It's just like American Pie

Yesterday was the first day of classes. I only had one, and actually, I only have one each day. And none on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Apparently this is how Sociology classes work here. Most people I've talked to have lectures and tutorials (what are called discussion sections in the U.S.) on separate days and times, but mine are back to back. Anyway, I had my Popular Music, Technology and Society class yesterday. It was quite great. I like my lecturer (professor) and learning about pop music is going to be no problem for me =]  After class me and Julia headed out to Princes Street (the main shoping street  here in Edinburgh) so I could buy some Wellies (sp?). The boots I brought from home were just not cutting it, there's snow all over the sidewalks here and it's melting and turning into slush quite rapidly since it's warm here. They also seem to have no concept of snow removal. They don't use salt at all. Or even try to remove the snow. I keep being told "oh we don't usually get this much snow here" like they're surprised to see it or something. But they've gotten alot this winter so far. So they should learn to deal.

I never told you what wellies are, or do you already know? Wellies are rubber rain boots. The ones I bought weren't my first choice, but apparently all of the arriving Americans bought all the good ones already. They were also slightly expensive, but they were certainly a need. I couldn't deal with wet feet anymore. After seeing Julia off to class I went and bought a tea mug and some dish soap to wash the mug with. They have the most fantastic fruit tea here, I don't even need sugar or honey with it. I bought one that is raspberry, strawberry and loganberry and another that is strawberry and mango. Exciting stuff. We also had a new dorm residents meeting. I finally met some other Americans in my dorm, even one other girl on my floor, Logan. So now there are more people to go to the dining hall and eat with...although I am really craving some British friends. That's sort of what this whole trip is supposed to be about, no?

Well today at 5 there is a outing of the Chocolate Society (societies are what clubs are called here) at a chocolate shop called Chocolate Soup (there's ALOT of chocolate in that sentence). Julia and I are going, along with several Butler kids as well. Butler kept telling us joining societies was the best way to meet Scottish/British students, so hopefully it pans out. Also the idea of a chocolate society is the best thing ever.

Becca (my fellow Butler neighbour) and I met her neighbour on the other side a couple of days ago, her name is Julia (different Julia than the one mentioned above) and she's from Redding, England. We're hoping to maybe knock on her door this weekend and perhaps tag along to some sort of outing with her friends. She seemed really nice, (I just used an Oxford comma!!! Look at me, adapting) and said we could knock on her door for a cup of tea or whatever whenever we wanted.

Oh, quick story about our conversation with Julia from England: She told us that it's quite common for kids to "predrink" (what Americans call pregaming) in the common room of our dorm before a night out. We told her what we call it in the States, and then she asked if we actually use those red solo cups. We said yes, we do. She was quite amused by this and said "It's just like American Pie!" So this is what you're known for, Americans. The movie 'American Pie'. Lovely.