Market St after many days of snow
A few gems from the peace and conflict studies xmas dinner
Paula, the dog I got to play with today!
Enjoy the holidays and all that they bring!
Thursday, 9 December 2010
freedom!!
Earlier this week, I finished classes for the semester and I handed in my last paper. Although I still have to study for finals that are after the holiday break, I'm free for the moment! :) I've been enjoying the christmas lights, wandering around the shops and even dog sitting for a friend! It's been nice to relax these past few days! I'm heading to London, Prague and then France before heading home for Christmas. I'll have plenty to report during my travels! For now, here are some recent pictures:
Saturday, 4 December 2010
back to reality
They say that it's nice to get away because it refreshes your head and gives you a new perspective. I wholeheartedly agree with that. However, traveling for 40 hours to and from Asia while only having been there for 85 hours will take a toll on you. Just ask my friends. When I came home, I was literally a lump on the couch, and I'm fairly positive I wasn't speaking English or forming words at all. I was more or less dead to the world. Useless. I eventually slept off the dysfunctional behavior and the life was back to normal. Despite the issues my body seemed to have with switching timezones so frequently, I did have a great time. Here's a picture from my trip:
As nice as my trip was, there's nothing more shocking than coming home from 80 degree weather to find that the weather in Scotland has drastically changed since you've been gone...
As nice as my trip was, there's nothing more shocking than coming home from 80 degree weather to find that the weather in Scotland has drastically changed since you've been gone...
Yesterday was the first day it didn't snow/hail/sleet/rain for most of the day. The airports have been shut down and this is apparently the worst storm they've had in years. Trust me, those of you from New England would scoff at this kind of weather. This is like a sunny day in the middle of winter to all of you. However, a few inches of snow turns their world upside down. They don't even know how to plow the streets or shovel the sidewalks. There's perpetually a few inches of nastiness caked on the roads and sidewalks. I've gotten used to slipping and sliding everywhere. If this is any sign of what is to come this winter...we're in trouble.
I was lucky enough to come home to have a day of rest and then a Thanksgiving celebration with my friends! My friend Simon cooked the turkey, who was nicknamed Marvin, and my friends Matthew, Jackie and I took care of the rest. It was a lot of work...now I can understand how difficult it is to put on Thanksgiving and Christmas for big crowds every year! Despite all the work, it was completely worth it :)
all of the food!
dessert!
Wednesday, 24 November 2010
Greetings from Kathmandu!
Namaste! Being in Kathmandu for 4 days now, I've learned that this term is much more than just what we say at the end of my yoga workouts. "Namaste" is the way the Nepalese people greet people and it reinforces the philosophy of oneness. I was told by a shopkeeper today that using this term to greet someone is like saying "I recognize the God in you". If you think about it, it really is a beautiful thing. the Nepalese people are deeply spiritual and they are some of the most positive people I've ever met. I've learned that Nepal was the world's only Hindu state, but in order to negotiate with Maoist rebels they had to drop this status. Despite this historical problem, every person you meet will tell you that Nepal is still the world's only Hindu state. That is a face that they are proud of. They are equally as proud of the fact that they are the only state in South Asia that hasn't been invaded or ruled by the British. They couldn't be happier about this and they make it known.
After traveling for nearly 20 hours via Dubai, where I wanted to empty my bank account because of the copious amounts of shopping, and Delhi, where I witnessed a French protest, I arrived at Kathmandu airport, only to wait in line for a visa for nearly an hour. I made my way to the baggage claim, only to find that my bag was no longer on the conveyor belt. Luckily, a man who had been on my flight saw the look of fear on my face and pointed to the bags that had been placed on the side. Among the crowd of people, I saw my bag, covered in stickers and a million baggage tags, looking as if it had gone through a combat zone. We had made it, my bag and I, and I couldn't have been more relieved. Little did I know, the world outside was about to shake me to the core.
I stepped outside the airport into the 80 degree weather to see a sea of Nepalese men holding up signs for various hotels and organizations. There had to have been at least 75 people standing there behind a small railing. All of them were yelling and all shaking their signs so quickly that my jet-lagged mind couldn't think straight. To my right, another group of men was trying to lure me to their taxis to take me to where I wanted to go. As I stepped into the street to cross over to the sea of men, a bus leaned on its horn and swerved around me. That was just the beginning of the battle with the traffic in Kathmandu. I was initiated. After sprinting across the street, avoiding motorcycles, bikes, buses and cars, I stood for a minute among these men, craning my neck to see a sign that said PRIO-IDSA (the conference I was going to). Naturally, I couldn't find the person I was looking for and I started worrying. Much to my surprise, a man popped out in front of me, held the sign in my face and said, "you look this conference?". He was my saving grace and he must have seen the look of distress on my face before he popped out of the crowd and scooped up my baggage. As I hopped in the van, I was among other conference goers, many who work for NGOs and think tanks, as well as their own governments. When they found out I was a student, they immediately took me under their wings. I knew it would all work out. The hotel is in the heart of the Patan neighborhood, which houses many international NGOs as well as the UN. After weaving through traffic (driving in Nepal is INSANE), we eventually made it to the hotel where I ordered dinner and passed out for 13 hours. I've never been more tired.
