So it begins.. sort of...

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Dissertation. The icing on the cake, the cherry on top, the--oh wait, it's not like that at all, is it? Sure, next week is the last week of classes (quite possibly the last classes I ever sit in as a full-time student, but then again, that's what I said five years ago) and throughout the summer we're supposed to devote the equivalent of a full-time job's worth of research hours to this big paper due at the end of August. It's a third of my entire assessed work, so it's a big deal. I finally sat down with my supervisor and hashed out a few of my ideas, which at the moment are naturally disjointed, sprawling, and rather fuzzy round the edges. One does a bunch of reading to grasp the topic and try to formulate some sort of thesis, then continues to read and starts realizing all of the endless branches of thought, and then keeps reading to narrow down.

Read read read. But I'm feeling really good about this topic and the direction it's (so far) taking. It's only a shame I probably won't make it to North Carolina this summer, but one never knows. Fancy a research trip to the hot Appalachian wilds from mild old Scotland? ;)

One of my essays is due tomorrow, another one next week, and then a double-sized one is due in a month. I have nine days of my internship yet to complete (major delays, not too happy about it, but so it goes) but I look forward to being able to put all of this term's coursework behind me, get working on my dissertation, enjoy the summer weather, and oh, TRAVEL.

Cheers!
Kate xx

Studio visit: Callum Innes

Image (and more) via Braidwood Building Contractors

There are a couple of reasons I enrolled in Scottish art history courses this year.

1. I'm in Scotland. This should seem obvious, but just like in any other university anywhere, the history of art department at the Edinburgh College of Art/University of Edinburgh is varied in its focus and scope. It's a comparatively large department with experts in Renaissance and Middle Ages, architecture, Chinese art, contemporary art, curating, 19th century painting and the list goes on. Additionally, there are a number of professors whose expertise lies in Scottish visual culture. No matter where you are or what you're interested in, I think it's a good idea to look into local and regional-interest courses as much as possible because it's the sort of educational experience you won't be able to get anywhere else.

2. The beauty of having people who are specialized in an area that you happen to actually be in is that there are many, many more opportunities to get out and see things in person. I took a Scottish architecture course last year and was able to hop on a train to see some castles on the west coast that I was writing about for my essay. And currently I'm taking a course on Scottish art from 1960 which covers a selection of some of the greatest contemporary artists to emerge out of Scotland, and Britain as a whole, in the last fifty years.

So how does it get better than that?

3. Combine 1 and 2, and you get the best possible outcome. Not only do you have professionals who have been working in the field for decades, but in many cases the art that you're discussing is still being made by these artists. Take a professor who's been an art critic and a curator at a number of institutions around the UK and you'll find connections to artists who are top of the heap in the international art world. So when you're taking a class with one (or two) of these professors, why not let them set up a field trip to see some of the art work available in the city and visit the studio of one of the artists discussed in the course? Why not meet the artist! See his work, his process, his studio! Listen to his ideas and his feelings about his art! Get out of your stuffy library and smell the turpentine!

It's a totally different experience in a studio setting with an artist trying to put words to his process than it is to sit in a cold, academic room in front of a PowerPoint presentation, trying to theorize why it looks the way it does. There are merits to both, but I think one of the key things to understand as an art history student is that there are two parts to that: the art and the history. There can be very, very different ways of looking at the subject as a whole.

Taking an extremely long time to get to my point, last week we visited artist Callum Innes' studio in Edinburgh where we spent well over an hour listening to him speak about his painting process, previous projects and how he feels about his previous work, and about his artistic trajectory in general. He had an amazing top-floor studio space with tons of natural light coming through skylights. There was oil paint splattered everywhere, the smell of turps was strong, and several paintings were hung on the walls waiting to dry. Since oil paint takes a long time to thoroughly dry, some of them had been there for months already as he worked on them, layer by layer.

Callum Innes was born in 1962, studied Gray's School of Art and earned a postgrad degree at Edinburgh College of Art. He lives and works in Edinburgh, represented by galleries internationally and exhibiting his paintings in group and solo shows worldwide. Innes was nominated for the Turner Prize (the topmost annual British contemporary art prize) in 1995 and has won several other prizes. Four years ago he had an exhibition in New York at Sean Kelly Gallery which displayed a salon-style array of his watercolor paintings, and Man Booker Prize nominated Colm Tóibín wrote a short story for inclusion in the catalogue.

