Cheers, mate.

Here are some pictures from Skye that Steffi took. Proof of my enjoyment on the trip. :)

I've been very focused on academics the last couple weeks. It's going fast and I have several assignments coming due in the next two weeks, so I haven't really gone anywhere or done many exciting things. But I have enjoyed the company of many people here in town.

Katie, Steffi, and I went to a pub called the Bappity Bowster, follow the link to learn about the name -- it's hilarious. But the ambiance is so fantastic. I think I may have to set up shop and work from there from now on. That should be productive...

They didn't want their picture taken. This was a compromise photo, only half faces.

I'm always trying recognize interesting differences that might intrigue or amuse people at home. So here are a few random things:

• It's the toilet or the loo, never a restroom. (And if there isn't a bath, why would you call it a bathroom?)
• They don't get drunk, they get pished. (As least if you were raised in the Hebrides. I've heard pissed before, but here, the people I know say pished.)
• Which brings me to - there is no such thing a the Scottish accent. There are multiple Scottish accents, and funny enough, they can't always understand each other. :)
• Cheers is a sort of universal word. Mostly it means 'Thanks.' So, to the driver when you get off the bus or to someone who holds the door for you, you can say Cheers. But I've also seen written and heard spoken as hello and goodbye. I will say more men say cheers than women though so I'm never sure if I should use it or not, but it's a nice happy expression.
• Gaelic. More people in the States associate Gaelic with Ireland, but it's part of both Irish and Scottish heritage. Though there are differences. Including the two Irish people I've heard say it pronounce it Gay-lick, but the Scots pronounce it Gal-lic.
• Ques are very important social constructs. Don't mess with the que. Get in line at the back and wait your turn, even if there are only two people.

 I will hopefully have something interesting to share after Wednesday -- It's Guy Fawkes Day, or Bonfire Night as the Scots call it. Though there won't be a bonfire here; there will be fireworks though.