The next few days were full of conferencing and eating. Legitimately. The schedule went like this: conference, lunch, conference, dinner, sleep, conference, lunch, conference, dinner, sleep. The conference was on the security implications of climate change in South Asia and it was absolutely fascinating. I learned so much about water resources in South Asia as well as climate change in general. I met all of the prominent people in the field, who are all incredibly sweet and brilliant. There were people there from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, India, Nepal, the Maldives, Norway and the UK. I really couldn't have asked for a better experience. I was nervous about coming, especially because it is so far away, but the experience has been worth it. The first night, we went out to Dwarika's Hotel, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for a 12 course traditional Nepali meal. Yep, I said it. 12 courses. You had to take your shoes off when you walked in the door and we sat on very low chairs, almost reminiscent of Japanese style dining. We also had to wear these bibs that were basically aprons. It was hilarious at the time. It felt as though we should have been cracking open lobsters. The courses were all very small but it got to the point where I could only eat a bite of each one. There was just too much food! Last night, we walked to a restaurant near our hotel in Durbar Square in Patan. Since there are no street lights at night, we all walked very close together by the side of the road. Of course, as I was walking, I looked up and slowed down because I saw something in front of me. Luckily, a car drove by and illuminated my path because I would have walked right into a cow that was eating trash on the side of the road! Welcome to Nepal.
Today I ventured out on my own. It was quite an adventure. I took a cab to Thamel in Kathmandu proper, which is known as the touristy area because it's where all the trekkers stay. I actually really enjoyed it. I met an amazing shopkeeper, after I had wandered into his antique shop. He began explaining everything to me and he offered me traditional Nepali milk tea. It's DELICIOUS. I want to say that it's similar to chai, but since I don't like chai, I must say it's much better. After parting ways with him, I browsed in some shops and grabbed some lunch in a nice garden cafe while writing some post cards. A fly landed in my tea and died immediately and I was too shy to ask for another cup. My lunch was delicious but it would have been nice with some tea. After eating, I haggled a good price with a cab driver to bring me back to Patan to Durbar Square. After refusing to take my offer, I proceeded to get out of the cab to find another, forcing him to eventually gave in. I've come to learn the ways here. We drove through Kathmandu's Durbar Square, which I grabbed some pictures of as we flew by. I'm lucky I don't get nervous about bad drivers. Most normal people would need a sedative to ride around Kathmandu.
I arrived in Durbar Square in Patan, which is a gorgeous square with a view of the Himalayas behind it. Durbar means "temple", which is why many areas have Durbar Squares. This one is the most beautiful. The king and queen used to live there. I had a personal tour, which taught me so much about the country and the area. We saw the temples, the palace, the Golden palace, which is a monastery, as well as a few other things. Finding it hard to breath by 2pm (the air is horrible here), I decided to head back to the hotel for a nap. My guide negotiated a good price for me in Hindi and I was off.
Sadly, I am leaving tomorrow. Although Kathmandu is crazy and you risk your life just crossing the street, I have really enjoyed it here. Traffic laws don't exist, pedestrians have no rights, and people are often driving on the wrong side of the road. The sidewalks are broken and cracked, if there are any, and cross-walks don't exist. Motorcycles drive on the sidewalks too. There are no rules. I've found that the best way to cross the street is to follow a local. It's kind of like a game of frogger...if you remember what that is. Cars don't slow down...you just need to adjust your speed to the cars whizzing around you. Don't worry Mom and Dad, I still have all of my limbs. I now have the constant sound of beeping horns in my head. There are animals everywhere from chickens to cows to even monkeys. I couldn't believe my eyes today when I saw monkeys walking down the street. I hope that I'll be able to come back to do a trek and to see the Himalayas for real, as opposed to just way in the distance. Although Nepal is littered with political, social and environmental problems, the people are some of the most compassionate people I have ever met. They have an unwavering hope that is very inspiring. It was so refreshing!
Since I don't have any pictures uploaded yet, I wanted to show you some of the pictures that my friend Matthew took of me, which were submitted for the On the Rocks festival in St Andrews. Check out his site {here}! There are some really great pictures!