Cobalt Turquoise / Scarlet Lake, 2012, watercolor on paper

Installation view, Callum Innes | Colm Tóibín: Water | Colour

16 Dec 2010 - 29 Jan 2011, Sean Kelley Gallery, image via ArtNews.org

Innes' process is tied firmly to history. These are modern paintings, some of which easily harken back to, like Untitled No. 71 below, Robert Rauschenberg's white paintings or Barnett Newman's 'zips,' but he takes it a step further. Or, in effect, a step further and then another step back. For me, the crux of Innes' work is, in addition to the 'construction' or layering of paint, is the deconstruction or un-painting. He will spend hours layering on a fine, smooth layer of paint, often paired with another color on half or a portion of the canvas. He'll then use turpentine to remove a layer of color on one side, revealing again the color beneath it, but not without leaving a bit of the topcoat's history there along the edges and in the texture of the paint surface.

The watercolor paintings above are an example of two layers of watercolor paint laid down and then removed to reveal their combination after being 'undone.' 

Tate did a really fabulous TateShots visit to his studio about three years ago in which he gives a brief tour and also demonstrates his watercolor process:

Untitled No. 71, 2010, oil on canvas

Three Identified Forms, 2008, oil on canvas

Installation view, Callum Innes: Works on Paper 1989-2013

28 April 2012 - 14 July 2013, Ingleby Gallery

I was really thrilled to be allowed an a peek inside this artist's work space and some insight into his process. I encourage you to take a look at his work. What do you think? Do you like his work? Is there anything you don't like about it?

All images, unless otherwise noted, are via Ingleby Gallery, Edinburgh.

Cheers!
Kate xx

First vista: Calton Hill

So here I am. Edinburgh. That's my street in the picture above, although about a block down from where I live. This part is generally closed to traffic except for service vehicles, so it's easier to get out and snap a photo.

I took a hike to Calton Hill, which is on the other end of the Royal Mile from where I am. In case you're wondering, the Royal Mile is essentially a short string of streets that stretch from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace. Just north of the eastern end of the Royal Mile is Calton, consisting of one of the city's major parks, Calton Hill, and various gardens and burial grounds. It's a bit of a hike up the hill (nothing quite like Arthur's Seat, though, which I hope to see soon), and I didn't have very good shoes on, but it was a gorgeous day, so I managed to take a few snaps. My calves are a little sore today!

On the way up, along Calton Road, there are a number of panels, some temporary, with some quite good street art. Couldn't help myself:



A bit of the street art, above, in context, and behind that ugly hole in the ground is Canongate Kirk. And behind Canongate Kirk is Arthur's Seat, part of Holyrood Park. A bit of outdoorsy hiking in the middle of the city!



I found myself drawn to the pops of burnished red that some buildings in the city are painted.



The views from Calton Hill are lovely. The photo above wasn't necessarily my favorite shot, but I was amused by the guy in the bottom right corner who was hanging out on the roof for a few minutes. I think he was meant to be fixing the window, but he seemed a bit more content to just sit outside on the plank. I can't really blame him!



  

I stumbled upon what appeared to be a popular drinking spot. At least I know one can buy Bud in the UK. ;)

 

From one direction I could see down Princes Street, a major thoroughfare with much shopping and several hotels. In other directions I could look out over the Forth of Firth.



Overall, it's been an amazingstressfulexcitingfuncrazylong three days. I still don't feel exactly "settled in," but I'm starting to understand my immediate neighborhood--where all the shops are, where the university buildings are, etc. I always feel better knowing where things are, and that I can find them easily. And even though I have been to the UK before, there's always so much to get used to (again). Aside from currency and Centigrade and driving on the opposite side of the road, there are brand new stores to get to know, prices , branding, taxes, when to tip (and when not to tip), bus routes, mobile phone networks, bank accounts, recycling and rubbish disposal, health service, etc. The list goes on and on, not to mention the first meetings and seminars for school at a university you've never visited! Well, that's how it is for me, anyway.

This week is not very busy, but there is plenty going on. On Thursday, I have compulsory meetings with the Edinburgh College of Art most of the day, but much of my other time is free until classes begin. There are many social activities set up through my hall of residence since the vast majority of students living here are from outside the UK. So far, I really enjoy where I live, and I have to admit that after walking around the part of campus where undergraduates rule, I'm glad that I'm no longer in that phase of my education. :) I like being a part of it sometimes, but able to escape to somewhere else at others. So far, my situation is ideal! We'll see if my opinion alters as time goes by...

