1.24.05

i have been for a walk in the scottish highlands. not too far in, since it became clear that one can't actually get too far before, say, may, due to the himalaya-like appearance of said highlands. nonetheless, i pulled it off. i also finally came in contact with the scotland that irvine welsh writes of. couldn't find it in edinburgh; it's too rich and pretty here. it does, however, exist in stirling. massive history and beauty existing side by side with massive poverty and drug usage. william wallace and crackhouses, quite literally.

stirling is laid out flat across a valley that is ringed with craggy, snow-covered mountains. it is filled with sheep and people descended from vikings. everything is fried before it is consumed (literally. including toast). i couldn't understand anything the bus drivers said to me; i eventually resorted to writing stuff down on pieces of paper to communicate. it's only an hour from edinburgh.

it was strange to come home and have it feel like not-home. things were better when i woke up this morning.

bowdoin's back in session and i am not there. i only have eight more weeks of classes. jon's in new york now. we shall see.