After traveling for nearly 20 hours via Dubai, where I wanted to empty my bank account because of the copious amounts of shopping, and Delhi, where I witnessed a French protest, I arrived at Kathmandu airport, only to wait in line for a visa for nearly an hour. I made my way to the baggage claim, only to find that my bag was no longer on the conveyor belt. Luckily, a man who had been on my flight saw the look of fear on my face and pointed to the bags that had been placed on the side. Among the crowd of people, I saw my bag, covered in stickers and a million baggage tags, looking as if it had gone through a combat zone. We had made it, my bag and I, and I couldn't have been more relieved. Little did I know, the world outside was about to shake me to the core.
I stepped outside the airport into the 80 degree weather to see a sea of Nepalese men holding up signs for various hotels and organizations. There had to have been at least 75 people standing there behind a small railing. All of them were yelling and all shaking their signs so quickly that my jet-lagged mind couldn't think straight. To my right, another group of men was trying to lure me to their taxis to take me to where I wanted to go. As I stepped into the street to cross over to the sea of men, a bus leaned on its horn and swerved around me. That was just the beginning of the battle with the traffic in Kathmandu. I was initiated. After sprinting across the street, avoiding motorcycles, bikes, buses and cars, I stood for a minute among these men, craning my neck to see a sign that said PRIO-IDSA (the conference I was going to). Naturally, I couldn't find the person I was looking for and I started worrying. Much to my surprise, a man popped out in front of me, held the sign in my face and said, "you look this conference?". He was my saving grace and he must have seen the look of distress on my face before he popped out of the crowd and scooped up my baggage. As I hopped in the van, I was among other conference goers, many who work for NGOs and think tanks, as well as their own governments. When they found out I was a student, they immediately took me under their wings. I knew it would all work out. The hotel is in the heart of the Patan neighborhood, which houses many international NGOs as well as the UN. After weaving through traffic (driving in Nepal is INSANE), we eventually made it to the hotel where I ordered dinner and passed out for 13 hours. I've never been more tired.
The next few days were full of conferencing and eating. Legitimately. The schedule went like this: conference, lunch, conference, dinner, sleep, conference, lunch, conference, dinner, sleep. The conference was on the security implications of climate change in South Asia and it was absolutely fascinating. I learned so much about water resources in South Asia as well as climate change in general. I met all of the prominent people in the field, who are all incredibly sweet and brilliant. There were people there from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, India, Nepal, the Maldives, Norway and the UK. I really couldn't have asked for a better experience. I was nervous about coming, especially because it is so far away, but the experience has been worth it. The first night, we went out to Dwarika's Hotel, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for a 12 course traditional Nepali meal. Yep, I said it. 12 courses. You had to take your shoes off when you walked in the door and we sat on very low chairs, almost reminiscent of Japanese style dining. We also had to wear these bibs that were basically aprons. It was hilarious at the time. It felt as though we should have been cracking open lobsters. The courses were all very small but it got to the point where I could only eat a bite of each one. There was just too much food! Last night, we walked to a restaurant near our hotel in Durbar Square in Patan. Since there are no street lights at night, we all walked very close together by the side of the road. Of course, as I was walking, I looked up and slowed down because I saw something in front of me. Luckily, a car drove by and illuminated my path because I would have walked right into a cow that was eating trash on the side of the road! Welcome to Nepal.
Today I ventured out on my own. It was quite an adventure. I took a cab to Thamel in Kathmandu proper, which is known as the touristy area because it's where all the trekkers stay. I actually really enjoyed it. I met an amazing shopkeeper, after I had wandered into his antique shop. He began explaining everything to me and he offered me traditional Nepali milk tea. It's DELICIOUS. I want to say that it's similar to chai, but since I don't like chai, I must say it's much better. After parting ways with him, I browsed in some shops and grabbed some lunch in a nice garden cafe while writing some post cards. A fly landed in my tea and died immediately and I was too shy to ask for another cup. My lunch was delicious but it would have been nice with some tea. After eating, I haggled a good price with a cab driver to bring me back to Patan to Durbar Square. After refusing to take my offer, I proceeded to get out of the cab to find another, forcing him to eventually gave in. I've come to learn the ways here. We drove through Kathmandu's Durbar Square, which I grabbed some pictures of as we flew by. I'm lucky I don't get nervous about bad drivers. Most normal people would need a sedative to ride around Kathmandu.
I arrived in Durbar Square in Patan, which is a gorgeous square with a view of the Himalayas behind it. Durbar means "temple", which is why many areas have Durbar Squares. This one is the most beautiful. The king and queen used to live there. I had a personal tour, which taught me so much about the country and the area. We saw the temples, the palace, the Golden palace, which is a monastery, as well as a few other things. Finding it hard to breath by 2pm (the air is horrible here), I decided to head back to the hotel for a nap. My guide negotiated a good price for me in Hindi and I was off.
