Scotland Field School: St. Andrews Highland Games

This past Sunday our lovely professors took their dearest shutterbugs on a "wee" field trip to St. Andrews for the Highland Games. St. Andrews of Fife is a small coastal town (as I am now learning most towns in Scotland seem to be coastal as well as small) that is fit for a prince(ss)--literally, Prince William & Kate Middleton both went to University of St. Andrews. I find it important to also include that there is a world renowned golf course in St. Andrews that I was sure to snap a few photographs of for my favorite golf-napping partner (that's you, Grandpa).

Highland Games are unlike anything in America. The best way I can describe them in Yankie-terms would be the Calvert County Fair mixed with the Arnold Classic, but even that broad spectrum is far from accurate. I suppose it has to do with the United States being a melting pot of culture, and having way too many backgrounds and traditions to cover in one setting. Basically, the Highland Games are a series of athletic events held to celebrate Scottish heritage and culture. For many of the events men wear kilts, and girls wear traditional tartan dresses. There's also a lot of food, dogs, and very strong men. 

Here's a look at some of what I experienced. 

Heavy Weight participant and Strong Man Sebastian Wenta looks on during the 22lb ball throw competition at the St. Andrews Highland Games on Sunday, July 27, 2014.
©KiraRemy

Heavy Weight Competitor refuels with a Red Bull during the St. Andrews Highland Games on Sunday, July 27, 2014.
©KiraRemy

Heavy Weight competitions consist of a 28lb distance throw at the St. Andrews Highland Games on Sunday, July 27, 2014.
©KiraRemy 

Strongman Sebastian Wenta tapes his fingers at the St. Andrews Highland Games on Sunday, July 27, 2014.
©KiraRemy

3200 Metres Open Cycling Race at the St. Andrews Highland Games on Sunday, July 27, 2014.
©KiraRemy

After all of the official racing is over, kids of all ages are encouraged to participate in a footrace at the St. Andrews Highland Games on Sunday, July 27, 2014.
©KiraRemy

Tug o' War is one of the last and most exciting events at the St. Andrews Highland Games on Sunday, July 27, 2014.
©KiraRemy

Tug o' War officials dress in kilts while participants wear a more durable uniform at the St. Andrews Highland Games on Sunday, July 27, 2014.
©KiraRemy

Tug o' War takes as much team effort as it does individual strength at the St. Andrews Highland Games on Sunday, July 27, 2014.
©KiraRemy

Although the rope is frayed and rugged, most Tug o' War competitors use their bare hands at the St. Andrews Highland Games on Sunday, July 27, 2014.
©KiraRemy 

The tossing of the caber is one of the most traditional events held that the St. Andrews Highland Games. It is said that was developed by foresters for throwing tree trunks into the river. Nowadays it is thrown not for distance but for style. Sunday, July 27, 2014.
©KiraRemy

Highland dancers also participate in the St. Andrews Highland Games on Sunday, July 27, 2014.
©KiraRemy

A Highland Dancer prepares to be judged at the St. Andrews Highland Games on Sunday, July 27, 2014.
©KiraRemy

Scotland Field School: Halfway Point

I've been in Edinburgh for about two weeks now and my experience here thus far has been nothing short of amazing. I'm learning so much, but more importantly I am experiencing even more. Not only do I learn something new everyday, but I see something new everyday, I meet someone new everyday, I try something new everyday--and that is so incredibly fulfilling.

One thing in particular that I am working on is incorporating a sort of mantra that my professor, Terry Eiler, reiterates daily: "Take good photos, leave the rest for the tourists". This is harder than you might think. Edinburgh, and the rest of Scotland for that matter, is mantled with history, stories, and character. In order to capture the essence of it it's as if you have to photograph every inch. Nonetheless, I find myself working towards taking photographs that capture the essence in a single image rather than ten. It's a hard thing to do, but will prove to be very valuable in the future, I'm sure. This whole experience will prove to be very valuable, I'm sure.

Here are a few single images that somewhat do the job. But please still remember, it's a work in progress, as am I.

