We arrived in the valley of Lauterbrunnen Switzerland just in time for Christmas dinner – with snow covered trees and mountains surrounding the camp where we stayed.
We all stayed in cabins – I loved going from the bustling streets of Paris to the small country town of Lauterbrunnen, where there was literally one main street in the village!
As you may have guessed from the Lauterbrunnen name, the town is Swiss-German, and the people of Switzerland can speak a mixture of the French, German-Swiss, Swiss, and English language.
Lauterbrunnen and Switzerland are beautiful, especially in the heart of winter! Mountains surrounded the valley and as far as I looked all I could see where mountains covered in pine trees topped with white glistening snow. The snow was the freshest, whitest, most crisp snow I have ever seen – as well as the deepest and most snow I have ever witnessed. It was the best truly ‘white Christmas’ I have ever experienced.
It was nice to relax, yet there is still plenty to do in Lauterbrunnen. Many people were skiing, there were cable cars that climbed the mountain, and the shops sold real wooden toboggan sleds! In addition to real toboggan sleds, there were also shops with real Swiss coo-coo clocks, Swiss watches, and Swiss Knives!
We treated ourselves to Swiss cheese and Swiss chocolate fondue – which was both fun and delicious to eat! Then I had the most amazing hot chocolate of my life, made with milky white Swiss chocolate!
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Paris Favorites
One day truly is not enough in Paris – that being said, I have to go back! When imagining traveling to Europe, Paris is on the top of every travelers list, and it is very ‘cliché’ destination spot. We were told 17 million tourists visiting Paris each year, and there is most certainly a reason why! Paris is lively and exciting, full of history and national pride, and is adorned with the most beautiful and eclectic architecture.
I could go on and on about Paris, because there is so much to see and do, with so much history – but instead I narrowed Paris down to my 4 favorites:
1.Opera House 2. The Eiffel Tower 3. French Cuisine 4. Christmas Lights, Displays and Markets
1.Opera House: The Opera House in Paris is the Opera House that inspired The Phantom of The Opera! It was my most favorite site in Paris – and through one window you could see the massive chandelier that inspired the great musical.
2.Eiffel Tower: The Eiffel Tower is simply amazing. With all of Paris having such classy, historic buildings – the Eiffel Tower stands out for being a more ‘modern’ attraction. Undoubtedly the most recognizable structure in France and maybe all of Europe – the Eiffel Tower is both stunning at night and in the day. At night the Eiffel Tower is completely lit up, and on the hour – every hour after dark, the Eiffel Tower sparkles with flashing lights! In the day time it was surreal standing next to the massive structure, and seeing all the detail.
3.French Cuisine:
I ate ‘escargot’ for the first time! The snail was actually delicious and was finished with a really nice basil topping.
I ate frog legs! You have to eat the frog legs off the bone, like a chicken wing (haha) and had the texture of chicken, yet kind of tasted more like fish. Not sure I would choose to eat frog legs again, but they certainly were not disgusting.
I ate the best piece of ham quiche ever! The quiche was delicious. I also had the best Crème Brule that literally melts in your mouth! I also indulged in the best raspberry chocolate tart, MmmMMmm. And at breakfast there was always plenty of Croissants and Nutella!
4.Christmas Markets – The best part of traveling over Christmas is seeing all of the festive Christmas decorations and attractions. The Paris Christmas lights were absolutely beautiful – along the main street of Boulevard Haussmann the trees that lined the streets were cascading with white Christmas lights. An entire street of Paris was lined with little booth like sheds that sold everything – winter hats and scarves, toys, wooden carvings, Christmas decorations, and of course all kinds of tasty sweets – mulled wine, cinnamon churros, hot chocolate, waffles, crepes…gingerbread cookies! The shops also adorned the most fascinating Christmas lights and displays – some department stores even had moving, singing, automated Christmas displays to attract attention!
Other Paris favorites: Notre Dame Cathedral, the chapel at Montemart and the view overlooking the city, and the Louve – which is the most massive historical building I have ever seen!
