So much to write about!

Wow-- there is just so much to write about!

Sorry I have not been updating my blog, but I have been busy with so much!

Let's start off on the academic front. I have switched around my entire schedule because the first set of classes I had proved a bit too challenging and not entirely applicable to my major requirements. I switched into The Dynamic Cell, Plants, Fungi and Symbiosis, and Macroeconomics. The economics class is a breeze, but while I am finding The Dynamic Cell manageable, it is also dreadfully boring. As my father has always said, it’s all about marketing, and the professors are only succeeding in taking a subject-- one I at one point thought fascinating-- and nearly putting me to sleep with it.The class I am really enjoying is Plants, Fungi and Symbiosis. This class has really put an interesting spin on a traditionally dull subject. We have learned about some amazing things that plants can do: produce nearly millimeter-long pollen tubes in minutes, readjust growth patterns in response to light, touch, and gravity, and use incredible cell wall materials to grow at astounding rates. As opposed to my other plants, class which bored me with taxonomic classification memorization, this one has a focus on the much more interesting and applicable area of plant physiology.

Two out of the three classes are held at Edinburgh University’s Kings Buildings. These mixed-architecture buildings house most Science and Engineering classes and therefore have a very sciencey vibe about them. The buildings are, for the most part, nice and modern, but my oh my... are they a hike to get to! The facilities lie on the southern fringe of the city and usually take about 30 minutes to get to (there is no bus).

During my brief break from Blog writing, the sports world has been exciting to say the least! Let’s get the uglier stuff out of the way first. Well, as most of you know, the Padres chocked more than once to lose out in the wild card race. The Chargers haven’t been much better, losing three straight to fall to last in the division.

Now for the bright spots. Cal has been playing some excellent football and has risen to #2 in the rankings! When I see the ‘2’ next to ‘California’, it still doesn’t register. I WANT THE ROSE BOWL... but hey, if we must goto New Orleans, so be it. Did I mention my room was packed with students to watch Cal beat Oregon? England Rugby is also making some waves. With a clutch win over Australia, the Brits are in position to make another run for the World Cup title. I watched the games at a student-oriented pub and the atmosphere was electric.

Today I had a practice with the house rugby team. I am thinking about taking up rugby and the fact that I am the second biggest guy in the house definitely helps. The problem is that most of the games are during my Labs, so it would be hard to get constant playing time.

My social life has been pretty exciting. I am going out on most Fridays and Saturdays and exploring what this city has to offer. In addition to the student unions, the hot spots in town are: Native State, Why Not?, Shanghai Club, Opal Lounge, and The Jam House.

In addition to clubbing, I have been partaking in the weekly wine tastings with the Wine Society, as well. This monday there is an ultra-exclusive, semi-black-tie event at The New Club on Princes Street, sponsored by Citigroup. The tastings have been a lot of fun and have been a great opportunity to meet cool new people! Tomorrow’s tasting should prove to be a good time and I am really looking forward to it.

My room has been updated a little bit, too. I have put some posters on the wall, but more excitingly, I have added a world map and put in pins to represent certain places of interest...
Blue Pins: places I’ve lived
White Pins: Non-US places I’ve visited
Yellow Pins: US Places I’ve visited
Red Pins: Where my friends are from.

Finally, as some of you have heard, I burnt my hand two weeks ago. The incident resulted in me having to wear a wrap on my hand, preventing me prom going to the gym. I have finally been able to gym and now I am really sore due to the time off.

Well, I hope you have enjoyed thåis update! Have a nice week! GO BEARS!