Not that I had a particularly trying week, but nonetheless, I'm glad it's Friday. I only had one class today (Classic Civ), so I took the chance to meander over to the bookstore and pick up my required texts. Sadly, out of the two books I needed for Scottish Culture, they only had one. But it should be getting here next week. Classic Civ offered a bundle of the required books. Which is good. Because it was certainly a
bundle.
After class, I decided to make a little detour through the park that is on my way back home. I keep seeing these little black and white birds everywhere, and I have NO idea what they are. Ideas?
Pretty cute, but they are LOUD. After I took this, one squawked so loudly I yelped and nearly dropped my camera. I wisely retaliated by throwing a stick at it, because I am 12. It sauntered off like I wasn't loudly berating it and carried on its merry way. Anyways. After the bird fiasco, I found a couple nifty statues. This one here is Lord Kelvin. Yeah, *that* Kelvin. The one who discovered absolute zero and named the corresponding temperature scale after himself. He's a pretty nifty guy.
The spire of the University is behind him. About 100 feet to the left is the River Kelvin, from which he took his Lord name. Apparently when you are made a lord, you can choose whatever name you fancy. I wonder if there is any regulation on that, or if you can be Lord SparkleMcFancyPants. Probably wouldn't go over well in polite company. Next I found a statue of MrDoctorSir (not sure which) Lister, who invented the first antibacterial substance. He worked at the Royal Infirmary in Glasgow when he made it. And that's pretty bomb, if you ask me. (And yes, Listerine was named after him)
Finally, I made it out of the park. And here, I am going to be judgmental of British people. They park like idiots! Honestly, I think it's hilarious. 80% of their parking jobs would be illegal in America. For example:
This is perfectly legal! To me, it looks like an epic face-off is about to begin. "Steady... steady lads! Hold....... FIGHT!!" *cue snarling engines and screeching brakes* I don't know about you, but my money would be on the silver one. He might be smaller, but I bet he fights dirty. And finally, for your amusement... a typical Scottish parking job.
Essentially, if it fits, it's a good parking spot. This car is literally on top of a brick circle around a tree. I guess I want to know what would entail an illegal parking job. Diagonal across the street? Sideways? In someones living room? I'm sure glad Americans don't drive here. We would probably run crying home and end up curled up in the corner of the kitchen, weeping and rocking back and forth. "So ruthless. They were... so ruthless. No... parking spots. Anywhere... oh, god, none anywhere."
After class, I decided to make a little detour through the park that is on my way back home. I keep seeing these little black and white birds everywhere, and I have NO idea what they are. Ideas?
Pretty cute, but they are LOUD. After I took this, one squawked so loudly I yelped and nearly dropped my camera. I wisely retaliated by throwing a stick at it, because I am 12. It sauntered off like I wasn't loudly berating it and carried on its merry way. Anyways. After the bird fiasco, I found a couple nifty statues. This one here is Lord Kelvin. Yeah, *that* Kelvin. The one who discovered absolute zero and named the corresponding temperature scale after himself. He's a pretty nifty guy.
The spire of the University is behind him. About 100 feet to the left is the River Kelvin, from which he took his Lord name. Apparently when you are made a lord, you can choose whatever name you fancy. I wonder if there is any regulation on that, or if you can be Lord SparkleMcFancyPants. Probably wouldn't go over well in polite company. Next I found a statue of MrDoctorSir (not sure which) Lister, who invented the first antibacterial substance. He worked at the Royal Infirmary in Glasgow when he made it. And that's pretty bomb, if you ask me. (And yes, Listerine was named after him)
Finally, I made it out of the park. And here, I am going to be judgmental of British people. They park like idiots! Honestly, I think it's hilarious. 80% of their parking jobs would be illegal in America. For example:
This is perfectly legal! To me, it looks like an epic face-off is about to begin. "Steady... steady lads! Hold....... FIGHT!!" *cue snarling engines and screeching brakes* I don't know about you, but my money would be on the silver one. He might be smaller, but I bet he fights dirty. And finally, for your amusement... a typical Scottish parking job.
Essentially, if it fits, it's a good parking spot. This car is literally on top of a brick circle around a tree. I guess I want to know what would entail an illegal parking job. Diagonal across the street? Sideways? In someones living room? I'm sure glad Americans don't drive here. We would probably run crying home and end up curled up in the corner of the kitchen, weeping and rocking back and forth. "So ruthless. They were... so ruthless. No... parking spots. Anywhere... oh, god, none anywhere."
Wait until you get to Rome. They park on the sidewalks and you'll see many, many Smart cars there, which is really cool. They fit on the sidewalks better. I love seeing the pictures of where you are and what you're writing about. Keep them coming.
ReplyDeleteI think those are the same birds we saw in Ireland. I'll see if GB remembers what they are. Care envelope (I just can't pay $45 for a box just yet. Maybe I'll get the nerve to do it later) on its way. Nothing exciting but replenishing your bandaid supply!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! The bandaids are MUCH needed. These blisters are eating up my supply. Miss you!
DeleteAnd the much needed ear plugs.
DeleteThe birds you are seeing are Magpies. We saw them in Ireland and also in New Orleans. They can mimic other sounds that they hear such as the human voice, roosters, or any other animal they might hear. They perch on the backs of cattle and sheep and pick off ticks and maggots!!!! They are frequently shot because they steal grain. Is that enough information for you on the Magpie? I've been reading your blog every day and enjoying your journey. This is a tremendous experience for you and I'm sure you will take away with you many menories that will last for ever. Love you,
ReplyDelete