I could go on and on about Paris, because there is so much to see and do, with so much history – but instead I narrowed Paris down to my 4 favorites:
1.Opera House 2. The Eiffel Tower 3. French Cuisine 4. Christmas Lights, Displays and Markets
1.Opera House: The Opera House in Paris is the Opera House that inspired The Phantom of The Opera! It was my most favorite site in Paris – and through one window you could see the massive chandelier that inspired the great musical.
2.Eiffel Tower: The Eiffel Tower is simply amazing. With all of Paris having such classy, historic buildings – the Eiffel Tower stands out for being a more ‘modern’ attraction. Undoubtedly the most recognizable structure in France and maybe all of Europe – the Eiffel Tower is both stunning at night and in the day. At night the Eiffel Tower is completely lit up, and on the hour – every hour after dark, the Eiffel Tower sparkles with flashing lights! In the day time it was surreal standing next to the massive structure, and seeing all the detail.
3.French Cuisine:
I ate ‘escargot’ for the first time! The snail was actually delicious and was finished with a really nice basil topping.
I ate frog legs! You have to eat the frog legs off the bone, like a chicken wing (haha) and had the texture of chicken, yet kind of tasted more like fish. Not sure I would choose to eat frog legs again, but they certainly were not disgusting.
I ate the best piece of ham quiche ever! The quiche was delicious. I also had the best Crème Brule that literally melts in your mouth! I also indulged in the best raspberry chocolate tart, MmmMMmm. And at breakfast there was always plenty of Croissants and Nutella!
4.Christmas Markets – The best part of traveling over Christmas is seeing all of the festive Christmas decorations and attractions. The Paris Christmas lights were absolutely beautiful – along the main street of Boulevard Haussmann the trees that lined the streets were cascading with white Christmas lights. An entire street of Paris was lined with little booth like sheds that sold everything – winter hats and scarves, toys, wooden carvings, Christmas decorations, and of course all kinds of tasty sweets – mulled wine, cinnamon churros, hot chocolate, waffles, crepes…gingerbread cookies! The shops also adorned the most fascinating Christmas lights and displays – some department stores even had moving, singing, automated Christmas displays to attract attention!
Other Paris favorites: Notre Dame Cathedral, the chapel at Montemart and the view overlooking the city, and the Louve – which is the most massive historical building I have ever seen!
Sunday, December 26, 2010
London in a Day
Instead of traveling back home to Morgantown West Virginia for Christmas Break, I decided to join a ‘travel group’ with 42 other 18-30ish year olds, through a travel agency. The 9 day trip starts in London, England and ends in Rome, Italy!
I took the train down to London, and despite almost missing my train, weather delays and an unexpected change of train itinerary, I made it to the hostel in London, safe and sound! I stayed in a hostel for two nights in London with 13 other people in my group hostel room – most certainly having unique experiences!
It was my first time to London and I just had one day to explore the city, so I thought I would share some of my ‘London favorites’:
1.Definitely my most favorite part of London was seeing ‘Big Ben’ and The House of Parliament that is attached to the iconic clock. Only pictures can describe the ‘royal beauty’ of the architecture.
2.Westminster Abbey is diagonal to ‘Big Ben’ and The House of Parliament, with huge circle windows and church steeples, it was a gorgeous!
3.Buckingham Palace – the home of English Royalty! Guarding the Palace are massive golden tipped and iron gates. The premise is decorated with statues, and fountain, and gold figurines – truly a historic site.
4.Christmas Market and Fair – a really unique and fun part of traveling over the Christmas season is getting to see all of the Christmas Markets. The London Christmas Market and Fair was filled with Christmas themed carnival rides and tons of different booths selling yummy international food and gifts – everything from German pretzels and Belgium waffles (that smelled delicious!) to Russian dolls and Austrian crystal figurines. I love the mixing and sharing of cultures that is so evident throughout Europe, especially in the markets.
5.The London Tower – The London Tower is actually a bridge, with two castle-like towers – I saw the London Tower at night and it was accentuated by white and blue lights, giving the bridge a ‘Cinderella fairy tale castle’ feel.
