Scotland

TJ and I landed in Glasgow on a Ryanair flight, where we connected with a girl who was backpacking five months through Europe. After walking to our hostel accommodation, we explored the main parts of the city hall and couldn’t believe that perhaps the most popular intersection had three American fast food spots on the corners (McDonalds, Pizza Hut, and KFC). The next morning, we walked through the Glasgow Green to the People’s Palace, explored the Botanical Gardens, walked around the University of Glasgow (talked to a kid aspiring to study astrophysics there), toured the Kelvingroce Museum, and enjoyed sandwiches with a pint of Scottish beer.

Edinburgh has such a unique vibe compared to Glasgow. It’s my favorite city (thus far)! Upon entering the city, you can see the massive and beautiful castle in the city center. We walked to our host home to enjoy a nice bbq cookout. Among many conversation points that night, we debated about whether Michael Phelps could beat a shark in a race. The first full day, we climbed Arthur Seat, got stung by a stinging nettle, ate fish n chips, walked through the university, and spent a lot of time fellowshipping with our hosts. It’s a wonderful opportunity to meet believers around the world! TJ and I finished our time in Edinburgh by hammocking in front of the castle, walking through new town, ordering from Shakeology (the world’s largest milkshake bar), going up Calton Hill, and learning about the GIANT festival that occurs in Edinburgh each August.

Duration

3 days

Accommodation

Glasgow Hostel (1 night), Believer’s Flat in Edinburgh (3 nights)

Favorite Food

Fish n chips

Favorite Site

Arthur’s Seat

Cool Person I Met

Jenny. Jenny recently moved outside of Glasgow to the countryside and now commutes to work each day. She’s so happy to share this life change with me because of how tired she is with the city life. We spoke for the entire plane ride about things to do in Edinburgh, American politics (of course), and my traveling journey.

Highlight

30 minutes upon arriving to Edinburgh, TJ and I joined a bbq at our host’s flat with other believers.

Big Takeaway

Some people-groups have a more friendly and fun culture than others. Most would agree that the French differ from Indians, and Asians differ from the Scots. Their differences supersede surface-level things like skin color, accent, and language. There is some powerful force that forms a set of practices, beliefs, and values within a people-group too difficult to explain and for me, to understand. I’m fascinated with how people can think so differently. I don’t want to overgeneralize when I say Scots are this way or Americans are that way. Instead, in my observation, these people groups tend to act in this certain way. It’s wiser not to overgeneralize.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Scotland and I particularly enjoyed interacting with the Scottish people. I think, in general, that they’re so friendly and considerate. Asking directions was fun because each person shared a smile and gladly help. Buying fish n chips was a positive experience because the cashier was friendly. The general vibe I felt in Scotland was warm. At least, this is my experience.

Your Turn

What people-groups do you consider very friendly?

Have you tried fish n chips in the UK yet??