Arriving

So getting to Scotland has been a waiting game to the very end. First there was waiting to hear if I had been accepted, then the waiting for the visa. I literally got my visa 12 hours before I was supposed to leave. But hey after all was said and done it worked out. My flight from Philly was supposed to leave at 10pm on Friday (Jan 4) but ended up getting delayed. It turned out to be only a half hour though. I had every intention to sleep the whole flight over so I wouldn't have much jet lag. But even with the best intentions, I was exhausted by the time I landed in London around 11am or so (Saturday, local time). I barely slept at all on the plane but I tried my best to power through. One highlight in London was passing through border control. The agent said he loved American passports because we always smile :D Unfortunately I had to break it to him we weren't going to be allowed anymore so he'd have to enjoy it while it lasted. 

Once I got into the airport itself, I sent some emails home to let everyone know I had landed and bought myself a sim card. Then I just waited around until my gate was ready. Once we boarded I dozed on the plane. Naturally I found the seats on my SHORTER flight more comfortable! We were in Glasgow within an hour or so. Next the task was a bit daunting: getting my bags. I'm not high maintenance but I was trying to avoid rebuying things if I could. Between my checked bags and carry-ons my luggage weighed more than me! Fortunately there were luggage carts, even better they were FREE! (though I definitely think I would have broken down and got one anyway). Then it was off to the taxi queue.

My cab driver loaded up my luggage and I gave him the address then we were on our way. He wasn't particularly chatty but I can't say I minded. I was just so tired. Our first stop was the Accommodation Office to pick up my room keys. There was supposed to be someone there 24/7 so I wasn't too worried but when I got there I panicked. There were several doors and none clearly marked. I just started pressing intercom buttons in hopes of talking to someone. A guy eventually came to the door and ended up being exactly who I needed. I signed out my keys and he came out and gave my cab driver directions. 

My cab driver actually passed my building slightly but fortunately I recognized it from pictures so I was able to tell him and we just backed up a bit. He unloaded my bags and I paid him. I tried to give him a tip (especially earned for carrying my bags and being patient at the Accommodations office), but he wouldn't allow it. That was really nice of him :) He had brought my bags to the door and I got myself & the bags inside the building. I left my bags in the hallways as I tracked down my room. This turned out to be a smart move because I was at the very end of the hall with 2 short flights of steps. One at a time I managed my bags. I'm just glad I don't have to do that again for another 5 months!