I took the train down to London, and despite almost missing my train, weather delays and an unexpected change of train itinerary, I made it to the hostel in London, safe and sound! I stayed in a hostel for two nights in London with 13 other people in my group hostel room – most certainly having unique experiences!
It was my first time to London and I just had one day to explore the city, so I thought I would share some of my ‘London favorites’:
1.Definitely my most favorite part of London was seeing ‘Big Ben’ and The House of Parliament that is attached to the iconic clock. Only pictures can describe the ‘royal beauty’ of the architecture.
2.Westminster Abbey is diagonal to ‘Big Ben’ and The House of Parliament, with huge circle windows and church steeples, it was a gorgeous!
3.Buckingham Palace – the home of English Royalty! Guarding the Palace are massive golden tipped and iron gates. The premise is decorated with statues, and fountain, and gold figurines – truly a historic site.
4.Christmas Market and Fair – a really unique and fun part of traveling over the Christmas season is getting to see all of the Christmas Markets. The London Christmas Market and Fair was filled with Christmas themed carnival rides and tons of different booths selling yummy international food and gifts – everything from German pretzels and Belgium waffles (that smelled delicious!) to Russian dolls and Austrian crystal figurines. I love the mixing and sharing of cultures that is so evident throughout Europe, especially in the markets.
5.The London Tower – The London Tower is actually a bridge, with two castle-like towers – I saw the London Tower at night and it was accentuated by white and blue lights, giving the bridge a ‘Cinderella fairy tale castle’ feel.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Flat Stanley
I leave for my Christmas Holiday tomorrow morning and I have a traveling companion…his name is ‘Flat Stanley’!
‘Flat Stanley’ is well…really just a laminated piece of construction paper – but to a first grade class in West Virginia ‘Flat Stanley’ is so much more! My best friend from home – Kayla – is finishing her final Masters year in Education and is currently working as a ‘Student-Teacher’ in West Virginia.
Kayla is teaching the kids in her first grade class about different places around the world, and giving them specific social science/geography lessons on the places ‘Flat Stanley’ and I visit! I will be taking pictures throughout England, France, Switzerland, and Italy over the next 2 weeks with ‘Flat Stanley’ – to connect the kids with another part of the world!
Kayla had all the kids write about ‘What they think Flat Stanley is doing right now’ and ‘how did Flat Stanley get to Scotland’ – the boys thought he was playing video games, and the girls thought he was shopping and eating chocolate! They also thought he drove to Scotland!
I’m looking forward to my cultural adventure with ‘Flat Stanley’ and sharing all of my pictures with the first grade students!
‘Flat Stanley’ is well…really just a laminated piece of construction paper – but to a first grade class in West Virginia ‘Flat Stanley’ is so much more! My best friend from home – Kayla – is finishing her final Masters year in Education and is currently working as a ‘Student-Teacher’ in West Virginia.
Kayla is teaching the kids in her first grade class about different places around the world, and giving them specific social science/geography lessons on the places ‘Flat Stanley’ and I visit! I will be taking pictures throughout England, France, Switzerland, and Italy over the next 2 weeks with ‘Flat Stanley’ – to connect the kids with another part of the world!
Kayla had all the kids write about ‘What they think Flat Stanley is doing right now’ and ‘how did Flat Stanley get to Scotland’ – the boys thought he was playing video games, and the girls thought he was shopping and eating chocolate! They also thought he drove to Scotland!
I’m looking forward to my cultural adventure with ‘Flat Stanley’ and sharing all of my pictures with the first grade students!
Baking to Climb a Kilimanjaro? Yes!
I know many of you who read my blog are past ‘supporters’ of my many mission trip opportunities – and since I am in another ‘season’ of life right now – working alongside Rotary as an Ambassadorial Scholar this year and getting my Masters, I do not find myself having any personal plans to do a soon upcoming missions trip, but I thought I would let you all know about another opportunity…
Childreach International works in Tanzania, Ghana, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Palestinian Territories - working in genuine partnership with the local communities there to help improve children’s access to healthcare, education, child rights and child protection!
