. Part of me wants to stay in Nice just so I can keep skiing.

Also, my camera broke. So that's fun.

Here's are some stolen photos from Helena's album:

We went to St. Marguerite, an island off the coast of Cannes and had a picnic.

Pretty soon, if all goes according to plan, I'll have a new flatmate during the month of April, I'll move into a new flat in May, and perhaps I'll travel to several places in Europe in June and July. On verra. 

*After publishing this post, I realized I was meant to write last week, which is why the interval between this post and the last seemed longer--because it has in fact been 21 days; not 14.

HOW IS IT ALREADY MARCH?

Alright, so this is going to be quick because for some reason I'm really busy. I have no idea how that happened. OH WAIT: I'm teaching more hours, have private tutoring, and have to do more prep than before. Also, life. (I'm going skiing again on Saturday!)

The past two weeks I did stuff.

First, I got very ill.

Then it was my birthday! I turned 23. This is me, still recovering from a violent cough and overall tiredness--must-stay-in-bed-and-do-nothingness. I got out of bed to say hi to friends. At 9 p.m. I went to sleep.

Vacation was pretty chill. Helena and I helped Kristen move to a new flat. I went to the Matisse museum with Helena and Peter. Then I made chili!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Like always, it was really fun to prepare dinner for everyone. We had good conversation, too (mostly about the American agricultural system). Hooray!

Then on Saturday I went to a Dutch Pancake Party! Basically this guy, Robin, is a freelancer, and he hosts pancake parties every weekend around the world. (The pancakes are Dutch because Robin is from The Netherlands). I met and hung out with a bunch of different people!

It was crowded. 

This week, I'm participating in Read-O-Rama--a BookTube read-a-thon in which participants must read 7 books in 7 days and complete challenges. You can learn more about the event by watching my TBR (to be read) video below:

And you can follow my progress (or lack thereof) on Twitter: https://twitter.com/angelicacofer

Have a great couple of weeks!