Highland Tour Pt. 2

Highland tour Pt. 2

As promised, the second part of weekend…

We woke up on Sunday morning and had breakfast. We all laughed at the photos/videos from the previous night and enjoyed breakfast. Some people were a little under the weather from a busy Saturday, but everyone was keen to get going. Once breakfast was done we all piled in the cars (there were now three since Iain’s friend Stewart and his girlfriend Megan were going to be coming along too). We headed off for Fort William.

Now, I really wasn’t aware how far away Fort William was. In a straight line it looks to be about the distance between Ottawa and Brockville…but that’s assuming that the roads are straight…which of course they aren’t. Sheesh…these are the highlands…nothing’s straight. So, what looked to be an hour worth of driving resulted in a solid 2 hour drive. Perfect. To make matters better it rained. It rained lots and lots. You get the idea. However, we headed off and our first stop was in the valley at the base of Ben Nevis where many scenes from Braveheart were filmed. For those of you who don’t know, Ben Nevis is the tallest mountain in the British Isles and is much smaller than, say, Everest or the biggest mountains in BC or Alberta. However, whereas most of those mountains are huge, their bases are at an altitude that is much higher as well. Ben Nevis’s base is at sea level and climbs straight up which makes it very dramatic. We stayed around for about 15 minutes before we all got soaked and then headed for the cars. Jaime insisted on showing us the wonder of single track roads to which I simply said ‘boy, am I glad I’m not the one driving’. It was tight.

After the stop at Ben Nevis we headed to Fort William and the town of Ballachulish (I hope I spelled it right) where Jaime introduced us to his parents Gordon and Morag. They were super friendly and invited us all in for lunch. They had prepared a fabulous lunch for us of cold meats, cheeses, bacon, sausage, egg, fruit, and some Welsh cakes (very much like a scone) and some tea. It was much appreciated. Jaime and his parents still insist that we can’t possibly do justice to the highlands in a two day span and so perhaps the next time I make my way North I’ll swing by Fort William again...

Once lunch was finished we thanked Jaime’s parents for lunch and headed off for the town of Glen Coe. It wasn’t much of a drive and the town is very cute, but we kept going and ended up on single track road again. We continued on until we came to a wee pub set in a valley. Apparently the valley was the site for most of the filming for the first two Harry Potter movies. It was very cool and I could almost imagine Hogwart’s castle set against the backdrop of the mountains. When you get a moment have a look at the movies and see if you can’t spot any of the mountains from these pictures.

Mark and I decided to go for a hike up the mountain in order to get a better view and in the process got soaked once again. We eventually headed back down and sat down with the rest of the crew in the pub. It was nice to get in from the rain and have a hot cup of coffee. We all sat around and just soaked in the atmosphere. However, around 4pm we had to hit the road again or else we were going to miss the bus home. We left Glenn Coe and drove the 2 hours back to Inverness…and then climbed on the bus and made the same 3 ½ bus ride home. We arrived back in Glasgow exhausted, but very pleased. The weekend had been amazing and I’ll happily go make another tour of the Highlands.

Anyway, that’s it for now. Take care from Scotland,

Bruce

Highland tour 2006 pt. 1

Highland Tour 2006

So, in my last entry I mentioned that the weekend was whole lot busier, and boy I was not kidding. Let me explain what we did and why. Several of the others guys who I live with here in Glasgow are from the Highlands. Iain is from Inverness and Jaime is from outside of Fort William. Since we had a long weekend this week I figured it would be a good time to go for a little tour and Jaime and Iain were keen to show us around. So, Friday afternoon we (and by we I really mean 8 of us) hustled for the train off campus and made our way to the bus and a highland tour.

The bus trip was an adventure. It’s about a 3 ½ hour bus ride to Inverness from Glasgow so we had a pretty extensive trip. Now, I rarely like travelling by bus in Canada, but in the UK I might like it even less. They have discount bus lines which are more crowded, have poorer seats and generally very uncomfortable. We drove for an 1 ¼ to Perth, stood outside at the bus stop for 15 minutes, climbed on the bus to Inverness and drove another 2+ hours way up north. It was ok, I mostly read ( it was too dark for photos) and arrived in Inverness with no idea what to expect.