This city can be a little tricky to get around, like many UK cities. There's a little bit of a joke about it being one of the only cities where you can get lost vertically as well as horizontally, due to all the hills and levels (some streets have two!)... Not very much of Old Town is set up in any sort of grid, partly because it's built around hills, and partly because it's just old. The newer parts of the city can sometimes seem at least a bit more organized. I've looked at maps... a lot. I love maps; they're so helpful!

I've been so busy trying to get myself situated, and getting to know some people, that I haven't taken much time to walk about with my camera aside from this trip to Calton Hill. So I'm glad that I could get the opportunity to do that.

There will always be more to come!

Kate x

Hello Edinburgh!

So I made it. Alas, Edinburgh is almost overwhelmingly... old looking. Of course this isn't really a surprise, but... it still kind of is. It's surprising in a minor culture-shock sort of way. The way going from  the oldest buildings in Wisconsin being middle-19th century to the oldest building in Edinburgh* (according to my taxi driver yesterday, and correctly) being St. Margaret's Chapel within Edinburgh Castle, constructed in the 12th century. That's like, 900 YEARS. Obviously I'm going to see it eventually.

Anyway. There's really no rhyme or reason to this post, other than to share the small quantity of photos I've managed to take amidst running around trying to get cell phone service, bath towels, a hair dryer, food, etc. Luckily I had a sunny, yet somewhat cool (about 15C or 58F-ish -- I'm still learning this Celsius conversion thing) day to get out and grab some necessities. I'm sure, however, that I would feel more at home if I actually unpacked my suitcases, but I've made it only about a quarter  of the way through that process so far. Tonight or tomorrow, perhaps, but I think a little bit of jetlag has caught up with me..

But onto the photos!



My first connection was in Detroit, where there was an amazing sunset, however totally impossible to photograph through their polka-dot windows. ;) Made for an artsy attempt, though!



The first flight from Appleton to Detroit was about 45 minutes, followed by a 7h45m flight to Amsterdam, and then a 1 hour flight to Edinburgh. All went very smoothly and we arrived on time. There were a few clouds, but happily the weather was wonderful and the sun poked through, so I didn't have to deal with heavy bags in the rain. My quick taxi ride into the city was also very entertaining; I had a very knowledgable and friendly driver. I should just note that absolutely every single person I've spoken to today, at various businesses, etc. has been exceptionally friendly. Get past the initial monetary transaction and people actually want to talk to you! Amazing. ;) Haha. I'm only being partly sarcastic.

To start with, the humble view from my room:



It 's a public courtyard that a couple of closes connect to, however not too many people stop through. The occasional tour guide takes a group through, though, so every once in a while I've been able to listen in on a bit of info.



In the morning I took a walk down to Princes Street. It's north, but it's very much downhill from where I am. Edinburgh is built on seven hills, and according to my trusty taxi driver, it's not considered the "Athens of the North" for nothin'. I would have to say I agree--I took plenty of stairs already!

Then there's the Scott Monument on Princes Street, a Victorian monument to Sir Walter Scott. It makes me happy to be in the kind of city that builds thi kind of monument to an author!



After getting a bit of necessary shopping in, I took the long way around the castle and found myself drawn into a little cafe under St. John's Church, Henderson's at St. John's. I had a mug of soup that was quite good and perfect for a fast lunch, but of course the light under there wasn't super great. Thought I'd share anyway.



Got my first good look of the castle by foot...



And then I wound my way back around to the Royal Mile, which could be considered my street. Behind my building, and also the view from my kitchen, is New College, where the university's philosophy and theology programs are centered. Or, ahem, centred.



And just because I passed it and couldn't help it:



Miss Katie Cupcake -- it's jewelry and sadly not actually cupcakes, but still. ;)

Also stopped into a little hole-in-the-wall subterranean cafe (there's a lot of that going on around here) called the Castle Cafe where I only got a cappuccino, but might end up going back for one of their delicious-smelling sandwiches. Or Scottish breakfast! :)

So far, everything is going very well. Aside from feeling rather travel-weary and jetlagged, I'm doing really well and I'm so happy to be here. The next several days will be busy getting orientated and meeting with school advisors, etc. I can't wait to share all my adventures.

