semester in scotlandJohn Gardner
Studying in Airdrie has certainly been a memorable experience in many, many ways. While the study program has taught me tremendous amounts of discipline and spiritual growth, the culture of Scotland has taught me a good deal as well. In light of my own American traditions, I should probably fill you in as to what I mean.
- While I do feel the absence of our fine holiday of Thanksgiving, I can't help but remember how much I enjoyed celebrating Guy Fawkes day, wherein I commemorated the life of a man who tried to blow the Parliament to smithereens.
- My sense of sports rivalry, developed from years of Cleveland Ohio's Football (American football), Basketball, and Baseball teams has increased tremendously in Airdrie. I know what it's like to have rivalry against surrounding states, so having a bitter rivalry with your border country to the south has been easily noted.
- A TV license?
- Probably the biggest (and most wonderful) cultural tradition is the matter of having tea and biscuits ALL THE TIME. Coming from a world where dessert is a specialty and not the norm, I have to say this has been a remarkable improvement. Along with the members of the congregation and those I've worked alongside, I will dearly miss McVitties, Penguins, Tunnocks, and shortbreads of every shape and size.
The congregation in Airdrie, and the study program, have both changed me in multiple ways, and I owe so much to both... if you haven't come here yet, you should. |
- Being a guy of above average height and size, it has been shocking each and every time I have tried to sit in the front seat of the car, and have sat upon the steering wheel, confusing the driver and all those in the car. I have never intended to drive the car, but by habit I just have to sit on the right.
- Coming in with thoughts of Haggis and Mince n' Tatties, I realise now that such a presumption was not wholly wrong. However, I'll leave knowing that outside of India and Thailand, Scotland must consume 75% of all Indian and Thai foods ever manufactured.
All in all, Scotland, and Airdrie in particular, has been a wonderful experience. And for each and every story I can report, there are 10 or 20 people I've met who I'll not soon forget. The congregation in Airdrie, and the study program, have both changed me in multiple ways, and I owe so much to both. To summarise: If you're from Airdrie RP Church, thank you; if you haven't come here yet, you should.