Fortunately Iain had arranged for a few of his friends to meet us at the bus station in Inverness and they took us all off to play a little bowling. It was good times! Lots of fun was had and we all admitted to being whipped from all the travel. When we were done bowling we went off to where Iain is living with his girlfriend and her family. Leah (Iain’s girlfriend) and her mother had graciously agreed to let the three of us (Mark, Martin, and myself) stay with them, while the others stayed with Jaime in Fort William (Lauren, Melissa, and Andy…they went separately on Friday night). We made plans to meet up with the other bunch on Saturday and then we largely just headed for bed.

On Saturday we headed for Loch Ness, but instead of hunting Nessie we visited Urquart castle which is right on the shore of Loch Ness. It was a beautiful day, as the photos will clearly show, and it was a super morning. Now, don’t worry, we didn’t forget about Nessie, we just had other things we wanted to see, although I did get some neat pictures of the old girl. Take a look for yourself.

If you are familiar with Scottish football (yes soccer…they call it football) then you know that the two biggest clubs in the Premier League are Celtic and Rangers. When they play the whole country comes to a standstill. Well, at 12:30pm on Saturday Celtic and Rangers played once again and we were forced to go and watch. We went back to Leah’s place and watched the game. Final score…Celtic 2…Rangers 0. However, after the match, back on tour we went.

We drove into Inverness and walked around the centre of the city. It is beautiful!! As we were walking along the river we stumbled across a small park and found that it had a putting green. Sweet! So after a quick Ice cream stop, we borrowed some putters and balls and played a little mini putt. I wasn’t much good and Iain won handily (he goes golfing regularly). We walked back down the river into the town…took some more pictures, and headed off for Leah’s place once again.

Back at Leah’s place we waited for a bit for Jaime and crew to show up and then we all had dinner together. Leah’s mother cooked an enormous meal for all 9 of us (obviously including Leah…for those who were trying to do the math) and was spectacular. We had fresh salads, pasta, and a really nice evening. Once we were all done we headed over to the local pub, which was just down the lane and was really very cute and had an enjoyable evening. It was really good. We headed back to Leah’s place where we all crashed and made ready for a busy day on Sunday.

This post is getting really long…so I’ll write Sunday up in a bit…but there’s more to come. Fret not. Stay tuned.

Al the best from Scotland,

Bruce

Expressive Arts

Expressive arts

So, it’s been a couple of days since I posted my last contribution to this blog…so I figured I would start making up for what I’ve been doing.

The rest of last week was largely pretty dull. We had classes at Jordanhill like usual on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of last week. However, by Thursday things started to get interesting. On Thursday and Friday we had 2 days of ‘Expressive arts’ workshops which turned out to be really fun.

Thursday morning, once I found my classroom (of course they had to hide all our classes in buildings we don’t usually use) we started with Visual Arts. I was rather dubious about my ability to draw or do much of anything artistic, but I think I may have proved myself wrong. We had to draw out a fish in charcoal, make a charcoal imprint of that fish on a piece of Styrofoam so we had the shape of the fish. Once it was on the charcoal we had to score the Styrofoam along the lines so we could make an imprint of the fish. Next we slathered ink all over the Styrofoam and then placed in on a piece of paper…so we had an ink impression of my original. Afterwards we made a frame and I experimented with colours and largely ignored the professor’s request to select a modest colour scheme. The idea was that we could do this project with our students at the primary school level. I really enjoyed the whole experience and brought my fish home. It is now on the wall of my flat. Check out the photo.

After art we had drama, which was less interesting, but still loads of fun. We talked about using drama as a powerful tool for the students and how we could make students feel more comfortable about the whole process. We did some still frame scenarios that we can use to help the students build storylines and such. It was good, but art was better.

On Friday we had music and it was hilarious. The first instructor had tons of props and puppets and such and we walked around in a circle and sang little children’s songs…with puppets…and hand clapping…and circles!!! It was great! After that session we had a musical session where we had basic instruments like drums and shakers…and we sang calypso music. Oh my…it was priceless!! Oh yeah…camp folk…you’ll love the fact that they are fully expecting me to use the song “Boom Chic-a Boom” as an educational song!! Oh boy…as Nick Frauley would say.

I got further good news…apparently the referee in chief over here in Scotland seems inclined to let me ref a little bit over here…so that’s good news. I’m looking forward to having my gear arrive ( by the way…thank you very much Mom and Dad) so that I can keep reffing…even just a little bit.

Anyway…that’s all for last week…but the weekend is a whole other kettle of fish…but maybe a story for another day. So…take care, don’t be shy to drop me a line anytime…and stay safe.