Cheers!
Kate x

*I initially mistyped Scotland instead of Edinburgh. St. Margaret's Chapel is the oldest in Edinburgh, but the oldest structures in Scotland range to thousands of years older than that! ;)

Pack it up, pack it in

Somehow, this photo makes this look a lot more contained than it feels!

With only three days until departure (!!!) the stress of packing and cleaning (ie. moving -- I'm sure there are those of you who know this well) has slightly eclipsed the excitement, but I'm ticking things off my seemingly monumental to-do list and getting down to the nitty gritty. And some of the stuff on that list is fun! Like a haircut tomorrow (nothing serious, just a trim), and a belated farewell dinner at one of the best restaurants in the area (from the museum), and probably at least one more get-together with at least one, if not more, of my favorite people. Laundry is getting laundered! Skype is installed! Bags are getting packed! Belongings are (mostly) boxed! My cat is freaking out!

It's all coming together. ;)

I'm currently without a phone that takes decent photos, or an iPod that takes photos at all--so Instagram is on hold until I get my iPhone up and running in Scotland. But until then... I hope you'll keep track of whatever updates I can muster via the Artsy Abroad Facebook page and I simply cannot wait to do my first posts from Edinburgh!

Cheers!
Kate x


Days to Edinburgh move-in: 4 (so close I can taste it)

What the..?

I thought perhaps I could use this opportunity, less than two weeks before departure to Scotland, to touch again on the whole purpose of this blog, and where I see it heading in the next several months.

I started up Artsy Abroad back in May as a way to get myself prepared and into the mode of blogging before heading off to Scotland. Its primary focus was always going to be my travels and discoveries, experiences around the city, and bits and pieces of my life and what it's like to be a student of art history in one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. And that's exactly what I still intend to do. Of course, since I haven't actually been in Scotland for the last few months, this blog is obviously going to seem a bit different. But in my mind, different = totally super rad! Yes, I said rad. ;)

Don't worry! The focus will be the same. I'm still using the same, dumb 8-year old digital camera and will update in much the same way and with--hopefully--the same frequency. I hope that the change of scenery and massive change in my life's focus will inspire even better blog posts, because part of the fun of this whole blogging process is learning more about it and getting better at it as I go along.

Needless to say, I'm going to be pretty busy when I arrive in Edinburgh, and especially when classes begin. But doubtless there are going to be many other things I'll want to check out, considering I've never been to Edinburgh before! I've begun thinking about what museums and galleries there are in Edinburgh, and have filled some empty time by checking out what exhibitions are going on. I thought I'd share a few that I hope to get to eventually!

Man Ray Portraits at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery

Dressed to Kill: Fashion, Costume and Dress in Scottish Art at the City Art Centre

The Decorative Art Collections at Lauriston Castle

The Travelling Gallery Art Bus!

And probably a few galleries from this list from The Guardian.

_._._._

I'm so excited to check out all kinds of architecture, landmarks, neighborhoods, cafes and shops and so much more... and share them all with you. :) Thanks for following along!

Days to Edinburgh move-in: 12

Packers and a postgrad

I'm within two weeks until departure (13 days!) and firmly in the get-it-in-before-I-go phase. Hanging out with various people, stopping into particular restaurants, taking certain trips, and--going to a Packer game! Preseason, but still. It's Lambeau! It wasn't something I planned, but I haven't been to a game in a couple of years and the tickets were complements of my grandparents -- and club seats! Can't really turn that down. The only downside being that a can of beer costs almost $10. ;) At least it's damn good beer.



I was raised twenty minutes from Green Bay, so it's really no contest when it comes to where my football loyalty lies. Every season there's usually a game or two that I have the option of going to see, but it's been a while. So I'm happy to get a game in before I left, even if we lost big time. :(



Can't go wrong with that view... brand new stadium addition and all.

Anyway. It's not like me to go on about football, so... I won't. The Predator is about all you need to know. ;)

_._._._


As for the next couple of weeks, and what comes next: wow. Are big changes afoot or what? It's finally starting to sink in that I'll be moving abroad for a year at the very least, with no clear idea of what comes after that. But this next year will undoubtedly reveal a lot about where I'm headed, and get me on that journey. I don't particularly have one place I aspire to end up, or one thing I must do... I view my career and schooling as a series of little islands I get to hop to -- kind of like life. Here and there, for this and that. Whatever makes me happy is about where the ball stops! ;)

I've started receiving notifications of meetings and welcome events to the Edinburgh College of Art (or ECA). The week before classes begin is known as "Freshers Week" in UK parlance, but in the States is what I've always known as "freshman orientation," ie. chock full of activities, picnics, outings and getting-to-know-you events. But in my case, and other postgrads (another US-UK difference: I'm a postgraduate student, not a graduate student) mostly an opportunity to meet up for various ECA events and to prepare as much as possible for the upcoming year.

