Letter 5.1: A Christening event

Dear America,

Today was a landmark for Alyson as she finally climbed Arthur's Seat (the extinct volcano overlooking Edinburgh. As it would happen, Scotland has quite a few extinct peaks, including the hills that Edinburgh and Stirling Castles are built on). We also have a friend - Jon - who was here at the same time as Alyson's internship, who came with us. Jon has returned to Edinburgh to do a masters. It's a very prestigious university for any budding students thinking of postgraduate or even undergraduate degrees... we'd love some familiar faces... Hint hint!

Letter 5: My Husband's Boots

Dear America,  

After having read someone's blog about being a mother and what a good person she is because of her two yr old son,  I feel a little shallow writing about boots.  However, the wonderful thing about this particular pair, was I did not do any of the work to get them.  

I have another pair of stunning boots, but having not worn them since March, my feet were quite blistered and sore walking to Parliament in them.  After several moments of wincing and whining, Alan suggested some walking boots.  I was not wanting to have anything to do with those kinds of shoes at that moment in time and sort of shrugged off the idea of more boots.  Alan did not let the idea go and kept questioning me on the kind on style and color and the like.  Finally, tired of my procrastination, Alan got on on his deal finding hat (which looks something like the Indiana Jones hat, but invisible).  Voila! five days later these arrived at our flat.  Over the knee, gray walking boots.  They need some time to be worked in, blister problem not quite gone, but they are wonderful.  I love my husband!

Much love,

Al

Letter 4: Papal Correspondence

Dear America,

Indeed, Thursday was the day the Pope came to town. Flying in from the Vatican direct to Edinburgh, the pope started a state visit to the UK. He wanted to visit us, but we have a busy schedule... As it turns out we pass by the cardinal's house (who did have time to meet with the pope) on an almost daily basis. We only realised that was the residence when we saw police outside for 3 days straight prior to and during the visit. Apparently it's the first time the pope has been in Scotland (or the UK) for almost 28 years. We were disappointed when we went to Princes Street to watch the motorcade go past that the popemobile was 15 mins ahead of schedule so we only saw the back of it (hence Alyson's disappointment in the picture). Shame... But oh well! The queen was also in town as it happens, so it was quite a busy day at Holyrood palace (just across the road from the Parliament). To commemorate the papal visit we decided to watch "Angels & Demons" (Tom Hanks).

This week is also the first week for this semester's interns. Alyson and I have been given the charge to make sure they're getting on ok etc... Interesting of course since Alyson was in their shoes only 18 months ago. It has been quite enjoyable so far, and nice for Alyson I think to have some more familiar accents. We have also been continuing our unlimited joy, and the movie tally is up to 6. Our latest additions are "Cyrus" and "The Expendables". Cyrus wasn't quite what we expected, and in the end was quite an artsy movie in some ways. We were hoping for more of a light hearted comedy. The Expendables was the most pro-forma action movie I have ever seen. Based on pure entertainment value (special effects and so on) it was fine, but if you're looking for storyline, look elsewhere. There is another movie coming out soon with Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, and Helen Mirren called "Red" which looks to be a hoot.

On a parting note... we recently discovered a website called freecycle.org - check it out!

Crispie 2

Pre-letter 1: Crispie

Joy Unlimited 2: explanations...

Dear America,

so in the UK we have a different movie rating system. I can honestly say I have never felt guilty for watching an R-rated movie since "R-rated" does not exist here. We start with "U" (Universal, for anyone), PG (parental guidance... you know that one, just minus the 13!). Then we have 12A (viewers must be 12 yrs old or accompanied by an adult). Then we have 15, and 18. 15's are normally the equivalent of R-rated, although not always. Most horror shows are 18's, and then the occasional other show will make it in there for excessive violence, swearing, or sexual scenes. (The only other things that might come in as 18's are movies that we won't concern ourselves with).

I imagine there will be future explanatory notes on the sometimes overlooked differences on this side of the Atlantic

Letter 3: Cineworld: Joy UNLIMITED!!!

