A Journey Abroad

When the Round Square exchange program was offered to my grade I knew I had to go. Where I wanted to go was they mystery…but yet after countless offers and choices, I decided and set off.

 

I arrived at the tiny airport of Inverness on October 22. I was tired, probably cranky but most of all I was in awe. The airport was small but unlike other airports you could see the beautiful scenery in the distance. The air was crisp, but pure. A warm jumper was definitely advised.  I had finally arrived in the Scottish Highlands my home for the next two months.

 

I sat with my exchange family, the Cameron-Ross’.  They loved hearing about Lakefield, their daughter Hannah’s home while I was in Scotland. They live on Lake Lochness, a loch home to Nessie, the mysterious monster. The scenery was once again beautiful; I couldn’t have imagined it any different. You couldn’t hear the bustle of cars, or the faint noises of people going about their everyday lives. It was utter silence. Pure nature.

 

As we packed the boot to head up to Gordonstoun, I walked into the passenger side of the vehicle, which is actually the driver’s side. The drive up to Gordonstoun was a peaceful one, filled with beautiful Scottish memorials and the dozens of farm houses. The land is green full of moister for it constantly rains. My red wellies were definitely needed. But yet on my arrival in Scotland, and for the majority of my stay, it was sunny.

 

We arrived at Gordonstoun; it is a very spread out campus. Hannah’s mother told me the history of the school, which dates back to 1934. My newly traded-in dorm for the time being was Windmill Lodge, the oldest girls house on campus. It has five years in the house (9-13), and is home to approximately 60 girls.

 

I adjusted well to Gordonstoun life very quickly, waking up at 7:00 and being at breakfast by 7:30 became a routine, having tea and socializing after tea in the mixed coms because habit. The British and Scottish slang became part of my regular vocabulary.

 

Every Saturday, the year would have a social - I enjoyed these most of all. They were usually dance socials, getting ready with all the “Windmillians” was very fun, and some of my fondest memories. It was proper Scottish Banter.

 

Life at Gordonstoun was busy, and definitely different than my life on the opposite side of the pond at Lakefield. The beautiful wide spread out campus became a third home despite being only there for a wee time. I was very active in the school community life seemed to move ten times faster.

 

Goodbyes are always the hardest, for you know the fun has come to an end. Establishing relationships hurt when they have to end despite the fact that “hello” was only a short time ago. You get so used to having people around and then one day you wake up and they are an ocean away. But yet this does not limit a friendship, a friendship carries on, past boarders.

 

I am so thankful for all the people who helped make this journey happen, who gave me the light in all this happiness. Thank you to Mr. Bird for organizing it all.  Thank you to my parents who were able to say goodbye to their little girl for two months, and chase her around the world.  Thank you for my BSF’s (Best Scottish Friends) for truly making my exchange one of the most amazing things that has happened in my life. As time continues on I will never be able to forget my time in the UK.

A slight Translation: