Acquiring an interest in European soccer

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One of the aims in travelling around is to see, if not somewhat appreciate, how other peoples live and socialize and work and simply 'make do' with the resources at their disposal.


Outside of America, nations go mad for soccer. There must be about three or four international "football" championships in a season! Currently playing out is the blandly titled Euro 2012. I'd rather watch coverage of Wimbledon but being the lone American in the hostel you can guess which sport gets time on the communal television.


England lost earlier this week as did Portugal and tonight is Italy versus Germany which usually I still wouldn't care one way or another...

Go Italy! Go Germany!

but with such motivation as these I can certainly feign an interest.
Wouldn't want to be an ugly American, now would I?

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No, I asked for a 'special'

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Being in Scotland has its funny points of which includes the language...or, rather, communicating with Scottish speakers:


At the hostel bar I ordered the bourbon special. Bartender presents me with a single bourbon - Four Roses - and a cup of coffee. "What's this?" I asked. "A bourbon and espresso," he answered. "No," I smiled, "I asked for the bourbon special," pointing at the sign behind the bar. "Bourbon + mixer!"
"Oh!" he said. "Well...guess I'll just drink that," referring to the espresso.

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Exercising up Arthur's Seat

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Monday was the end of the gloriously hot weather that bathed Edinburgh. And I'm glad I took advantage of it. I awoke with a stirring to walk up Arthur's Seat...a brisk mini hike for a spot of exercise. Some folks were running - health freaks - but that's not my bag. So I packed a small lunch of bacon sandwich, fruit and water and headed on up! 

After reaching the top I was surprised to realize I'd been there before -- only I ascended from the other side of the hill! Yes, Arthur's Seat is plenty vast and big. Satisfied I headed down, found a quiet spot and sat on a rock to lunch whilst reading a section of news magazine. Sweet.

the peak I aimed to reach. and did.

 from the bottom heading up

 

  and these magnificent views from the top!

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