My official program title is the MSc History of Art, Theory and Display. I've chosen a few classes that I'm interested in taking, so my schedule tentatively looks like this:

Semester One:
Research Theories and Methods
Scottish Medieval and Renaissance Architecture
Internship

Semester Two:
The Cultures and Politics of Display
Rome Across Time and Space: Visual Culture and Cultural Exchanges c. 300-1300
Internship

Summer term:
Plenty of dissertation-ing

Something that I had to consider when choosing this program was whether I wanted to pursue a taught masters or a research masters. The distinction doesn't exist in quite the same way in American universities, but a taught masters degree functions similarly to an undergraduate degree where one attends classes and is assessed by group projects and a dissertation. A masters by research is one that is more independent and sets one up on a clear path to the PhD--usually with a more specific focus and independent academic approach.

Since I'm not quite sure that a PhD is the path I'd like to pursue immediately, I wanted to take a somewhat general course to get not only an opportunity for research, but vocational experience as well, through the internship opportunity. I'm not sure I'm cut out to be a straight-up academic/scholar, so the value of that vocational aspect can't be overrated. I look forward to seeing what kind of opportunities this year presents!


Days to Edinburgh move-in: 14

What I've learned so far...

5 Tips from a Student Moving Abroad

...a continually evolving list about dealing with stuff and moving and the stuff of moving, as of 17 days before departure. ;)



5) Don't wait forever to get started. And by that I mean, waiting until the very last minute/day/week to sort through your apartment or house and try to get rid of everything all in one go -- that's tough. Unless you feel like donating everything, or paying boatloads (possibly for a boatload) to move your stuff somewhere far, far away. I've never been much of a knick-knacks collector or a media hound or anything (except maybe books), but when I thought I "didn't really have that much" to deal with, it actually came out to at least about twenty boxes and some furniture here and there, not to mention a bike and a couple of pets. It's hard when you've put down roots somewhere--even for only a couple of years--to come to terms with all that you've acquired.

Sell/give away/donate or as a very last resort, recycle/trash whatever you do not absolutely need. Every time I've moved, whether to locations near or far, purging has always been the most time-consuming and at times difficult part of the entire process. Moving is just physical labor, but having to sort through every little thing -- every drawer, closet, cabinet, dresser, etc. -- and then pare it down, deciding where it goes: it's draining. Make it a little easier on yourself by playing into your generous side and gifting things to people you know would be able to use them (but don't overburden them with crap that you're just too lazy to get rid of the right way; that's not generosity, it's just annoying). Donate whatever isn't all that valuable -- or maybe even stuff that is, if you really don't want to be bothered trying to sell it. eBay and Craigslist exist for a reason -- good for the big, bulky stuff like sofas and bikes.


4) Take care to keep the really meaningful things. In the process of decreasing the quantity of your belongings, don't forget: you're not a hoarder just because you keep old letters and photographs and the occasional ticket stub or somehow bizarrely meaningful chipped coffee mug. I've put away six fairly decent-sized boxes of valuable and/or sentimental books and keepsakes that I wouldn't trade for all the money in the world. Our lives are constructed of the people we know, the places we've gone, and sometimes the things we acquire. It's important to hold onto those things and keep them in a safe place if you're not taking them with you right away.


3) Seek out others who are doing the same thing as you. It's really helpful to hear from others who are in your same situation. How many suitcases are they packing? What do they expect to pay for airfare? What kind of accommodation do they have, and would that maybe work better for you than an alternative? Facebook is a fantastic medium for finding groups and other students who are going to the same school or city as you, and you can find friendly answers to questions like, "How does mobile phone service work where I'm going?" or "What is this neighborhood like?" What is the best bank for student accounts? How convenient is the public transportation? Likely your university website has plenty to help you out, but Facebook groups often offer opportunities for people who have been there already to give practical advice. And who knows, you may meet a few future friends!


