We Made It To Edinburgh

Hello Everyone,

Where to start? Well Wednesday my mom, Jacob's mom, and his sister Leah took us to the Appleton airport to send us on our way. They all got "gate passes" so that they could cross security and sit with us while we waited to board our flight. Let's just say that there were many tears shed and that we were then on our way!

We arrived in Detroit's airport where our layover seemed to fly by. We only had about 1 hour for a layover. We got off the plane, used the bathrooms, and grabbed some lunch (we were going to have Quizno's but there's no way I'm paying $7.00 for a sandwich that I have to scarf down in 5 minutes, so we resorted to some pizza.) We tried to access some wireless internet to let our parents know that we made it but that was a bust. The internet wouldn't connect, and when we finally found one that did, it was one where you had to pay. So Jacob got some change from a store and we payed $1.00 for 4 minutes of talk time to call home. I called my mom and told her we atleast made it as far as Detroit. I let her know our internet situation and told her that we probably wouldn't talk to her until we actually got to Scotland. We then boarded our flight to Amsterdam, and the 8 hours it was going to take didn't seem at all appealing.

So we started the long flight which held tons of people. We both started out watching a movie (you each get your own television screen) and they served us a snack of peanuts or pretzels. Eventually we got some dinner which we had the choice of chicken or pasta. Of course I picked the pasta and Jacob did as well. It was pasta with cheesy alfredo sauce with spinach, a side salad, crackers and cheese, a roll, and a brownie. It was pretty impressive for an inflight meal so we were satisfied. Then came the time where we new we should try and sleep. The plane actually provides new pillows and blankets for each person on the flight which was convenient. Jacob ended up falling asleep, but I was not as lucky. I realized that before the flight I had taken some headache medicine which contained caffeine and that was the culprit of my sleepless 8 hour flight. Also, the screaming kids and a person who kept needing medical attention about 6 rows ahead of us kept us awake as well. All in all the flight was fine and we made it to Amsterdam, The Netherlands (previously known as Holland).

We got off the plane and again used the bathroom and got something to drink. We figured we would attempt the internet thing one more time. We connected to the internet but they only allow 1 hour of free internet which was more than enough for us. So we notified our parents again telling them that we had made it to Amsterdam and that we only  had one more flight to go. Amsterdam was a weird airport, you have to go through security again when you get to your flights gate. So basically you can't leave your gate if you want food or water or anything unless you want to go back through security. I guess I like that fact that they're trying to keep the flights safe but it was a pain in the butt.

We finally took off and made it to Edinburgh. We got our bags (they arrived thank the Lord) and went through customs. Customs was a piece of cake and the lady even asked if we were doing the Wisconsin in Scotland program, which we are. So that was kind of cool. We then walked toward the exit where we were greated by Patty who is our house director. We took a mini bus to the Palace and got all setteled in. The outside is gorgeous and the inside is definitely old. Old furniture and a little beat up. But it is what it is. They told us it would be cold in the Palace but I think they meant FREEZING. I slept in a turtleneck, sweatshirt, leggings and pajama pants all last night. And don't forget about the socks either. I'm currently wearing my winter coat while I write this since it's so cold. We've been doing a lot of orientation things and will continue doing them throughout the weekend. Tomorrow we are going into Edinburgh so that will be fun.

I don't have much more to write since we haven't exactly done much yet but I'm sure after this weekend I'll post some pictures and tell you more about Edinburgh and Dalkeith. Have fun in Wisconsin and stay warm!

Love and Miss you All,

Hayley and Jacob