Take a Gap Year

*NOTE: yes, I do realize that my gap year is basically over by now,but this was something I had intended to share long ago. In fact I typed this months ago but for some reason only got to posting it now. It outlines my reasons for taking a gap year, and maybe will encourage others to give it a try if they so desire. Enjoy!


I remember one day junior year on high school, our guidance councilors came into our advisories and handed out sheets that pertained to “post high school plans.” And I remember thinking “great, they are starting this college stuff already.” They proceeded to talk about how junior year grades weigh heavily a colleges decision to accept or decline an application, and to just do our best this year with that in mind.
“And the pressure is on already”
Then they directed our attention to the blue sheet (blue-how different and exciting!). It had a list of things to keep in mind and think about for senior year when the college application process truly began. Then on that back it had more post high school paths. These included a vocational tech school, the Army, and a gap year. The guidance councilors read through each bullet, explaining further about them. When she began to explain about a gap year, My heart skipped a beat and I thought was “I am doing that.” That thought was my initial gut reaction.
 And you know what they say. Go with your gut.

I did. It was a struggle. My rational mind vs. my instincts. It was a battle of epic proportions. Eventually, instincts won out, by a slim margin. These next posts will explain why I decided to take a gap year.
 

Crail and awkward public transit...

Today I did another portion of the coastal path, this time to the town of Crail. After a lovely breakfast of Scotsman oats (my new favorite breakfast food), I set out. It was a sunny day with a brisk ocean wind blowing fiercely over the path. Quite a nice walking day; especially compared to yesterday.

Soon enough I was passing through Pittenweem with Anstruther in my sights. Last time I walked to Anstruther, it was only to go to the store, so today I got to walk all the way through the town. Being a Saturday, it was very busy along the main street. Families were milling about, looking at the shops and eating at restaurants. I was surprised at how much it reminded me of home. A beautiful, small seaside town that fills with tourists during the summer months. Once I got through the main section of town and onto the small road that lead to the FCP, it was really enjoyable. Stone building of every size and color lined a very narrow street. I love these little sea side towns... so historic and beautiful.

Anstruther bay.

Just one view down the narrow streets of Anstruther.

Then the narrow road ended and the coastal path to Crail began.

Fields of livestock lined the path to the left for most of the way. After a while of walking, a very cool sandstone formation rose up in the distance. 

 

Beware of livestock!

From there, the path became less defined and more rocky. It made it quite a challenge with my aching feet and painful hiking shoes, but it was cool nonetheless. A very enjoyable hike with more incredible beach views. Then I was approaching two ruined houses. Scotland is so cool...everywhere you go...ruins. :D

 

Ruined house #2

 Immediately after these two houses, after cresting a small hill, the town of Crail lay before me. I then meandered along the beach, stopping to take off my shoes and have my lovely lunch. A Nutella and peanut butter sandwich and an apple. Guess how many times I've had that this week? 

Damn shoes...

Check out those rocks!

Crail!

The plan was to take the bus back to St.Monans, which didn't leave until 3:50, so I had more than an hour to explore the town. Although it is another coastal fishing village, it is absolutely beautiful and charming in its own way. I spent most of my time just wandering the streets and taking photos. (Que pictures)

I could have spent like 6 more hours there getting all artsy with buildings and taking cool photos. There are just so many small architectural details I kept noticing around the town the added to its charming atmosphere and overall photogenic nature. No wonder it is an artists town...

Then it was about time to catch the service 95 bus back to St.Monans. It was about 15 minutes late, which did not help the whole uncomfortable shoe situation...but it felt great to sit when it did arrive. I used my best Scottish accent when I bought my ticket. Although it was only to say "To St.Monans" and "thank you", I think I totally nailed it. 

Anyway, in Ansturther, this lady got on with her unruly child. We were about halfway to Pitenweem when the mother decided to start to play a game of "let's see how uncomfortable I can make the other bus passengers by letting my kid run around like crazy, then yell at them loudly when I finally reliaze they are misbehaving." She won. It was so awkward... Her kid was climbing on everything while she just sat there, then she noticed it, got up, yanked the kid down and proceded to yell about it. I could see everyone sitting near looking very uncomfortable. Including me... Ahh the fun of public transit. 

It was another great day of hiking along the coast of Fife. Only a few more days left here in Scotland, which is really hard to believe. But so far I have had an amazing time. Check back tomorrow to see whatever it is I am going to do tomorrow...Yay! 

A rainy day

Today was my first proper rainy day in Scotland. Which is odd, considering that it is supposed to rain all the time here... So basically I didn't have a lot of motivation to go exploring. I spent a majority of the day editing footage from the past few weeks. It was sort of nice to just relax inside, listen to the rain tap gently on the window, and edit video. After lunch, I went out for a small walk. Mostly to get a bit more footage for a video that I just finished, but also to see the sea side town on the gray day.

I made a quick stop at the church graveyard to take some photos. The gray backdrop and the rain made it all the more eerie. It was really cool...

I then found myself back at the ruins of Newark Castle. Again, in the gray rainy day, it wore a different face. 

I then returned back to the cottage and spent the rest of the evening doing more video stuff and watching Modern Family on Netflix. Quite a relaxed day, but till very nice. Tomorrow I will do another hike; this time to the town of Crail.