Europe-versary – Adventurings

one year ago today, we arrived in glasgow, scotland at about 5:40am local time. we came in from hot and sunny toronto and were practically freezing in the 13 C temperatures. even though it was the last day of august, it really felt like autumn has arrived. it marked the next chapter of our lives!

so we’re calling today, “victory in europe day”. our V-E day. and thinking a lot about our time in scotland. as much as i like to live in one place here in CB, i am really looking forward to the day we get back on the road– no lease, no taxes or social security payments. but until then i’m planning to enjoy our successes of reaching our goal of living in europe. you can make living in europe your reality– just be crafty, meet people, get advice, get help, and figure out a way. there is a lot of information online that says to the contrary. in fact, i read one article geared toward potential ESL teachers that said that there are no jobs in europe, and it would be too difficult or expensive for foreigners to teach there. which is obviously false. i think if you want something bad enough you can figure out a way to make it work somehow.

it sure felt celebratory after my last lesson of the day yesterday afternoon when we took a walk into town for some groceries and stumbled upon a very cool block party! lots of food and drink vendors, games for kids, funky art that seems so very czech, and the rolls of real sod they had lying out for revelers to relax in the grass on a cushion with a drink. which is what we did.

for a mini blast from the past, some photos in glasgow and arisaig from a year ago. glasgow was definitely a city that really felt liveable. it wasn’t fancy or white collar. instead it seemed to be sort of the working man’s scottish city, but it did have class. and flair. even though we could hardly decipher the glaswegian accent! i’d say we both enjoyed it more than edinburgh, suprisingly. and it’s the hometown of craig ferguson! scotland is one of my all-time favorite countries to visit. it’s not warm or exotic, but the natural beauty, the culture and history are remarkable. can’t wait to return and enjoy a pint at the horseshoe.