OW LORD, it has been like a century since the last time I wrote something on this blog. So sorry!
BUT, I have a perfect and waterproof reason for my absence.
I'M ON ERASMUS IN GLASGOW!!
Haha, I think that is clear enough.
Today it is exactly ONE MONTH that I already am living, exploring, 'studying' (*kuch kuch*), socializing, laughing, sleeping, walking 500 miles a day and so much more in Glaaaa-sgoow (this is how the Scottish people pronounce it).
And really, it is amazing here! I have the time of my life in this city.
When I arrived here, I wasn't that sure about it since Glasgow is an industrial city. I literally live in the middle of an industrial area.
But after a month of exploring the little hidden jewels of this place, it has conquered my heart.
And the Scots, lordie, they are the most friendly people on earth (and a lot of ginger headed men as well!).
Because it is impossible to share every day of this monthly adventure with you, I will explain some major highlights of my past 28 days in the biggest shopping city of Scotland.
First of all, when you go to Scotland, you need to know what kind of people you will meet on your destination.
Therefore, a quick summary of The Scot:
~ Scots are extremely friendly (except for bus drivers maybe) and helpful
~Scots speak with a Scottish accent (duh) and often they speak in dialects which you won't understand. When that happens, just smile and nod. They will feel understood.
~ Scots often speak inarticulately. When that happens: see point above.
~ Scottish pubs are only open until 11pm-12pm.
~ Scottish night clubs are only open until 3pm.
~Because of the facts above, students start already drinking around 8pm and are drunk around 9pm. Logical consequene: drunk people on the streets everywhere.
~Sainsbury's is open every day until 11pm (heaven on earth)
~ Scots don't know 'night shops'.
In desperate need of alcohol around 10pm? 'Sainsbury's is open every day until 11pm!' Ow, wait, they sell alcohol but we are forbidden to buy it at 10pm? Does someone see some logic in this?! Nope, right? Welcome in Scotland.
~ People on retirement go out like students.
No joke here, we really met a woman who just was on retirement and was partying on the street at 1pm. Just love the Scots already!
~ You meet all kinds of people. Icelandics, girls with way too little clothes on, girls who fell in a pot of paint, musical people, marines etc.
~ You experience all the seasons in one day.
It literally can be hot and full of sunshine when you wake up and 5 minutes later the sky deceives you with pouring rain. Yeah, well, that's also something about the Scottish weather: Scotland loves to ornate you as a drowned chicken with heavenly drops of rain.
That's about it, for now. Certainely this list will become more extensive as soon as I live here longer.
Just thought it was nice to introduce my fellow citizens.
Beside this all, I already have seen so much beautiful places and buildings. A quick overview, just for you:
I can continue babbling about Scotland and how wonderful it is here, but then I realize I still have 3 months to inform you about that.
So I will keep it at this for now.
Before I leave you again behind for some time, I would like to thank one special person in my life (the person in particular will know the following is addressed to him):
A special and heartful thanks to the most perfect boyfriendo in the world. Thanks to your support and belief in me, I can succeed every day living in a city across the sea. Without you I would be insecure and scared. You believing in me and respecting my choice to live for 4 months separate from you, is worth a price. I can't wait to see you again. To my true soulmate: I love you, zoetzoet. And bring some Belgian chocolate when you visit me, the chocolate is horrible here. Winks, kisses and hugs. Your Maple.
And of course:
LotsOfLove for you all as well!!
Maple Juice