Leaving on a Jetplane

Everything today went all too fast. I headed out to terminal 4 of Heathrow in the morning and before I knew it I was engaged in a game to turn a seatless ticket on an overbooked flight into a $200 Delta voucher and a much better timetable with an aisle seat. It pays to be proactive, flexible and friendly to the gate agents. I'd planned to pick up gifts at the airport but instead was only able to snag a few bags of Cadbury's at the news agent. Sorry everyone at home! My new flight meant a quick departure.

It's too soon to really process all that this Fulbright journey has meant. I think my only regret is that had a bad end in that there was no chance to say goodbye. I saw a few colleagues in passing at the airport but it just seems abrupt to have been a part of this group nearly 24/7 for 3 weeks then disperse into our own different worlds as if it never happened. What strikes me is that this is how these things go. I know that. I predicted these feelings would come before I ever left the US. But it doesn't change the re-entry process. There is something special about being part of a group abroad.

The End of the Road

We had a series of meetings this morning but it was honestly hard to concentrate because I am so excited to go home and see my family. At the same time I am sad to say goodbye to my 19 other travel companions. We have spent nearly 14 hours a day together for the past 3 weeks. That is a lot of time to spend with anyone. These strangers have become friends and really helped to make the experience all that it was. 

In the afternoon we had a tour of Edinburgh Castle and I was so tired I only took a single photo (out a portion of the castle wall)

Afterward we took a cab back to the hotel and split off into groups. In the hustle and bustle those of us who booked a flight never got the chance to say goodbye to the group riding the bus from Edinburgh to London. They pulled out just as we got there. I am hoping that I can reunite with some in the morning here at the hotel.

The 5 of us that did fly enjoyed spending a little more time together and having a leisurely dinner. The flight was somewhat delayed but it still beat an 8 hour (or longer) bus ride. We said our goodbyes here at the airport hotel just in case. 

Tomorrow I fly out of Heathrow in the afternoon. If all goes well I will get home around 11pm on Friday. I can't wait to see my family-- especially this little girl...

The University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh is one of the "ancients" of Scotland. Founded in 1583...think about that for a second. It's really old :-) They are proud to share that Benjamin Franklin was given an honorary degree from Edinburgh. And of course they lay claim to Darwin, Higgs, Dolly the cloned sheep, Gordon Brown (please note these are not in an order intended to be political)... and so forth. 

Our morning consisted of a series of lectures about the institution. One thing that was mentioned, somewhat casually, was that they were celebrating 10 years as Scotland's 1st Fair Trade University. Everywhere we have gone there has been a huge emphasis on fair trade products. In fact, at Sterling they baked us fresh cookies and put out a sign noting that they were "Not Fair Trade Cookies" in case we were conscientious objectors. I do hope this is a peek into the future and that the social responsibility wave makes its way to North America with the same fervor.  I decided to look more into the concept of a Fair Trade University and found this website: www.scottishfairtradeforum.org.uk

After lunch we had the opportunity to tour Holyrood Palace, the Queen's official residence in Scotland (vs. Balmoral Castle, which is a private home~ It's good to be Queen!) This was a nice treat and a first for me. I enjoyed seeing some of the portraits and personal items. 

Afterward we toured Scottish Parliament. You would imagine this to be housed in a fancy old building but it is extremely modern. I didn't even take a picture. (sorry!) At the time of the visit they had a wonderful, but somewhat heart-wrenching, photography exhibit that captured most of my interest. You can see them online, but fair warning. It is a very real depiction of our world, including war and some other emotional triggers www.worldpressphoto.org/awards/2013

In just a bit we are headed out for dinner. They are giving us some time to explore the city and the Festival from 8pm onward. I thought I'd blog a bit earlier today to make sure I have time to pack up my ever-growing suitcase after dinner. Tomorrow I'll be leaving Edinburgh to fly down to London with a few other of the Fulbrighters. We opted to buy our own flights for 100 GBP rather than take the 8+ hour bus ride tomorrow night with everyone else. Instead of getting into London at 2 am, we fly out around 8:30 and arrive at our Heathrow hotel around 10 pm for a good last night of sleep. I hope this leaves me in better shape to arrive back to Indy in a reasonable condition. The constant moving, packing and lugging bags has me ready for a massage and a sleep in my own bed.