The weekend of January 18-January 20, everyone in the Cambridge program-all nine of us-hopped on a train and headed to Edinburgh, Scotland.  Something I quickly noticed was how very different Edinburgh looked from places I have seen in England.  It may be a part of the United Kingdom, but the buildings and architecture are quite different.  It’s a beautiful city and lucky for us, it snowed the day we got there until the day we left.

I observed very quickly after being in Edinburgh that as you are passing by people on the streets, they will look you in the eye-something you don’t see in Cambridge.  It was a nice change.  The Scottish would be very happy to hear this though. It’s quite funny, actually, to hear how the British and Scottish talk about each other.  I’ll give you a hint, they aren’t very fond of one another.  Going on the walking tour in Edinburgh, the tour guide first asked who the Brits in the group were, and then apologized because they would be getting made fun of for the next three hours.  Throughout the years in history, the Brits have stolen from the Scots and the Scots from the Brits.  Both countries, though united under the same government, seem to think themselves better.

In Edinburgh was the first time I really was able to interact with people from different countries and cultures.  Being in Cambridge has been wonderful, but most of the students haven’t yet returned from break so we haven’t gotten the opportunity to get to know any true English.  In Edinburgh, we went out to a pub and found out later that we accidently crashed the a theatre workers’ party.  They were very outgoing and nice and even initiated us into their group by having us go through a chair.  Within a few hours of spending time with the Scottish, we were already being mimicked for our accents-which I do have to say is very funny to hear-and invited to go dancing.

Even though we speak the same language, sometimes it can be hard to tell.  There are many terms that the Scots would say that would give them a blank stare in return, in which they then had to figure out how to reword it so we could understand.  Personal space was also quite non-existent while talking to them.  There were a few people who would come and talk quite close to you, not finding it awkward or uncomfortable at all for them.  We, on the other hand, tried to take a step back just to have some breathing room.

Not only did we meet some Scots on our trip but also people from Australia, South Africa, Ireland, Brazil, England, Canada and, of course, America.  It was interesting to hear their ideas on topics and how everyday life is where they live.  I met a girl from Australia who thought I was crazy for never having had bubbly lemonade before I arrived in England.   She was very curious what it was like back in America and how it would be without the bubbles.

Not every encounter I’ve had has been positive though.  While in Scotland, walking down the street a few paces behind my group, an older man, maybe in his 60s, clearly Scottish, pushed threw me saying “move it Blondie” as he passed.  My jaw dropped with shock that someone would actually be that rude.  He had said something a bit worse to those walking just ahead of me as well.  Then of course there are the times when we are sitting, waiting for a train, talking, laughing and enjoying life when we manage to get some angry glares from others waiting.  I always try to make sure not to disturb others-for they do seem to be much quieter than Americans in public-but sometimes it’s hard when you’re laughing and having a good time.

I can’t say that those few encounters have held any weight with me though.  I have absolutely loved every moment that I have been in the UK and really hope to be able to visit Edinburgh again.  I have met some great people from many different places around the world and feel truly blessed to be able to have the opportunity to be doing so.  I can’t wait to go to Dublin this weekend and learn more about the different cultures that make up our world.