I'm writing a blerg. Oh, and going to Scotland, Bitches!

[What is a blerg? Well, it's a blog that recognizes what it really is. According to Urban Dictionary, a blog is "A meandering, blatantly uninteresting online diary that gives the author the illusion that people are interested in their stupid, pathetic life. Consists of such riveting entries as 'homework sucks' and 'I slept until noon today.'" I recognize the self-aggrandizing nature of this venture and don't care. So, a blerg.]

Every so often we all have thoughts that we want to share to the world. Social media makes this rather narcissistic habit super easy. Social media also makes it incredibly easy to keep in touch with the many people we meet during the course of our lives. However, I'm not good at Facebook. I have the bad habit of using Instagram for photos of food. I only use Twitter when I'm too lazy to read whole news stories. So, I've turned to this blerging format to share the experiences of my year in Scotland. 

So here we are. Soon I'll be there. In Scotland. On a different continent. Across a freaking ocean. For about 9 months. That's simply mad. 

I've been restless all summer, waiting around to leave while at the same time being terrified of leaving. I'm a creature of habit and comfort, so this whole experience is going to be one giant out of my comfort zone learning experience. Did I mention I'm going to a whole other country? For months? What is this life?!

I'll be in school most of the time I'm gone, but naturally I plan on seeing as much of Europe as I can. If you know me, you know I'm kinda into ancient history. And museums. And cool scenery. And food. And beer and wine. So, while the following list isn't at all exhaustive, these are some of the things I'm looking forward to accomplishing:

In the UK (or whatever it will be after the Referendum on 18 September)

1. Earn a MSc in historical studies from Strathclyde University. (yup, obligatory school related item)
2. Go to Loch Ness. (I was never good at Where's Waldo, so I doubt I'll find Nessie)
3. Go to cool Viking Festival, Up Helly Aa.
4. Go to Bath and see the baths.
5. Learn to appreciate Scotch and visit distilleries.
6. Visit my Grandparents' friends that own a farm with both cows and sheep.
7. Hike around the countryside.
8. British museum and all other touristy London things that strike my fancy, including seeing Les Miserables at the Queen's Theater.

The continent (mostly cities that I want to go to, open to suggestions)

1. Rome.
2. Rome. No joke. I've read about Rome almost my whole life. To go here will be surreal. I'll probably cry when I see the Forum. Also the Colosseum and museums and pretty much everything else.
3. Spend Christmas time in Germany. Christmas markets and spiced wine and friends!
4. Pompeii - it's sinking! If not now, when?!
5. Athens. Same reasons as Rome, really. If I'm being honest, though, I'll settle for anywhere in Greece. Santorini or Crete would be pretty neat.
6. Paris - this is a biggie. The Louvre, Notre dame, the Eiffel tower, and then Versailles. I'd like to do this in spring when flowers are blooming. Also, I'll probably put a lock on one of those bridges proclaiming my love for wine.
7. Vatican City. Museums! Architecture! History!
8. Florence. That's right, THE Florence.
9. Amsterdam. 
10. And since this list is a wish list: Istanbul. They were Constantinople, guys. Roman capital part deux!

So, I realize that all of these things probably won't happen. However, the fact I finally have the chance to do any of them is crazy to me. The reality that I'm leaving hasn't fully sunk in yet and I don't think it will until I land in Glasgow. HOLY SHIT THAT'S ANOTHER COUNTRY. I'll post again sometime after I land, so I'll see you on the other side of the ocean. Cheers!

PS. I'll try and swear minimally on this blerg, but sometimes there is simply no better exclamation or expression of feeling than a good old-fashioned swear.