I apologize for being so random with my blogs, but nevertheless I'm going to do my best to catch you all up to speed.
This past weekend, was LINK UK 2009. The Link Weekend is a time for all Rotary International Scholars, studying in the UK, to join together and spread and create "pockets of peace." It was a great weekend. After landing in Leicester, England (pronounced Lester) I was picked up by two extraordinarily nice Rotarians, Ian and Pam Inglis. Mrs. Inglis was from Leicester, while Ian was originally from Glasgow. Though it was way past their bed time, I was served a nice meal upon arriving to their home. They had a beautiful home in the English countryside in a small village known as Quorn. I felt instantly at home. After the meal, they both said, "if there is anything you need, this is now your house, so just help yourself." Such amazing people.
As I began to drift off into a deep sleep, I couldn't help but to smile. I was staying in complete strangers' house, but they felt like they could be family. Life is such a wonderful thing.
The following day, we travelled to the highest point in Leicester, known as Beacon Hill. The hill is covered with dozens of docile, sterile English bulls. Check the pictures to see. This time also gave me the opportunity to chat with Ian and I learned that he had lived and travelled all over the world, studying. You see, Ian earned his doctorate in Geology many years ago, and he had had the great opportunity of studying different sediments in remote and exotic regions of the world. I hope my life will turn out like Ian's. I hope that my work takes me all over. The power of travel opens so many doors.
After the hill adventure, I met up with the other scholars and toured Leicester. We were taken to the Town Hall, and the Lord Mayor gave a formal address to all the scholars. It was a very interesting experience. We got to sit in the council chambers, see an original Victorian courtroom, and have a cup of tea with the Lord Mayor in his fancy regalia. I know, Rotary Scholars are important people. Soon, we will be the movers and shakers of the world, so I hope you are all ready for a revolution.
The night at Link consisted of a traditional English dance, yes I partook, and Rotary socializing.
The next morning the Inglis' drove me to the final link event and drove down the main street in Leicester, and interestingly enough the majority of shops were Indian, Asian, Thai, Middle Eastern, and of course English. What is significant is that Leicester has a population of approximately 500,000 people, but it is one of the only cities in the world that doesn't have a distinct ethnic majority. One can see this truth driving down the street. A melting pot of races, cultures, creeds, and backgrounds all living and working side by side in this small English city.
I went to the last Link event, then it was time to say good bye. Ian said that I am more than welcome anytime in Quorn. He also mentioned that his Rotary club throws an annual fundraising Beer Festival in the spring, so I may have to make an adventure back to Quorn to create "Pockets of Peace," and sample some excellent beer. I then walked around Leicester with some other scholars slowly making our way back to the airport. Back to my new home, Edinburgh.
Portobello Night:
So tonight, all the Rotary Scholars in Edinburgh attended the Rotary Club of Portobello's International Night. A very formal, but very relaxed event. Each scholar had to stand in front of the crowd of 80 or so people and introduce themselves, and when I went there was a slight giggle in the crowd. I soon found out that Portobello has a link with Georgia, USA. And, the one's that giggled were Scottish students that studied in Atlanta, Athens, Carrollton, and Savannah. They were so happy to hear the famous Georgian accent, again, and eager to hear about my Georgia.
The most exciting part of the night, however, was when the Scottish-Georgia coordinator was called up to the podium to receive the "Paul Harris Fellowship." For those of you who don't know, Paul Harris founded Rotary, and thus an award in his name is the highest honor that Rotary International presents to the most selfless actors. Before they presented the award, many old Rotarians said they have never witnessed a "Paul Harris Fellowship" award take place. So, I guess you can say I have witnessed Rotary history. Damn.
To surprise the sweet winner, they had the District Gov. from Savannah on the phone to congratulate her for her achievement. I wanted to grab the phone and talk to him, but I think i'll just plan to look him up when, I mean If, I return to the states.
My studies are going great. The large amount of course work is helping the realization that I'm in graduate school.
I hope all is well with y'all. Take time to do something nice for yourselves today, and to relax. Remember, we live but once so let us embrace everyday to the fullest, and never look back.
Peace and Love.
Truly,
William
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