Dundee > Aberdeen
11:05
I’ve had a good morning, thus far. I woke up at about 08:00 and got my things together. I loaded up the backpack and checked out of the hostel. I think what I’ll miss the most about Dundee is the people who live in the hostel. I know of about five people who live there full-time. Some are students, some are working, and some are looking for jobs. Most of them are from Australia, but I know at least one is from Canada. They are a fun group and act like brothers and sisters, complete with wrestling and pillow fights.
I checked out, left the hostel, went to the mall, grabbed some hot chocolate, and an almond crescent (am I even spelling crescent right?). The Wi-Fi there allowed me to check my email and update this blog. I love it… this is something that the hostel in Dundee could never provide. They’ve been having issues, apparently.
At the moment I’m on the train. I can tell the ride to Aberdeen is going to be beautiful. I think we’ll be on the coast for most of the ride. I just wish my seat were on the other side of the train. I’m on the land side, but I’m sure there will still be some great views. Even if it’s not the best on this side, it was a cheap seat, so it’s all good.
We just crossed next to a golf course. It’s too bad that I’m not into the game of golf. Someone told me the game was invented in St. Andrews, Scotland, and that some of the oldest golf courses in the world are here. Maybe such facts should excite me, but all I have to say is MEH. The only thing more boring than playing golf is watching golf. I do, however, enjoy trying to run over others whilst driving the golf cart… so maybe there is something there for me after all.
Aberdeen Hostel
13:30
Aberdeen seems to be another nice little city. For some reason, the sandstone buildings here are grayer and less brown than in Edinburgh, or it could just be my imagination and the way the light is hitting them.
My hostel is located outside the city, and it was quite a hike. I’m guessing I just walked about 2 miles from the train station. That’s no big deal unless you’re carrying a big ole backpack. I’m pretty sure I burned a few calories on my way out here. When I arrived, two guys from Ireland greeted me. Very nice of them, as they don’t even work here.
This time, I got an all-male dorm room. Usually, a mixed gender situation is cheaper, and so that’s what I’ve been doing up to this point (except in Glasgow, where I’d booked my own private room). The disadvantage of this male-only room setup is that the hallway outside my room smells a bit like a men’s locker room. The lady at the front desk told me that there would be one other person in my room with me tonight, so here’s crossing my fingers that he isn’t a snorer.
My roommate is out now, but I think he’s an American like me. This is because I see he wears Wrangler jeans (they’re hanging up, although they do sell Wranglers here in the UK; I’ve yet to see someone from the UK actually wearing them), and I also see a cell phone bill envelope with a return address in California. Think I’ll get a wee nap.
18:47
I walked into the city to find something to eat, and I saw another La Tasca restaurant. This is the same restaurant that gave me the crappy service in Edinburgh. I thought I’d give it another chance. The exact same thing happened: I got my food and the server took off forever, and even though I needed some more water, they wouldn’t even come to check on me- it’s so horrible. I do believe that I’m done eating at La Tasca for good. Two different cities- and the exact same customer service. What sucks is the fact that the food there is really good- at least what I ordered both times was very delicious. Never again… or until I get a craving that I can’t deny … whichever comes first.
