*The House has been quite full lately until we've recently had a couple guys move on. Some of these have been very positive. I love seeing how excited someone is that they finally have a flat. We've also had some residents working to get into Teen Challenge, which is a Christian organization that works to free people from addiction. At least one of the residents got in last week! She has worked SO hard. She had been continuously lowering the amount of medication she takes and has phoned daily to show her interest. I have to admit, I will be sad to see her leave, but I am so hopeful that she'll move onto greater things.
*We had our Regional TFG conference for the day in Newcastle on the 7th. It was a day full or reflecting on the past year and to look at what needs to be done in the last couple of weeks. It was a bit overwhelming to think that my time is ending here...for real. Though, it was quite nice to get out of Edinburgh for the day and to head to the happiest city in the UK.
*The two days surrounding our day conference were filled with me and my flatmates as well as another YAGM making a small road trip to other areas of Scotland. On the 6th Irina, Janet, and I drove towards Glenshee. On the way, we came upon a small town called Dunkeld. It. Was. Beautiful. Dunkeld is known as the "gateway to the highlands" and if you ever find yourself in the area, I would highly recommend stopping off for a coffee. We visited the cathedral as well as had a coffee and walked towards what is known as the oldest oak tree that was also in Macbeth.
The Birnam Oak Tree.
Sitting by the River Tay in Dunkeld.
After stopping in Dunkeld, we made our way to the highlands to see Glenshee. Glen is from the Gaelic word for 'valley' and shee is from the Gaelic word for 'peace', thus it is known as the Valley of Peace. There, we stopped at the Spittal of Glenshee. Spittal is a 52-bed, old hotel. It reminded me of an old hunting lodge, really. Spittal is an old Scots word that is derived from the Roman word 'hospitum' and the Gaelic word 'spideal', which means apartment for strangers. It was completely random, but also quite intriguing.
Glenshee
From Glenshee, we headed towards Pitlochry (pit-lock-ree) and then to Aberfeldy (aber-fell-dee), two small towns in the highlands. Aberfeldy is home to the Birks of Aberfedly. This is a short walk around water falls. It is also made famous by Robert Burns who is said to have been inspired by the area to write the song about the walk.
Sitting where Robert Burns sat.
On the 8th, after our conference, Irina, Janet, Pam, and I headed up to Anstuther and then onto St. Andrews. We drove the coastal route along the North Sea and the scenery was absolutely incredible. Along the way to St. Andrews we decided to stop in Anstruther which is a small village on the coast. It also happens to be home to the "best fish and chips in the world". Let me tell you, my stomach agrees.
The three lovely ladies I spent the day with!
Sitting on the North Sea.
Anstruther, Scotland
With very full tummies and sun kissed skin, we made our way up to St. Andrews. Let me tell you, I LOVED this town. What a beautiful place. It wasn't too big and wasn't too small. We made our way around the city looking at the castle and cathedral, which are actually ruins, and the University of St. Andrews. Then, of course we had to go see the most famous gold course in the world!
The three amigos.
St. Andrews Castle.
From The University of St. Andrews
St. Andrews Links golf course- the most famous in the world!
The three days of travelling were busy, but SO incredible. It was great to see more of Scotland and to see a bit of Newcastle, which is known to have the happiest people in the UK. We could not have asked for more beautiful weather and it was great bonding time with my flatmates and Pam.
*At the end of the month I will make my way one more time to Derbyshire for my final TFG conference for 3 days. And after that, a couple of lovely YAGMS are coming to stay in Edinburgh for the weekend. Then..it will be JULY. Crazy. Until then, June has been packed full of making memories and continuing to experience new things here and enjoying my time at The House.
We three volunteers in Edinburgh have decided to make the absolute most of our time left here...I'd say we're doing a brilliant job at this. :)
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