2) Spend a ton of time with those who mean a lot to you. But respect those who want to keep a distance. It's really hard on other people in our lives, when we move far away from them. It's hard being the one left behind. And we're not talking significant others or even best friends, necessarily. It can be our parents, our siblings, or our coworkers. Spend a lot of time with the people you care about before you leave, and if you really intend to keep in touch with them, then reassure them of this. Sometimes, however, there is a tendency for those who know you're leaving to sort of... back off. It's done kind of unconsciously (I've done it, and I've had it done to me, so I know how it feels from both sides). Sometimes the person doing the backing-off is just ready to let you go; it's all relative to how long you plan to stay away. For a few months? Maybe not a big deal. A few years? A big deal. It depends on how close you are.

Respect that some people will want to stay in touch, and some people might not. Don't feel too offended if someone doesn't seem as interested in your move as others. For some people, it's just not their cup of tea. It's cliche, but worthwhile to remember, that some people touch our lives for brief periods and others stay with us as long as we live. It's just the way it goes. Don't force unnatural relationships when you leave; it keeps you clinging to home unnecessarily and makes it more difficult to get to know new people where you're going.


1) Keep an open mind. Wherever you're headed, whether it's someplace you've only ever dreamed of going, or you've been a handful of times already, be ready and open to everything. Remember that you don't have to bring absolutely everything with you; you'll be able to get what you need there, so it's not necessary to have every little thing ready to travel. And when it comes to experiences, it's imperative to be receptive and open to the new places and new people you will encounter. Like anywhere, at any time, you'll stumble across those you don't care for, but if you find yourself dwelling on the "bad" things or those that are different from home, you'll set yourself up for a totally crap time. Leave home with the realistic expectation that not everything will go exactly that way you've dreamed, expected, or planned, but that the experience is what you make it.

_._._._


These are points I've ruminated on quite a bit, especially after several trips abroad, including a study abroad semester in London several years ago. I hope they can be a source of, if anything, reassurance to anyone who is about to move far from home, whether abroad or just a few hours away.

Days to Edinburgh move-in: 18

Rummaging!

I really feel like I'm getting packed up now. I cleared out at least 10 if not more like 12 boxes and bags of clothes and household items to sell at this garage sale. I sold a good amount of it, too, but there was a lot of stuff and overall it wasn't very busy, so there was quite a lot left over as well. Regardless, it feels really great to get a lot of that stuff out of my apartment, and if not into someone else's hands at the rummage sale, then into a donation bin at the thrift store.

I got back home and started packing up my books and various sentimental things I won't be bringing along with me to Scotland, but that I want to keep. All in all, six-or-so boxes of stuff (books, mostly) at my parents' house and three suitcases (carry-on included) to Edinburgh is all I'll have, period. That feels good.

All I can seem think about right now, with moving in mind, is stuff, so I'm definitely ready to be able to drop it all off in my university flat and know the tedious/difficult part is over. Maybe I should take up a nomadic lifestyle; I feel it would suit me. ;)

Turns out that I'll be taking a few choice books with me, of course, including a Scottish Architecture book I found at my own bookstore today that happens to be on one of my class readings lists! Score.


Days to Edinburgh move-in: 20

One month to go!

A kind of random post today, but this is it, folks. The final stretch, or something along those lines. Today marks one month from departure. !!! I can hardly wait to start posting about all things Edinburgh and travel related! Therein lies the whole reason for this blog, and since I've had it for a couple of months now, I've got a handle on how best to bring the best posts to you. Family, friends, and blogosphere: I love you.

Just sayin'. :)

After what feels like eons waiting for all of this to come together, I'm finally faced with the concept of imminence, and trying to pack as much activity/work/travel into these last few weeks as humanly possible. As well as actually... packing. Which hasn't happened yet, not really even a little.

Today I have the day off and I've been taking it easy. One of the best things I know to do on a day off is go thrift shopping. I managed to find a sweet vintage leather convertible clutch bag in the most brilliant shade of blue. I try to only buy the things that a) are amazing, just amazing and b) are one-time-deal sorts of finds. I know I've been trying to clean out my closet, but some things I'm just certain I can make room for. And for $3.49, you just can't go wrong! Goes with my leopard print skirt I thrifted a while back. ;)



I also celebrated/prepared for Edinburgh arrival today by purchasing an iPhone off eBay that I'll be able to use on any number of networks in the UK once I get a SIM card over there. My current phone is about shot, so no matter what, it was about time to upgrade. Aaaallll the little things that go into a move overseas. Not that I'm complaining about a excuse to get a new phone. Not at all!