In 2009 thanks to Childreach – 11,781 children had access to education, 23,330 children had access to health care, 4,000 children had access to child right protection, and 189 children had access to skilled training! That is 39,300 children whose lives were FOREVER CHANGED thanks to Childreach!
Childreach does many sponsorship events to raise money to support the children – one creative event being the ‘Climb Kilimanjaro’ Trek. At 5,895 meters (19,340 feet) Kilimanjaro is not only Africa's highest peak it is also the highest freestanding mountain in the world.
For this charity trek – participants are asked to raise a minimum of £2,440 = $3,800 USD – the money will go towards Childreach International Projects and a minimal amount will cover the expenses of the 3 week trek!
My best friend in Aberdeen – Angharad – is participating in this trek! She is an amazing friend and an inspiring young woman! I spent all day with her on this past Saturday baking tons of sweets for a church bake sale! She has been working very hard to raise money and would be extremely grateful to financial support!
I thought I would extend to YOU – my blog audience - an opportunity to support her!
Just Copy and Paste the Following Link to your Browser:
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=AngharadThatcher
Last time I put an ‘offer’ like this on my blog was for donations to buy Bibles for students in Hong Kong! My roommate from Hong Kong, who is not a Christian, recently sent me the picture you will find to the left (a picture of the chapter of Genesis – with Chinese characters by the side, her notes after reading the Bible). This picture was taken nearly a year after giving her the Bible – just a little proof that you never know how your life and your contribution is impacting and changing the life of someone else!
Childreach International works in Tanzania, Ghana, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Palestinian Territories - working in genuine partnership with the local communities there to help improve children’s access to healthcare, education, child rights and child protection!
In 2009 thanks to Childreach – 11,781 children had access to education, 23,330 children had access to health care, 4,000 children had access to child right protection, and 189 children had access to skilled training! That is 39,300 children whose lives were FOREVER CHANGED thanks to Childreach!
Childreach does many sponsorship events to raise money to support the children – one creative event being the ‘Climb Kilimanjaro’ Trek. At 5,895 meters (19,340 feet) Kilimanjaro is not only Africa's highest peak it is also the highest freestanding mountain in the world.
For this charity trek – participants are asked to raise a minimum of £2,440 = $3,800 USD – the money will go towards Childreach International Projects and a minimal amount will cover the expenses of the 3 week trek!
My best friend in Aberdeen – Angharad – is participating in this trek! She is an amazing friend and an inspiring young woman! I spent all day with her on this past Saturday baking tons of sweets for a church bake sale! She has been working very hard to raise money and would be extremely grateful to financial support!
I thought I would extend to YOU – my blog audience - an opportunity to support her!
Just Copy and Paste the Following Link to your Browser:
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=AngharadThatcher
Last time I put an ‘offer’ like this on my blog was for donations to buy Bibles for students in Hong Kong! My roommate from Hong Kong, who is not a Christian, recently sent me the picture you will find to the left (a picture of the chapter of Genesis – with Chinese characters by the side, her notes after reading the Bible). This picture was taken nearly a year after giving her the Bible – just a little proof that you never know how your life and your contribution is impacting and changing the life of someone else!
Christmas Tree 'Hunting'
Christmas Tree ‘hunting’ – is one of my favorite things to do and a favorite time of the year! One of my best childhood memories and family oriented traditions is picking out a real Christmas Tree every year. Every year the whole family packs into our van, and we head to the Christmas Tree Farm! Getting family together is sure to be filled with indecision and the most love-filled bickering. Every year we can’t decide on a tree, yelling is normally involved, we can never decide on where to go for lunch, and every year we say, “Next year we are getting a fake tree”…but we never do! And that is the JOY of Christmas!
The best part a real Christmas Tree though is the smell! I love the smell of fresh pine! I always love when the pine needles fall off the tree and we have to vacuum them up – most people hate this nuisance, but I love it, because the pine needles fill our vacuum cleaner and then the vacuum cleaner smells like pine for all of January!