All the best from Scotland,

Bruce

Baking a cake and the Kelvingrove gallery

All right folks,

The weekend has come and gone and I figure it is probably time to post some of my doings on this dear little blog. I would just like to thank anyone who has taken the time to read some of my entries ( apparently some of you do) and so I'll try to keep it interesting.

Firstly, I finished my placement on Friday without having a horrible fire burn down the school. As you may or may not know I was supposed to be helping my class of p7 students bake cakes as part of one of their units. The idea was good in principle, but to make cake with 25 students takes ages. I worked with half the class, while the teacher worked with the remainder of the class and it was supposed to go smoothly...except nothing ever runs smoothly. We had all our ingredients and were all ready to bake when we returned from lunch, but then discovered that there is some obscure rule forbidding eggs from being used. That's perfect...especially when we were going to use eggs in the cake...perfect. So, we found the Cafeteria lady and she gave us a mix, but now were are simply adding water...swell. Well, we made the batter and then I was sent down with 5 students to bake the cakes and clean up...so off we went to the staff room and the ovens. So, we baked and cleaned and just as I was sending the students back to the class in came 5 more with instructions to make the topping. Nice. So, now I'm helping these students make the topping and clean up. I hauled out our cakes ( they looked really good...yeah all that baking cakes at OPE paid off) and sent the students back to class. No sooner that this batchhead off in come 6 different students with instructions to cut up fruit for their cakes. Now, at this point I was getting a little weary of standing around in the staff room and getting the distinct impression that I was getting the short end of the stick here, but I set about helping these students cut the fruit. Well, in matter of some 20 minutes had ALL 25 students in the staff room trying to cut fruit. YIKES! Does anyone else see the problem with this? 25 students...small room...sharp knife...its a miracle we had no stabbings. In the end the cakes tasted good, and the teacher was very appreciative for all my help and it was a lot of fun. Check out the photo of my group making batter.

On Saturday I went to the Kelvingrove Gallery in the West End of the city. It has just re-opened and I wanted to check it out. I wasn't sure quite what to expect, but it was impressive. The architecture is beautiful and the place was unbelievably busy. However, I spent mosy of 3 hours in the museum and could have spent about 3 more I'm sure( if you've ever gone to a museum with me then you know what I'm talking about). It had a whole host of exhibits about Scotland, its heritage, its people, the animals, and countless other stuff. They also have an extensive collection of artwork from across the world. Van Gogh, Monet, Renoir, Seurat, and all sorts of other artists had their work on display and it was pretty impressive. Chcek out the photos.














Now, for those who fear that I don't go out and party and that all I do is go to school, go to museums, and never have a good time...here you are. Saturday night I went to a flat warming party and it was a quiet affair. It was low key and a nice place to go. However, on my way back to my flat I got a text message from a friend of mine saying that everyone was at the Studeny Union bar and that had to show up or else. Well, it being Saturday night I had to oblige...and the craziness ensued. Its Frosh week here now and so the campus is crawling with first year students and they were all at the Union bar. It was busy...the beverages were very cost friendly ( dare I say cheap) and to make matters better I didn't pay for any because everyone really wanted to see me tie one on big. Well I did. I'm not a dancer usually...only under 2 conditions do I dance: summer camp, or stupid drunk. You figure out which it was. It was a good night...but I woke up feeling like anyone who was out until 3 am celebrating the weekend...terrible. Fortunately I don't go out all that often so that's ok once in a while.

At this point I will be free to admit that while I'm enjoying life in Scotland, I do miss Canada. I miss cars driving on the proper side of the road. I miss Tim Horton's. I miss Ice Hockey ( yes...boys in the ODHA I check up on you guys through the power of the internet). And I miss all you crazy people back home...so I'll keep on working and doing what needs to be done, but if you guys want to send me a kind word...go ahead...it will be appreciated.

Anyway, so long from Scotland.

Bruce

Chuck Norris doesn't go hunting.... CHUCK NORRIS GOES KILLING

So, I've discovered the amazing Chuck Norris. The man is brilliant! Seriously...check out this website: http://www.chucknorrisfacts.com/ You'll love it!

Anyway, I was back in placement today and I loved it. I met my new class ( they had been away last week) and they are nice kids. There are 25 of them and they are about 11 and 12 years old and seem to be well behaved. However, I am clearly an oddity and all the kids want to ask me about Canada. Apparently, this class had pen pals in Canada and so they were asking me if I knew Justin, or Claire, or Mike in Toronto. Now, if they were adults, the response would be simple, but how do you tell a 12 year old that they are retarded and need to learn some geography. I simply replied ' No...I'm sorry...I'm from Ottawa'. That seemed to do, but I'll clearly need to do a geography lesson with them all. Otherwise, tomorrow we're baking cakes. Yup, tomorrow me and the regular male teacher are baking cakes...it'll be a disaster...I'm sure of it.

