Hallie hits the highlands

Last night was the Melville Ball, an annual event for my dorm. It was free for all us of residents, and included refreshments, ice cream, and tons of delicious cupcakes. We danced the night away, first with a traditional Scottish band. From there, a local band came on and played jazz tunes and some Journey. Finally, a DJ came on and we had fun dancing to popular music and a cool light show, smoke machine included. It was it great to let loose after classes and see everyone dressed up, especially the guys in their kilts. We finally left around 1 AM, exhausted but happy from the experience.

It felt like cross between prom and a fancy adult event. So I guess it prepared me for the Black Tie parties to come! Love dressing up!

Anyway, pictures are up after this.

Cheers, Hallie

Title says it all. I only have less than 21 days left in Scotland. Time has flown!!! I really can’t believe that soon I’ll be on a plane back to Maryland, USA. Now I just have to survive two finals (50% of my grade for each class!) and pack. Plus all of the last minute travelling I have planned. This weekend is going to be super busy as well. Friday (tomorrow) is the last day of classes, resulting in celebratory soft serve ice cream with friends. Saturday is the Andrew Melville Hall Ball, so we’re getting all fancied up, eating free desserts, and dancing! It will be in the Old Course Hotel, which is the beautiful hotel right on the golf course. Pictures will be up. Sunday is Waltzing on West Sands, a beach party with bonfires and local music entertainment. There will be no running into the water for me this time though. Once was enough.

Busy Busy Busy!

Cheers, Hallie

Last night/this morning, my group of friends, myself, and a majority of the St Andrews student population took the plunge into the North Sea at dawn. It was probably one of the most memorable things I will ever experience. We spent the time before 3 AM hanging out in our friend Mike’s room, then began the trek to the other side of town. Large groups had already gotten there before us and several fires had been built on the beach. Everyone was milling around or huddling to stay warm. 

*Side note: IT WAS SO COLD.

The wind was blowing off the water while we were sitting there, waiting for the sun to rise. Then, when we decided it was light enough out, we raced towards the water in our undergarments and then waded into the North Sea. Some people chose to completely submerge themselves. I could barely put my pinky toe in, so only the bottom half of me got wet. Afterwards, we hightailed it back to the dunes where our clothes and towels were. Looking back, there was so much of a time build up for that very short moment of actually going into the water. But it was worth it.

Post-robing, we walked back to our dorms to clean ourselves up and get some shut-eye. Many of us, including myself, had classes today. You only live once though.

Pictures to come!

Cheers, Hallie

Since its April 30 my time, I’m starting to think about tomorrow, AKA May 1. This day has a lot of significance for me. It begins my last 24 days in Scotland. It also is the anniversary of the May Dip. The May Dip is a tradition where any St Andrews students whom have committed an academic sin must take the plunge into the North Sea and “wash away” the academic sin. I don’t think I’ve done any sort of educational no-no, but to experience the true St Andrews student life, I feel it’s necessary to participate. Disclaimer: I MAY chicken out. We’ll see. The North Sea is quite cold. I am trying to mentally prepare myself in advance. It’s a one-in-a-lifetime experience, it won’t be that cold, etc.

In any case, I’m reaching the end of my time here. It feels very strange. I remember first arriving here and feeling cold and scared. Now I’m still cold, but comfortable with the life I’ve made myself here. Friends. Traditions. Familiar sights. I’m not quite sure I’m ready to leave all of that yet. 

Obviously, I need to come back. Again. And again.

Cheers, Hallie