Dear America,

Those whom I love in the US, WE NEED UNLIMITED CARDS!!!  I got my unlimited card this week, yippy!  This gives me access to any Cineworld (UK Movie Theater) in the UK except for a few in London where all of the big movie premiers are held.  Anytime I feel like going to the movies, I head down to my local theater, show them my unlimited card and BAM! I am in.  I pay a small fee for this service, but as long as I go to two movies a month the card is paid for and then some.  Alan and I broke my card in by going to a double feature,  Dinner for Schmucks and the Switch.   I loved it.  I got to go to Nando's in between films.  It was completely delightful.  However, I did not have enough snacks.  

The next day, I was prepared.  After finishing our Saturday jobs, we went to Morrison's and picked up some of my favorite candies ( candies will be a future blog, don't you worry).  We then went to our second set of double features in two days.  This time Inception and Scott Pilgram vs the World.  Inception was mind blowing.  I walked out of the theater not believing the my reality was real!!! Incredible movie, but with that come a confession.  

I have no doubt that movie reviews will be included in future letters. 

With love,

Alyson 

Letter 2 - memoirs of the highland laddie

Dear America,

Alyson and I are starting to settle into married life. This week school began for me which signaled our entry into a more normal routine. It was strange to be back on campus after 3 months of great summer absence! I'm not sure that absence made the heart grow fonder on this one... Still, I'm excited to start 3 new courses this semester (Taxation Law, Company/Corporate Law, and Family Law). Hopefully by Christmas Joe and I will be able to discuss and compare family law here and in Utah. Fingers crossed.

Alyson and I were recently called as "Faith in God" leaders at church (basically mutual/youth group for primary age children, 8-11yrs old). I guess basically it's supposed to be somewhat spiritually motivated fun activities. I'm a little foggy on the details. Apparently they would have just called Alyson, but most of the attendees are rowdy boys, so they felt an adult male presence might help keep things a little more contained.

We were excited last Sunday to meet some of the new people moving into the Edinburgh ward. The congregation in the city is very transient with such a high number of church members moving in from abroad to study at the 3 Edinburgh universities. Unfortunately people only usually stay for a year or 6 months. It is fun getting to meet so many different people with such different backgrounds, but it can be difficult to let go of good friends when their courses end.

Last week we had a "holiday" (vacation... I'll get you guys using Scottish jargon eventually!) with my family on the west coast of Scotland. The scenery was ideally picturesque, and we both had a great time. Unfortunately Alyson wasn't on top form at the start of the week, but she seems to be on the mend now. Whilst she has used several tactics to avoid learning to drive stick/manual transmission - she did take her first test drive of our car on holiday. She did pretty well, although the drive was cut a little short when we ran into some highland cows on the road (this place was out in the sticks). Eden & Dean should get some highland cows for the farm! Hopefully it won't take too long for Alyson to get her confidence up though, soon she'll be driving through the streets of Edinburgh on the LEFT side of the road! I will try to post some pictures soon enough.

Letter Number 1: Why Blog? Why Now?

So here is the story, Alyson married Alan.  Alan is Scottish and Alyson moved to Scotland to be with her husband while he continued to pursue his legal degree.  While I (Alyson) am normally not willing to publish too much about myself or my family on the internet, I find I am facing an impasse.  Alan and I must try to stay in contact with our family back in the States as much as possible. So there it is short and sweet.

ANNOUNCING!!!!  LETTERS TO AMERICA: The Adventures of Al and Al

"Letter from America," is a popular song by Scottish singers The Proclaimers.  The guys who sang "I'm on my Way," from the first Shrek movie and sing, "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)."  Youtube any of the above if you have no idea what I am talking about.  So with our love of  The Proclaimers and the fact that this will facilitate communications with family in America we have opted for our title. Seriously, Alan came up with the title and I came up with the subtitle so it was a combined effort.  I don't know who is more excited about this blog Alan or me.

Love,

Alyson