So…I was so happy when my friend Angharad asked me to come with her to pick out their family Christmas Tree! Angharad and I were just as indecisive in picking out a tree, but no bickering was involved! We laughed as we compared the different types of trees and in the end picked the ‘perfect’ Christmas Tree! After choosing ‘our’ tree – we ate Venison Burgers (a favorite family tradition of Angharad’s).
The best part a real Christmas Tree though is the smell! I love the smell of fresh pine! I always love when the pine needles fall off the tree and we have to vacuum them up – most people hate this nuisance, but I love it, because the pine needles fill our vacuum cleaner and then the vacuum cleaner smells like pine for all of January!
So…I was so happy when my friend Angharad asked me to come with her to pick out their family Christmas Tree! Angharad and I were just as indecisive in picking out a tree, but no bickering was involved! We laughed as we compared the different types of trees and in the end picked the ‘perfect’ Christmas Tree! After choosing ‘our’ tree – we ate Venison Burgers (a favorite family tradition of Angharad’s).
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Christmas Crackers and Homemade Cupcakes
This week I went to the Rotary Christmas Dinner – it was a lovely Christmas meal with my host St. Nicholas Rotary Club. A night filled with good food, Christmas Trivia Quizzes, Raffles, and Singing Carols!
A Christmas favorite here in Scotland is the ‘Christmas Cracker’ – a tube/cylinder that looks like a big ‘Tootsie Roll’ with the ends like a candy wrapper. The ‘Christmas Cracker’ is hollow inside and filled with little Christmas presents, a Christmas crown – made of tissue paper, and cheesy Christmas jokes! ‘Christmas Crackers’ are made of a cardboard like material and decorated in all types of Christmas colors and designs – green, red, gold, silver…snowflakes, snowmen, ornaments. You can open the ‘Christmas Cracker’ by pulling both ends and ‘popping’ the ‘Christmas Cracker’ like a confetti popper!
All of the Rotarians and their wives wore the tissue paper Christmas crowns as we enjoyed the evening. At the end of the dinner and Christmas festivities, there was a raffle and I won a tin full of Ferrero Rocher chocolates – the round ball shaped a crunchy wafer with a creamy chocolate and hazelnut centre.
So, knowing it was dangerous to have chocolate just sitting in my cupboard, I decided to make chocolate cupcakes inspired by Ferrero Rocher chocolates!
Another cultural difference here is that very rarely do people buy premade cake mixes. In America, we have shelves full of premade cake mixes, whereas here in Scotland, most everyone makes their own cakes from scratch. So I thought I would embrace the culture and make my first ever truly homemade cake!
Homemade chocolate cupcakes with a Nutella and vanilla cream icing, topped with crushed Ferrero Rocher chocolates! MmmmMm…
A Christmas favorite here in Scotland is the ‘Christmas Cracker’ – a tube/cylinder that looks like a big ‘Tootsie Roll’ with the ends like a candy wrapper. The ‘Christmas Cracker’ is hollow inside and filled with little Christmas presents, a Christmas crown – made of tissue paper, and cheesy Christmas jokes! ‘Christmas Crackers’ are made of a cardboard like material and decorated in all types of Christmas colors and designs – green, red, gold, silver…snowflakes, snowmen, ornaments. You can open the ‘Christmas Cracker’ by pulling both ends and ‘popping’ the ‘Christmas Cracker’ like a confetti popper!
All of the Rotarians and their wives wore the tissue paper Christmas crowns as we enjoyed the evening. At the end of the dinner and Christmas festivities, there was a raffle and I won a tin full of Ferrero Rocher chocolates – the round ball shaped a crunchy wafer with a creamy chocolate and hazelnut centre.
So, knowing it was dangerous to have chocolate just sitting in my cupboard, I decided to make chocolate cupcakes inspired by Ferrero Rocher chocolates!
Another cultural difference here is that very rarely do people buy premade cake mixes. In America, we have shelves full of premade cake mixes, whereas here in Scotland, most everyone makes their own cakes from scratch. So I thought I would embrace the culture and make my first ever truly homemade cake!