Otherwise, my very sleepy (read: naughty) cat and I are just hanging out today. He's an indoor feline, but yesterday he snuck out of the house and was outside for a loooong time. Luckily he hung around the house the whole time, but when I finally saw him, he couldn't stop scratching and biting at himself. I worried he had gotten into some fleas or something. Turns out he must have wallowed in some burrs, because they were stuck everywhere in his fur. Serves him right.




But now we're relaxed. I'm going to miss this dude. Lucky for me (and him, probably) my amazing parents are kind of adopting him. So I'll get to visit him at Christmas. ;)


Days to Edinburgh move-in: 32

Visa! Airfare! Oh my!

The searching for and purchasing of airfare is the most:

a) exciting
b) irritating
c) painful
d) all of the above

...part of planning a trip.

Sticking with the travel theme, the picture above is one I took many years ago, of the ceiling of my first car, a 1985 Saab 900. The ceiling had begun to crumble (as they do in those cars), so I stripped it and replaced it with maps. Anyway.

With someone just today, I was discussing the sort of built-in exhilaration that comes with airfare: it's that positive, tangible thing (or email confirmation) that puts you in get-there mode. With the purchase of an airline ticket, your travel plans go from "possibly taking a trip" to "damnit, I have a five-hour layover in Detroit."

Big news: I just received an email from the British consulate claiming that my visa has been issued and it is en route to me as. we. speak. This is a big day! I was paranoid that it wasn't going to go through for some reason (no worries, there's no real reason it wouldn't have, beyond my incapability to fill out forms correctly or send the wrong kind of passport photo). But alas! It has been approved! Within days I shall receive this beautiful, necessary document, and within the next few days I hope to have purchased an exciting/irritating/painful round-trip airline ticket.

I've decided to come home after the new year for a week or so (after Hogmanay, of course!!), and besides, round-trip tickets look a lot better to immigration officials than one-way trips. As much as they want me there for study, they would prefer I go back home at some point. ;)

Anyone have any great tips for buying airfare, short of contacting a travel agent? Any amazing sites/deals you've stumbled upon? I tend to stick trusty Kayak.com, but I'm all about broadening my airfare search horizons.

Cheers!


Days to Edinburgh move-in: 46

A little of this, a little of that

My attention has been pulled in various directions today--my first proper nothing-needs-doing day off in weeks--starting with a lovely little message in my Edinburgh mailbox about setting up my student email and welcome booklets! Nothing gets me more amped than reading about the logistics and the practicalities of life in a new city. I know, I know, it sounds like it should be the opposite, right? Finding out where the closest grocery stores are, how to open a bank account, what the most affordable public transportation is, who will meet me at the airport and so on... it's all rather boring in and of itself. But when you're talking something like Edinburgh (or throw in anywhere from San Francisco to Tokyo to the two two hours away from you that you've always wanted to live in), even the little things sound like great fun.

At least to me. ;)

My youngest sister made from-scratch pancakes for my mom and I this morning, meanwhile discussing other logistics and practicalities -- the kind pertaining to camping in less than a week! So looking forward to my sibling road trip to Montana. We leave next Saturday!

And then, to top it off, after a quick trip to the store for dinner items and things like Off Deep Woods bug spray, I got home and popped in a CD I've been listening to constantly for the last couple of days. An odd choice, but so it is: Ralph Vaughan Williams' The Wasps performed by The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. One of my favorite classical tunes is "Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis" and second up is "The Lark Ascending." Kind of chill-yet-exciting classical stuff, very English, and just what I happen to be into today.

And on an English note, my other purchase of note from yesterday:

Great Houses of London by James Stourton, photographed by Fritz von der Schulenburg, and published by Frances Lincoln. It's an amazing, gorgeous book. It's no secret I'm a self-proclaimed Anglophile (it just happened), and although I don't usually find it necessary to own architecture and interior photography books (I love to look at them, but usually can't justify their cost) this one just drew me in. I just wanted to be in every single image. I want to visit all of these houses. I want to be in London right. now.

I want to be a lot of places right now, it seems. It's this summer, the weather, the plans and determination to go somewhere very soon. It all adds up. I've got the travel bug, full force! And of course I can't wait to share all that comes next.

Days to Edinburgh move-in: 76