Awake at 6:30, and blegh about that! I really hope to get used to the change in timezones... they are so not fun...
Out to eat the breakfast served here, and let me tell you... an interesting experience, that. The meal was simple: (dry) toast, cereal, and 2 eggs which managed to defy all logic: they were not only slightly burned, but also partly undercooked and dry, all at the same time... I'll be skipping those in the future, I think.
I met the wife-proprietor, and she was even less interested in the business than her husband was! Never thought I'd see the sort. It was if she completely hated being attached to the guest house - and wanted nothing - and I mean nothing - to do with anyone staying there.
Anyways, when asked where I might procure an adaptor, neither wife nor hubby had a clue; indeed, hubby told me: "I\m sure you have to bring those things with you, we'd not have that here." Clearly, not the best when dealing with information or traveling people. Either way, I figured that made no sense, there are plenty of reasons travelers would need to buy them: the ones they did bring broke, or they forgot to pack them at all being the two that spring most easily to mind. Also, given that there are two universities in the town, there are most likely tons of international students that would need them, and plenty of tourists, wouldn't it behoove the city to have them, and the proprietors of my establishment to know where to find them? Oh, well... just another reason to avoid repeating my stay here.
When asked the easiest way for me to reach U. Aberdeen, my hosts were again unable to be of assistance. The wife *thought* I could take the bus, but couldn't promise. Either way, I was given walking directions to follow, that helped some.
So, at 7:35, off to the uni I went. And let me tell you, it was quite a walk indeed - I think it was something like 5-6 miles. Around 8:30, I arrived at the uni, and thankfully, my first impression of the uni campus is much better than my impression than the place I'm currently staying! The campus is huge! It looks like a proper campus (like something crossed between Concordia's Loyola campus and McGill's campus); but the size and spread is like Concordia's Sir George Williams' campus - it's spread about four city blocks. There are little shops tucked amongst the buildings, cobblestone roads, old *old* buildings, lush green spreads, etc.
Aesthetically, there are many similarities with the city proper: an interesting mix of old and new, and it's all done in similar tones.... there is no mix of the various brick colours like Montreal has... there are no red brink homes, there are few stand alone houses - most are town houses.
On that same topic, there are a few issues that are serious detractors for me. First, the smell. Old Aberdeen (where the uni is) stinks something fierce. It reminds me of when I lived in Higuey, Dominican Republic - where they toss their rubbish into the streets. It smelled of decay, of uncleanliness, and of sickness. Second, the ambiance is depressing. Everything is grey. The buildings are grey (they quarry the grey granite here), grey roads, and grey skies (I know they're known as the Grey City, but I don't think they meant it like that). Even though the clouds were grey, it wasn't that they were rain clouds; it was merely that they are so close to the water that the clouds are so think and heavy. Even though I am perfectly comfortable wearing shorts and a Tee in my room, once I step out of the house it;s like the temperature drops 10-15 degrees.
I know this is all psychological - the temperature doesn't actually drop, but the place feels so cold it's a little distressing. I figure that once I'm used to the place more it won't even register.
On my way back from the uni, I stopped in at a tourist info store and was able to buy the adaptors I need, so that's good news, at the very least.
Also on the return trip, I stopped in at the Bank of Scotland, in order to see what I needed to open an account. They were very friendly and told me that all I need was a little letter from the school that said I was a registered student. Once I had that, it'd take the bank 10 minutes to get me an account with debit card, etc. So, I booked an appointment for the following day and went back to my room for a little rest before undertaking the trek back to the uni for the needed paper.
After lunch, I returned to the uni and went to the InfoHub to get the paper (they're the place responsible for all student paperwork, ID cards, etc.). When there, I was informed that they don't give said paper to unregistered students... and I replied saying.... "Uh, I am registered, I paid tuition and a down-payment on my rent, etc weeks ago". Apparently I'm not a registered student until I've met with someone and been given my class schedule... which will only happen once they've finished doing so with the Undergrads... so I won't be able to get the letter until the 24th, at the earliest. So, I am stuck here with all the money I converted back in Canada inaccessible to me until then, at the earliest. When I asked him what I was supposed to do to pay my next installment of rent (due this weekend), he told me to wire it (which, as we know, comes with service charges). Grrr. This is why I hate politics.
So, the afternoon had me wandering around the town exploring more stores, including a few bookstores (JK Rowling's new book only costs 10 pounds here!) and came back to crash around 8PM local time. Tomorrow has to be less aggravating than today, no?
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