I’ve spent two years in Dundee now, but I figured I’d take the time to reflect on this one. I’ve come up to Scotland from the very South East of England and in my first year I focused mostly on not feeling too homesick and trying to make it a home away from home. This year however, I’ve been far more adventurous and decided to try to lap up all the culture I can and truly feel at home in Scotland. So here are a few things I’ve learnt this year whilst here in Scotland.
- Haggis is an amazing food, so amazing that Robert Burns wrote a poem about it.
- No Haggis is not an animal, though I knew this already, however, I did learn many a thing about the famous highland roaming creature: namely its three legs are unevenly sized so that it can traverse the hills, and many other wonderful ‘facts’.
- When you go to Edinburgh, you will be asked where the castle is or even if there is a castle at all, even when you can see it, right there.
- The view of Dundee from the quite town of Newport-On-Tay is not to be missed, though its quite a walk, so wear sensible shoes… unlike me.
- Renting a flat in Dundee is surprisingly cheap, and the advice the university provides on renting private accommodation is worth praising.
- The Trossachs and Loch Lomond, are beautiful.
- Callendar, a little town near the above, sells the best tablet.
- But for the best tablet ice cream, head to Broughty Ferry.
- You can see Broughty Ferry Castle from the Law, may have to squint a bit though, but you can, I promise.
- The best coffee on campus is in the Liar Bar, I would know, I practically live off the stuff.
- On the topic of drinks, you can sip whisky at the top of Edinburgh castle.
- And on the topic of Whisky: there is a difference between Whisky and Whiskey. Whisky is the Scottish one, and the best in my opinion.
- It is impossible to read a book by Irvine Welsh without mouthing the words. And it took me a good few chapters to realise that ‘fitba’ was football… and not some sort of fitness bar where the treadmills have little salad vending machines or something.
- Edinburgh has a fantastic selection of independent bookshops.
- Dundee has a fantastic selection of comic bookshops.
So there you have it! A few little things I’ve picked up so far. I hope you enjoyed reading. Let me know what you’ve learnt about Scotland, or any other cultures for that matter in the comments below.