Different feelings...

Today was a better day than yesterday. Yesterday I was feeling a little apprehensive about how things were going to go with my housing. I live in Albany Park, which is on the southeast side of town and about 15 minutes from town and worse, about 30 min. from the chem building. Also, I had only met one flatmate...and I can't remember his name. I woke up later today just because I could and set out for town alone. I took the scenic route as my house is right on the North Sea (a huge plus!). I walked along the sands and came up on town around the castle ruins and the cemetary. It really is a beautiful sight! I walked around town up North Street and came to the clock tower where Patrick Hamilton was executed. There is a PH in the stone on the ground which is said to bring very very bad luck (aka...you fail your degree...) to those who step on them. I thought one needed to walk through the clock tower arch before seeing the stones when all of a sudden there were there! I didn't step on them (thank God...) and managed to maneuver around them. However, according to legend, when PH died, he left his face etched in the stone of the clock tower. I looked for the face and it is there! I will take a picture of it soon and post it. I made my way around some more and found the chem building but did not go inside since I do not have my matriculation card yet (my ID card pretty much). I came back to the town centre and found where my parents will be staying when they come to visit. It looks like a nice place from the outside and a very convenient point as it's in the middle of town. I found the student union and was looking at St. Andrews stuff to buy...things are expensive here. A tartan scarf was about 20 quid (pounds), or about $40. I opted out of that one for the time being. I met up with friends to go to some orientation stuff which was pretty blah until the last part. It was a social gathering with members of the departments on campus and free wine. It was awesome! I met a dude from the chem dept. and he who I was amazingly. He seemed very nice and I am excited for classes. After that, I came to my house for a little while and met another member of the flat. He didn't impress me at all... he did not give me a good vibe and was not very friendly...oh well. Maybe the others will be more friendly. I purchased some groceries too earlier in the day as I am self-catered and must prepare my own food. I have a feeling like I won't be eating nearly as much as I do at Ripon. I opted for pub food and got a chicken sandwich with chips for dinner and headed to the Union pub where some of my pals were and had a dram of whisky with them. It was a good day after all :) I headed back to my flat and talked to Justine for about an hour which made the day even better. I even got to talk to my mom on the phone. Tomorrow I matriculate and will probably explore more. I am definately putting the miles on my feet :) I'll be a professional walker by the time I come back to the States.