The weather here is nuts and I've discovered a new odour here in town. It rained all day...and will again tomorrow...and they are calling for tornadoes...but it's cold! Like 14 degrees all day long! It's nuts. To make matters better, the center of the city stinks if the wind is blowing right. Apparently distilleries blow off some terrible odours...like I mean imagine a garbage dumpster, left in the sun for 3 weeks and is full of mold and grossness. Now open the lid...and that's what the city center smells like some days...like today...it was a little gross.

We don't get much Canadian news here, but the shooting in Montreal did the trick. Front page billing in every paper in the city...that's big news. However, let's not get carried away because by dinner time tonight Tony Blair's successor story took precedence, as did the the news report on the fact that Scottish people are overweight, drinkers, with bad smoking habits...priceless AND classy.

Anyway, I'll leave you with some photos of the school I'm helping out at so that you can see where I go for placement. The school is really nice and in a posh neighbourhood...so dig it.

Longest day ever!!

So, today was monday. Not my favorite day of the week, but an important one. Class started at 9am with our Educational Studies class. Now before anyone gets the wise idea that this class is a little on the dull side I want to say this...it is. However, today they shortened the class to an hour due to technical difficulties and the fact that they were trying to put 500 of us is a hall suitable for 300. The math was not on their side. As a result the class was full, and we got to leave early.

I then had a tutorial group for the same subject, which was equally shortened...thank goodness. It's more than a little awkward sitting in a class with 35 of my "closest" friends and being pushed and prodded to generate some intellectual statement. No...it was dull...but such is life.

After the tutorial we all had to prepare for our Religious and Moral Education seminar. Yes, that's right folks, the public education system in Scotland teaches religion...don't ask me why...they just do. I had to print of my assignment, track down some additional material, and largely just make it appear as if I was fully prepared for this. We had a lecture at 3pm...the tutorial at 4pm...and I climbed on the bus and headed for home by 5pm. Basically, it left me pooped.

This evening some of the boys were heading over to the athletics complex to play a little squash. I figured I may as well try my hand at the sport, despite the fact that I have planned all of two previous times. We played for a little over an hour and I actually fared ok. I think I even won a couple of games!

The big news of the day was that ticket for the Scotland vs. France Euro qualifying match will go on sale on Friday. The game isn't until the 7th of October (Thanksgiving weekend for all you folk back home) and should sell out in a hurry. We went to the game against the Faroe Islands in early September and it was amazing so we figured we might try our hand at a bigger match. Wish me luck getting the tickets. Here are a few photos from the match against the Faroe Islands.

Anyway, that's about it for tonight...feel free to write me with your comments or if there is anything you can think of that I should try and see, let me know.

Take care from Scotland,

Bruce

my 1st post

Sept. 10th 2006,

So, I figured it was about time that I set my own blog up so that anyone who wants to find out what is up with me while I'm studying in Scotland can do so. It's been a crazy first 3 weeks here, and if you haven't heard about it let me know and I can try to fill you in on the details at a later date.

Tomorrow is Monday of our 4th week and I'm starting to get settled in the routine of things. It's alot of work, but it's been a lot of fun. Class starts every day at 9am and usually runs until about 3pm and then I have to come home and start on reading or working on something or other. The city of Glasgow is great, never mind the stories of gangs fighting with samurai swords and stuff, and I'm loving living in the center of the city. I have been trying to make good use of my time on the weekends and see part of Scotland. This past weekend I went to Edinburgh...

Edinburgh was spectacular! We left Glasgow at 8:30 am and it's only a 50 minute train ride. We got off the train and were literally right beside the Royal Mile which is one long cobble stone street with everything we wanted to see on it. We saw St. Giles' Cathedral ( built in 1120), Edinburgh Castle, The Scotch Heritage Museum, and a tour of city at night including some of the areas of town that are haunted. At the end of the day we all got back on the train and headed home and were back in Glasgow by 11:30 pm. It made for a long day, but a super way to spend a Saturday. I'll try to post some of the photos so you can all have a look.

Otherwise, life is pretty good. I'm going to try and keep this updated pretty regularly so stay tuned.

Take care from Scotland!

Bruce