Homemade chocolate cupcakes with a Nutella and vanilla cream icing, topped with crushed Ferrero Rocher chocolates! MmmmMm…
Monday, December 6, 2010
St. Nicholas Rotary Website
I have the BEST host Rotary Club! Thanks St. Nicholas Rotary Club of Aberdeen!
Copy and Paste Link Into Internet Browser to See the St. Nicholas Rotary Club's Website
http://www.zyworld.com/st_nicholas/Ambassadoial_scholar..htm
Copy and Paste Link Into Internet Browser to See the St. Nicholas Rotary Club's Website
http://www.zyworld.com/st_nicholas/Ambassadoial_scholar..htm
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Santa Fun Run
There have been a lot of ‘firsts’ in Scotland…and I’ve gotten to see a lot of things in the last 3 months and had an opportunity to do a lot of things that I have never done before, that I would have never expected…and today was definitely one of those times…
Today I ran a 5K Race for Charity dressed as Santa Clause! I took part in the Haddo House Country Park Santa Fun Run that was organized by a local Rotary Club – the Oldmeldrum Rotary Club! All of the race participants received a complimentary Santa Suit. We all ran in the snow covered hills of Aberdeenshire, Scotland!
Thanks to two other local Rotary Clubs – the Dyce and St. Nicholas Rotary Clubs, I was able to raise £210 for the eradication of Polio through the Rotary PolioPlus campaign and also for local Rotary Club initiatives.
The race was ‘good fun’ – and I was thankful for the Santa Suit because it was an extra layer of clothing to keep me warm! Looking forward to many more fun ‘firsts’ in Scotland!
Today I ran a 5K Race for Charity dressed as Santa Clause! I took part in the Haddo House Country Park Santa Fun Run that was organized by a local Rotary Club – the Oldmeldrum Rotary Club! All of the race participants received a complimentary Santa Suit. We all ran in the snow covered hills of Aberdeenshire, Scotland!
Thanks to two other local Rotary Clubs – the Dyce and St. Nicholas Rotary Clubs, I was able to raise £210 for the eradication of Polio through the Rotary PolioPlus campaign and also for local Rotary Club initiatives.
The race was ‘good fun’ – and I was thankful for the Santa Suit because it was an extra layer of clothing to keep me warm! Looking forward to many more fun ‘firsts’ in Scotland!
Christmas Cookies
With Christmas just around the corner…combined with my LOVE for baking and cut-out Christmas sugar cookies with homemade icing…I had a Christmas Cookie making party with friends!
Christmas shaped cookies – like cut-out sugar cookies, aren’t really popular in Scotland. The more popular Christmas dessert here in Minced Pies. Minced Pies are shortbread-like filled mini pie/tart – filled with ‘Minced Meat’ – which actually isn’t meat, but a combination of sugar, chopped nuts and dried fruit. A Minced Pie paired with a little ‘mulled wine’ – a warm, red wine drink with spices and occasionally hints of citrus, is the perfect Christmas treat here.
Since cut-out Christmas cookies really aren’t that popular, ASDA (what Wal-Mart is called here) didn’t have any Christmas shaped cookie cutters! So I had to buy ‘kid set’ kitchen utensils that came with mini cookie cutters in the form of geometric shapes and random animals. We had to use our imaginations to make Christmas shapes.
One of the most innovative shapes was the ‘Christmas Cracker’. In America, we don’t have Christmas Crackers – so basically what a Christmas Cracker is, is a tube shaped present (kind of looks like a big Tootsie Roll) and it is filled with little gifts and presents!
There are lots of ‘cultural exchanges’ – things that are different from culture to culture during the Christmas season. It has been fun to take part in Scottish traditions and share some of my own American traditions.
Christmas shaped cookies – like cut-out sugar cookies, aren’t really popular in Scotland. The more popular Christmas dessert here in Minced Pies. Minced Pies are shortbread-like filled mini pie/tart – filled with ‘Minced Meat’ – which actually isn’t meat, but a combination of sugar, chopped nuts and dried fruit. A Minced Pie paired with a little ‘mulled wine’ – a warm, red wine drink with spices and occasionally hints of citrus, is the perfect Christmas treat here.
