Back in a wee minute

Life just keeps racing along and just like that, a month has passed since my last entry. My blogging dwindled towards the end of last year and I attribute it to two factors. For some reason, it is harder to find the brain time when employed..which is the reason it took me awhile to realize the second factor. The second factor is that I have been spending much of my free time doing activities that are not unique to living here. Nothing seemed particularly noteworthy. While there is nothing wrong with that, I want to take full advantage of this opportunity and enjoy why this place is so special to me. Noted and action taken:)

Rome wanderings

Recently I spent a long weekend in Rome. My first time in this magnificent city. So much amazing history, art, style, and food. What stood out the most to me? How well the city blends youthful energy while living amongst structures that carry so much history.

And a concern for Italian pedestrians in Glasgow. Glasgow drivers give very little respect to pedestrians. I don't dare step off the curb onto a crosswalk if a car is in sight. In Rome, I would still be standing on the curb trying to cross the Via del Teatro di Marcello if I followed the same behaviour. Pedestrians in Rome step onto the road with a nonchalant confidence that gives the air they feel they have equal right to be on the road as a car does.

Creating traditions

I have a tradition in October of spending a weekend walking in Corrour. This is my second year in a row. Long enough to make it a tradition in my books. As long as I am able to, I plan to continue this tradition. Last year I stayed in the youth hostel and was introduced to the station house. This time I treated myself to a stay at the Corrour Station House and dined in their restaurant. It is one of the best places I have ever stayed on holiday.

Sketches of Jazz Musicians

We lose special people through the years. A person that just entered your life for a mere moment but made an impact. Or someone who played a lead role in your life. Maybe you shared a certain phase of life like university or just found your lives crossing paths. Maybe you didn't even meet but this person touched your life.

Vocabulary

It just snuck up on me. I can't remember the exact moment.

It didn't take long for me to pick up many words/phrases that I hear daily in Scotland. But there is one word in particular that would not come naturally. It sounded so awkward, forced, foreign when I said it. I even practiced saying it when I was alone. After a few months, I gave up...figured it would just never become part of my natural vocabulary. Then last week I realized...aye, I do say it...aye has become natural. Yes, yeah, ok...are all still in my vocabulary. "Aye" is just added to the mix.