Homework for the Overactive Brain

Today's Quote--"Happy birthday to me, Happy birthday to me..."

Monday, March 24, 2003

 

T. From S.
Day 6, March 19, 2003
Edinburgh

Well, we're in Edinburgh now. Hm. Well, I'm alive. I have clothes and food and money. I need not a lot else, right? Perhaps not.

So, we left early, saying goodbye to M and K and L...that was hard. New Lanark's hostel felt like home, especially compared to where we are now. The trains were fine, if a little confusing, but we didn't have to go back through Glasgow. We hiked out of the station, got hit on by a helpful construction worker--"If you need a number, I'm here everyday"--and meandered our way to the Prince Street gardens where we ate lunch. I was a bit grumpy, I had to bite my tounge a few times. Then we went on a bus tour of the city, on a double decker bus--there are lots around here, but I hadn't been on one until today.

Then the bus was detoured because the schoolkids of Edinburgh had started a protest march after striking from school, calling for no war. It was a great sight to see. I understand why people go to protests now--all of the kids were under 16 so they couldn't be arrested...but they police did try to keep it from turning into a riot. Then our bus driver got into a physical fight...on the road! It was a very entertaining tour. We then made our way over to the hostle...after New Lanark it was quite a disappointment. K and L warned us of the ills of Backpacker Hostels...they were right. It's not bad, I guess. We get sheets and pillows and blankets, running water and a place to keep our bags...but there is of course a lot to complain about...like the window at the foot of my bed that won't close, so it's cold and very noisy. Oh well, "beggars can't be choosers."

We went out shopping, just little stuff, and had dinner (at 4 since everything tends to close early), emailed Pappa, tried to call Mom (2 times actually), and went our way to the movie theater. We saw "Confessions of a Dangerous Mind." It was good. Okay...I'm tired and if I allow myself to begin complaining, I won't stop until 3 pages later.

GL 9:30 PM