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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 21, 2014)
12 in other words august21 2014 Life with a Scottish Accent: My Summer Studying Abroad - Part Four By Natalie Wallace underground tour, and a nuclear bunker/ communism tour. It was interesting I know it’s pretty cliché, but one because all of the history I learned while thing that my study abroad experience there started centuries ago and went has taught me is that time does indeed fly up to about only 50 years ago. It was when you are having fun. My last couple amazing just how rich in history the city of weeks in Scotland were very nice, of Prague was; everywhere you looked, even though they were filled with the there were beautiful old buildings, many stress of packing and fitting everything of which were older than the United back into my suitcase. States! The underground tour was really I took a weekend trip to Prague interesting because the city was raised the week before I journeyed home. I hundreds of years ago because they had went to visit one of my good friends, (and still have) bad floods that destroy Bob, who was an exchange student in everything (which is something I think Vernonia a few years ago. I honestly we can all relate to in Vernonia). On didn’t know what to expect, I didn’t many of the buildings in Prague, there know much about Prague to begin with, are marks to show where the water was but it is an absolutely beautiful city with during various floods over the years. so much to do! Bob and I did almost One of my favorite parts of my everything there was to do in Prague (or trip had to be going on a segway tour at least it felt like it). He works as a tour of Prague. It was really scary at first, I guide, so he was a great person to see thought I was going to fall, but once I got everything with. We did a ghost tour, an the hang of it, it was so much fun! It was much better than walking up and down the hills. I honestly never expected to love Scotland as much as I do. To have one last farewell to everyone from my study abroad program, a ceilidh (a fun get-together with a band and traditional Scottish dancing) was put on. It allowed all of the students to say goodbye to everyone and look back on all of the fun we have had. This time, the ceilidh was held at a local castle (how many times do Natalie with former VHS exchange student you ever get to say that!). When it was over, it finally hit me that I would never see some of these people ever again, which was a bittersweet thought. The day before I left for home, two of my roommates and I went into Stirling to do some last minute souvenir shopping and to go to Stirling Castle. It was nice to spend some time with them because I had gotten really close to them and we were all on our separate ways the very next day. The view from the plane leaving Scotland. realize how much I missed Oregon until I came home again. While Scotland and Oregon have a lot in common (like the language), I missed the smaller things, like the trees everywhere, or the smell Natalie’s sister Samantha welcomes her home. Bob Michalec in Prague. (503) 429-9002 www.CabinInVernonia.com Weddings & Receptions Birthdays/Anniversaries Baby/Bridal Showers Reunions/Retreats Meetings/Corporate Events BLUE HERON HOLLOW $30/hour $250/full day $25/full kitchen 600 California Avenue Vernonia, OR 97064 Segway tour in Prague. Now I am home and have finally finished unpacking and catching up on my sleep. After traveling about 18 hours to get to Portland, I was pretty exhausted but also exhilarated to see my family in person after two months of just skyping. As soon as I landed in Portland, I got huge butterflies in my stomach, because I was so excited to see my family. They had a welcome home sign and everything; I swear I have never been hugged so much in my life! My Mom, Dad, sister, and aunt were all there to welcome me home. I didn’t after it rains; which surprisingly smells different in Scotland. Overall, I couldn’t be happier with my decision to study abroad this summer, and choosing Scotland as the place to do it. It gave me the opportunity to learn about my ancestry and heritage in a very hands-on way. Even though I have traveled outside of the US before, I feel that this trip has shown me just how big the world is. No matter how much you think you know, just remember that there is so much more out there than any of us can imagine. I encourage everyone, no matter if you are old or young, or whether you come from a big city or a tiny logging town; get out there and see the world. I guarantee you that it will change your perception and outlook in the most incredible way imaginable. It did for me. Bighorn Logging since 1981 Contract Logging 503-324-2422 Now Leasing 2 Bedroom $564-605 / 3 Bedroom $701 CALL NOW (503) 429-6052 TTY 711 Affordable Rent* Water, Sewer, Garbage Paid Onsite Laundry Facility Pets Welcome with Deposit *Income Limits Apply $500 OFF FIRST MONTHS RENT Free Estimates Timber Purchases Timber Management Oregon Professional Logger certified since 1996