Since cut-out Christmas cookies really aren’t that popular, ASDA (what Wal-Mart is called here) didn’t have any Christmas shaped cookie cutters! So I had to buy ‘kid set’ kitchen utensils that came with mini cookie cutters in the form of geometric shapes and random animals. We had to use our imaginations to make Christmas shapes.
One of the most innovative shapes was the ‘Christmas Cracker’. In America, we don’t have Christmas Crackers – so basically what a Christmas Cracker is, is a tube shaped present (kind of looks like a big Tootsie Roll) and it is filled with little gifts and presents!
There are lots of ‘cultural exchanges’ – things that are different from culture to culture during the Christmas season. It has been fun to take part in Scottish traditions and share some of my own American traditions.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Meeting The Lord Provost of Aberdeen
Today I had the privilege to meet Lord Provost of Aberdeen – Peter Stephen. The Lord Provost is the Chairman of the Aberdeen City Council and the ‘public figure’ of Aberdeen. Only 4 cities in Scotland have a ‘Lord Provost’ the other towns in Scotland have a leader called ‘Provost’. If I could equate the Lord Provost to a position in America – it would be a Governor position in a state!
We shook hands and did the very ‘ceremonial’ tasks – signing of a ‘visitors book’, pictures by the Lord Provost’s personal photographer, exchanging of civic gifts. I gave the Lord Provost a gift from West Virginia University, a letter from President Clements of West Virginia University stating the appreciation of cultural exchange and hosting me in Aberdeen this year, a West Virginia State Quarter, as well as a Morgantown Rotary Banner! The Lord Provost gave me a personalized Christmas card, a ‘City of Aberdeen’ manicure set, and a pin with the Aberdeen City seal. Following the exchange of gifts we had coffee, tea, cookies, and shortbread over a chat about the Ambassadorial Scholarship program and life as ‘Lord Provost’.
Following the visit with the Lord Provost, we were then led by Steven – the Lord Provost’s Sergeant of Arms through the historical Aberdeen Town House! Favorites of the Town House:
1). Bohemian Crystal Chandeliers!
2). Armorial Ceiling with 82 different panels commemorating families, individuals and institutions who have made their mark on the history of Aberdeen!
3). An original painting of Queen Victoria!
4). The ‘flying staircase’ – the spiral staircase that is made from slate and built into the external wall so it is completely unsupported and looks like it is hanging in air!
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again – I am so appreciative of the Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship program and the opportunities I have to meet such extraordinary individuals through my participation in the Rotary. Many Thanks.
We shook hands and did the very ‘ceremonial’ tasks – signing of a ‘visitors book’, pictures by the Lord Provost’s personal photographer, exchanging of civic gifts. I gave the Lord Provost a gift from West Virginia University, a letter from President Clements of West Virginia University stating the appreciation of cultural exchange and hosting me in Aberdeen this year, a West Virginia State Quarter, as well as a Morgantown Rotary Banner! The Lord Provost gave me a personalized Christmas card, a ‘City of Aberdeen’ manicure set, and a pin with the Aberdeen City seal. Following the exchange of gifts we had coffee, tea, cookies, and shortbread over a chat about the Ambassadorial Scholarship program and life as ‘Lord Provost’.
Following the visit with the Lord Provost, we were then led by Steven – the Lord Provost’s Sergeant of Arms through the historical Aberdeen Town House! Favorites of the Town House:
1). Bohemian Crystal Chandeliers!
2). Armorial Ceiling with 82 different panels commemorating families, individuals and institutions who have made their mark on the history of Aberdeen!
3). An original painting of Queen Victoria!
4). The ‘flying staircase’ – the spiral staircase that is made from slate and built into the external wall so it is completely unsupported and looks like it is hanging in air!
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again – I am so appreciative of the Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship program and the opportunities I have to meet such extraordinary individuals through my participation in the Rotary. Many Thanks.
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