Sadly, I am leaving tomorrow. Although Kathmandu is crazy and you risk your life just crossing the street, I have really enjoyed it here. Traffic laws don't exist, pedestrians have no rights, and people are often driving on the wrong side of the road. The sidewalks are broken and cracked, if there are any, and cross-walks don't exist. Motorcycles drive on the sidewalks too. There are no rules. I've found that the best way to cross the street is to follow a local. It's kind of like a game of frogger...if you remember what that is. Cars don't slow down...you just need to adjust your speed to the cars whizzing around you. Don't worry Mom and Dad, I still have all of my limbs. I now have the constant sound of beeping horns in my head. There are animals everywhere from chickens to cows to even monkeys. I couldn't believe my eyes today when I saw monkeys walking down the street. I hope that I'll be able to come back to do a trek and to see the Himalayas for real, as opposed to just way in the distance. Although Nepal is littered with political, social and environmental problems, the people are some of the most compassionate people I have ever met. They have an unwavering hope that is very inspiring. It was so refreshing!
Since I don't have any pictures uploaded yet, I wanted to show you some of the pictures that my friend Matthew took of me, which were submitted for the On the Rocks festival in St Andrews. Check out his site {here}! There are some really great pictures!
Friday, 19 November 2010
absence makes the heart grow fonder?
I have been incredibly absent in the past few weeks. I have been swamped with essay writing as well as a visit from my cousin Heather! I won't bore you with my details of my two essays on the liberal peace and international mediation...you can just research them yourself! :) The weather has begun to change and we had our first frost the other day!
My cousin Heather came from the US to visit me and we had a great time! We mostly stayed around St Andrews but we also made a trip to the Highlands! Here are a few pictures!
Queen's View
cous!!
One of my favorite stores, Butler and Co, got a shipment of American foods the other day..naturally I gave in. I didn't care that I was paying wayyyy too much money for it all!
Prince William's engagement seems to be causing a little stir around campus these days! Being that both of them are St Andrews graduates, it is kind of a big deal...
I'm off to Nepal in the AM for a conference on the geopolitical consequences of climate change, which is the subject I want to write my dissertation on. I'll have TONS to write about when I return! Until then, wish me luck and keep enjoying every moment!
Thursday, 4 November 2010
Halloween, Castles and Curling...
It's hard to live and blog. This I have realized. It has been a week since I last updated and SO much has happened! Halloween came and went and now we are full into the Christmas season! I, however, am not mentally into Christmas mode because Thanksgiving has yet to come. Despite that fact, it's nice to see Christmas cups at Starbucks and lights being put up in the streets. My Halloween was very low-key...my friends and I had a chocolate mousse-off. It all came about because I was shooting my mouth about the fact that I used to make chocolate mousse all the time with my first host mother in France. Apparently I failed to mention that I have yet to successfully make it on my own. In fact, I've had 6 failed attempts. Current score: French chocolate mousse: 6, Cat: 0. I'm pretty sure the odds were against me from the beginning. Needless to say, I had to come up with my own recipe in a matter of days. I competed against my South African friend Simon, who made an incredibly delicious traditional chocolate mousse. I came up with a "healthy" version that made me feel much better about eating it...only chocolate, honey, tofu and a little whipped cream. (Naturally, there were other secret ingredients) There really was no winner, the crowd was split between the two mousses! Regardless, it was a good time! To complete my halloween, I received a package from my mom with halloween peeps in it! :) It doesn't get better than that!
I also have joined the curling team! I wouldn't quite call it a team just yet, as we are all still learning how to do it, but it's a ton of fun! We drive to Perth, which is about 45 minutes away, and there is a beautiful facility there for us! Our coaches name is Claire, and she puts up with our shenanigans, including falling all over the ice and forgetting to sweep, followed by us running down the ice after the stone! My shoulders are sore this morning but it was such a good time! I'm excited to do it again!
That weekend, I also took a trip to Sterling Castle with the University! It was really good to get away for the day and to see another place in Scotland!
learning to curl
Thursday, 28 October 2010
an ode to St Andrews
I've had my nose stuck in a book this week, which has made me very absent! To make up for it, here's an ode to the things that make me happy about my life here in St Andrews...
Golf bag flower pots...
...stumbling upon weddings, complete with bagpipe players...
...walking down the pier by East Sands (even if you do risk being splashed by a wave)...
...sunrises over the cathedral...
...wine and cheese parties with friends...
...outfit planning for a French Society event...
...and I can't forget my books! :)
Sunday, 24 October 2010
Photo du Jour
After a few very dreary days, the weather has been gorgeous! Yesterday, we took a walk out on the pier and although the wind was blowing and the waves were huge, you couldn't help but love the fact that the sun was in the sky!
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