But then I have to remind myself that I've moved to a different country and I'm only on my third day.
Don't get me wrong, it's beautiful here, Mary and Luis are great, and I have a place to stay while I look for a flat (hallelujah!), and I'm glad I moved. But resetting up the paper trail for the government to keep tabs on you is awfully difficult. And you need that paper trail to be approved for a flat. (Edit: But since writing this I've gotten some replies back from agents and there are some other ways to get what they need with my circumstances, but that requires more documents and a bigger deposit)
I just got off the phone to find out about applying for a National Insurance Number and at first the guy was very abrupt asking me why I needed one. I first thought "Oh look government employees are miserable over here too" and then I explained that I'm living here and I'm going to be working because I'm living here. He was much nicer as the call continued.
At the end he asked if I had any special needs for the meeting - If I had any disabilities? Told him no. He didn't ask me instead he said I didn't need a translator, but I was tempted to cut him off and tell him that I do. You may think "I saw Braveheart" or "I've seen Gerard Butler in movies so I can understand a Scottish accent." Well then you are WRONG. LOL But the translator would end up having a Scottish accent and that wouldn't do me any good.
I swear at times I have the deer in the headlights look when I'm having a conversation.
As I enquire (that's how it's spelled over here) about flats I put that email is preferred, mainly so I can understand what they're telling me. LOL
I know it'll just take some time.
On another note, after I arrived Wednesday morning Mary took me to downtown Glasgow to walk around and have my first scottish meal.
When I first saw him I thought he was a statue, he's really good. But we caught him on a break.
I thought this was pretty cool. This is an old building which is now the apple store. Everywhere you turn there are old buildings. It's totally sweet.
My first Scottish meal was a pizza crunch and chips. Yes, that's deep fried pizza. (PS - if you visit Scotland and want to eat at KFC you won't get mashed potatoes and gravy or a biscuit.... you get chips)
Mary took me into the Council building (I think that's what it was...) It was BEAUTIFUL inside!
and here's another room
I don't know the name of this river... I should look it up, but I don't want to. This runs through Glasgow.And on another note.... look how cute and tiny their bread is!
Ok, I think it's now 8:00 in Oregon... people should be up right? I'm going to attempt to call my family. Wait I'll go for a walk and then call just in case they're still sleeping (because I would be!)
8 comments:
And the adventure begins! I remember when I lived in Ireland, I lived with a family and I never understood what the Dad was saying. His wife was always like, "He's speaking English, what's your problem?" But it never sounded like English to me! And then on my mission, every city I was transfered to had a different dialect and so it was like having to relearn Spanish every time. Needless to say, I can feel your pain!! But you will get a hang on the accent soon. Heck, you may even pick it up yourself. Now that would be cool!
I was giggling through your entire post! You're awesome!!
This is exactly the kind of post I was hoping for. Thank you for giving us such a great sample of your experiences. It is making it very real for us.
Getting used to something new is a love/hate relationship ~ you won't be a deer in the headlights for long I'm sure ;-) Love the email/translation thing...hahaha! Are you able to stay awake past 8 pm yet?
This sounds like a wonderful time! Think of the accent you'll have next time we see you, or talk on the phone.:-)
That pizza looks awesome haha :) The pics are great and I totally thought that guy was a statue until I actually read your caption lol. Have fun!!
In the two years we lived in London, I would only understand a couple of words as our bishop talked (he talked so fast and with the accent it was impossible). Some people were easier to understand. I love the differences in the environment, the old buildings, the food, the people etc. I loved this post. Thank you!
The photos of inside the council building are spectacular.
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