They call it reading week

Halfway through the semester, the university gives students a chance to catch up on their studies. Obviously, this "reading week" often turns into an opportunity to travel. Early on, I was unsure about whether I would need the time to study (being gone nearly every weekend) but was torn because this was the time to purchase tickets at discount rates. I had a preplanned trip to York, England through my programme (IFSA) and decided to play the rest of reading week by ear. You may criticise me at first for not hostel hopping from Spain to Morocco and Germany like my fellow study-abroad students, but please contain your outrage for the duration of this post. If after reading this, you still think my vacation wasted, please comment accordingly.

As already mentioned, the first stop was York, England.

Of course this wasn't quite what it looked like when I arrived (this was my parting shot). I thought that by traveling so far south, I would reach warmer climates. I was wrong. I was met early friday evening by my old friend chilly-and-drizzling. Needless to say, my first stop was a cup of tea to warm my cold and travel-weary bones. This cool little shop just happened to be along my route to the hostel.

That evening, we had an excellent riverside dinner provided by IFSA at which point we received our York Passes. The York Pass allowed us to take advantage of York's tourist destinations at no additional charge. Of course, the card itself cost money (again, prepaid (thank you IFSA!(Thank you Mom and Dad!!))).

The next morning, we went directly to York Minster. I got to look around the inside, see the museum in the basement, and climb the tower. This picture was on my way to the top.

We then went to the York Dungeon, the Jorvik Viking Museum, and a Roman Bath. We got to look around the Newgate Market and walk down the famous Shambles (an old street in which the buildings nearly touch overhead (likely an inspiration for Diagon Alley)).

After another delicious restaurant dinner provided by IFSA, me and a few friends returned to the Minster for a choir concert. The acoustics alone were out of this world. And then to open your eyes and be in one of the most beautiful cathedrals ever... breathtaking.

I loved the Minster so much that I came back again on Sunday for church. It was Remembrance Day, so there was a special service for those who had lost their lives fighting for their nation. After church, I returned to the Shambles for some afternoon tea followed by a trip back to St Andrews. I spent monday working. Such a good student.

On Tuesday, I visited my friend Tom's house in Dunblane, near Stirling. Stirling is a historically significant location, strategically positioned between the Lowlands and the Highlands. Which is where it got its name, "The Gateway to the Highlands".

We walked around Stirling for a while: getting to see the river, enjoying Cornish Pasties, and having tea in an old pub near the castle portcullis (I think you're seeing a trend). This is a view of the city from near the castle. In the background, you can see the Wallace Monument.

We then took a wee jaunt over to Dunblane where Tom actually lives. We spent the evening conversing with his family over dinner. I also got to play FIFA for the first time since coming here. A pretty big deal in my world.

Wednesday was another work day.

And Thursday, I went to Aberdeen. Not much of a tourist town, Aberdeen is the third largest city in Scotland and is famous for its oil industry. I spent the weekend at the house of my next door neighbour, Catherine, along with another friend named Ross. It was an extremely relaxing few days, filled with Scottish hospitality, excellent sleep, and evenings by a real coal fire. We went driving in the countryside and even got to go to Glenfiddich distillery. The following pictures were taken by Ross (or Ross's camera, that is).

Saturday night, we played Aberdeen version Monopoly. You know how much I love my board games. Did I mention I won?

And that's it. There are more stories and pictures to tell of this fantastic week, but I think I've already talked your ear off enough. This coming weekend is my golden 21st birthday and I have big plans. I've got a lot of work that I need to get back to, but I'll leave you with one word. London.