What's Your Sign?

Moving overseas you expect some things to be different but sometimes the differences are just plain comical. One thing (among many) that we neglected to consider were street signs. Universal signage? NO!

My deductive reasoning skills lead me to think that this one highlights a) a speed bump and b) you're only safe between the lines.

Among the variety of indigenous wildlife here I've yet to see a humped zebra.

This one is more of an advert but humorous non-the-less. I'm inexperienced with both Russian peasants and French patisseries so I'm grasping to see how the combination of the two relate to boxing. Enjoy-


We'll keep an eye out for more good signs while we're about town!

-Kyle

A wee update

We've gotten behind on our usual weekly post, so I thought I would give a quick update on things here. Kyle's been back to the grind stone- his second semester classes started up on 12 January. His schedule is a bit better this semester in terms of time spent in class, but he is still studying just as much, but that's the point right?! This semester runs until the end of March and then he will get a 2 week break before his next semester begins. Time is just flying by and we can't believe that it is already 2009! Kyle is busy applying for jobs and we are trying to figure out what our next step will be. We'll keep you posted as things develop.

Some good news is that we have finally been able to plan a few trips! Kyle was so swamped last semester that we weren't able to do anything but we're taking advantage of his lighter class load and trying to see more of the sights- since that was part of our reason in pursuing the international MBA. So far we have trips planned to the Scottish Highlands, Dublin, London and Cairo all before next semester! Best of all we're having more visitors! My best-friend Katie & her husband Taylor are coming to visit for spring break. If anyone else wants to visit, we've got an extra bedroom for you!

-Stacie

A few things the Scots say and think

Today I learned that this photo is of what the Scots call "gutties".  Sneakers? Never. Trainers? Sometimes. Gutties? Of course!

Another one of my favorite Scottish words is "knackered".  This doesn't mean what you are probably assuming, it means really tired i.e. "I went to bed late last night and I am absolutely knackered today!"...I love that one.  Here's another one-  Imagine that you'd love a cold soda (pop, whatever you call it).  You'd say "I'd love a can".  Can of what?Apparently that is not important...  I find this very similar to how everyone in Texas calls all soda "coke" whether it's actually Coke or Pepsi, doesn't matter to them it is all coke.  

I also learned today that a lot of Scots find Americans "confusing".  For example, the perception over here is that America is a 'God-fearing country' (I was surprised to learn this, but was told that this is the impression that President Bush gave off- go Bush!) so someone asked me "Why do so many of our movies have constant swearing?"  Also, why does everyone in our movies or on TV looks so fit when everyone in America is supposed to be obese?  I did not have real answers to these questions, except to say that there are too many Americans for us all to fit into one stereotype.  I'm sure we all have our perceptions of different countries, whether they are correct or not. I just thought it was interesting to see what someone from the UK thought of us.  

Well....I'm even though I'm knackered, I'm off in my gatties to grab a can! 

Cheers, 

Stacie 

Farewell 2008

Happy New Year!

We have been busy since our last post! Kyle's mom Sally was here for New Year's week and we did a lot of exploring around Edinburgh while she was here. Also, for those of you following our blog you will be happy to hear that my mother was given clearance to fly and is in the air as I type to return to Virginia. Her 1 week in Edinburgh turned into 3 weeks, but she definitely knows her way around Edinburgh now. It was nice to have her with us and we are both just thankful that her leg is healing and she was able to fly and get back to my poor father who is having to run the show at home with two German Shepherds and my younger brother.

This week it was back to work for me, but Kyle still has one more week off before he returns to his classes. This semester he has half as many classes as he did last semester, so it should be a much more enjoyable experience for him. He will be taking more individualized classes in the field that he is interested in (last semester was all core classes that all of the MBA students took). We are looking forward to a more relaxing semester, touch wood (that's what they say here instead of "knock on wood").

Here are some pictures of our adventures with Sally in Edinburgh, hope you enjoy!

My mom, Kyle's mom with us at dinner

Sally loved the trademark red telephone booths!

The Palace at Holyrood House (Official residence of the Queen of England in Scotland)

Abbey ruins inside the Palace

Kyle & Sally in front of the Palace.

William Wallace impersonator

Piper

New Year's Eve fireworks

Afternoon Tea

We're excited for 2009 and all that it will bring!

-Stacie