Edinburgh's Official Gardener makes a few final cuts on a the five week installation process the oldest floral clock in Princes Park on Monday, July 14, 2014.
©KiraRemy

Ominous clouds hang over and Old Town building in Edinburgh, Scotland on Tuesday, July 15, 2014.
©KiraRemy 

Mary, 86, Dunbar East Lothian, Scotland UK on Thursday, July 24, 2014.
©KiraRemy

Fog hangs low on the shores of Loch Ness, Inverness, Scotland on Saturday, July 19, 2014.
©KiraRemy 

Princes Street Parade, Edinburgh, Scotland on Sunday, July 20 2014.
©KiraRemy

Musselburgh Fancy Dress Competition on Friday, July 25 2014.
©KiraRemy

Olivia McDonald, dressed as the "Musselburgh News" takes first prize in the Musselburgh Fancy Dress Competition on Friday, July 25, 2014.
©KiraRemy

Scotland Field School: Assignment One

I've always thought painting was quite therapeutic-- there is something about spending hours in one place focused on one thing. For me, painting seems to have effects similar to long distance running: I'm terrible at both of them and am usually quite frustrated with the end results most of the time. Nonetheless, the processes eventually result in some peace of mind.

My first assignment in Scotland was a photo-shoot in the little town of North Berwick, about 25 miles north-east of Edinburgh situated on the south shore of the Firth of Fourth. Framed by a 613 foot volcanic hill called the "Law"and two rocky beaches, the seaside village serves as a vacation town for many Brits keen on adventure. As I meandered about the streets I stumbled upon an older gentleman painting the front of one of the many historical homes by the harbor. Upon watching him climb up and down the 10 foot ladder with more confidence and ease than anyone my age, I knew I had found my story for the day.

85 year old Merchant Navy veteran Steve Hoffie took over his father's house painting business William Hoffie & Son shortly after returning from the war. Hoffie settled in a town about four miles outside of North Berwick, and still does most of his business around the coast. Hoffie had one son who died of lung cancer at age 24.

"It's a lot harder on his mother. I suppose I just try and keep busy, that's why I'm still painting." he said and returned to work.

All images ©KiraRemy 2014

This Winter Break I- Pine, Puppies, and Padres

Disclaimer 

I have a friend named Rachel. She babysat me when I was young and then grew up and had a bunch of cute babies of her own, and bought herself a cottage. She likes to write about both of those things and a whole lot more. Her blog is uplifting and inspiring, but mostly it's just wonderfully real. She created this sort of saga featuring her family's activities some weekends, and entitles each part "This Weekend We-" Anyway, I always find those posts to be particularly great, and thought I'd share a version of my own. I hope she doesn't mind. You can find her blog here. 

* * *

This winter break was much anticipated. I could not wait to be home among the many familiar faces that I missed so much. So, I left a foot of snow and mountainous views, and came home to my little home town that runs into the Chesapeake bay. I was happy to meet somewhat warmer skies, and a lower altitude. Ironically enough, my Christmas holiday was spent in the mountains of West Virginia, not too far from where I go to school in south-east Ohio. Nonetheless I enjoyed every minute of it. 

Here are a few pictures and a video my cousin Carly made that certainly epitomizes the magic of our family trip. Have a look!

* * *

After returning home from the mountains and celebrating a low-key New Years Eve, I went to yet another family gathering at a friends house on New Years Day. It was full of yummy food, cute kids, and lots and lots of laughter! Oh, and the waterfront view wasn't too bad either...

Fortunately I have a few more days at home before I have to go back to school, but so far I'd have to say this break is all that I imagined it would be and more! Wishing everyone a happy and healthy 2014!

Clairvoyant On Campus: An Interview With A Psychic

One of the many talents that Kramer Intl. provides. (Photo by: Pestisides.hu)

"Ohio University is always my favorite place to go," Bagga Khan, the Head of the Psychics at Kramer Entertainment Agency, said.

Every year, Ohio University's Campus Involvement Center pulls only the best oracles from around the country to come and blow our (student's) minds at the Psychic Fair. This year, on October 21st, Baker Ballroom was chocked full of eager students with open minds and palms, ready to have their future told. There were ruin readers, crystal ballers and numerologists all the same.The event was held by Kramer Entertainment Agency and its talented team of psychics. After being thoroughly impressed by the sweet array of artistry at the fair, I took it upon myself to see who was behind all the magic and contacted the company.

I was connected to the Head of the Psychics, Bagga Khan. In his introductions, Khan said that he was a direct descendant of Genghis Khan, one of the firsts emperors of Asia. Khan (Bagga), is half Mongolian and said his great grandfather frequently traveled with his anti-nomadic ancestor (Genghis). During his travels, he encountered many gypsies and gurus and learned the magic of pendulum readings. He then passed the skill down to his son, who then passed it down to his son, and after a few generations eight year old Bagga Khan possessed a new found talent. After providing brief background, I had a few questions for the almighty Bagga Khan.

This is typically how a Pendulum reading is conducted. (Photo cred: Google Images)

How does it work? (Pendulum Readings)

"I have no idea. I don't know if it's the spirits in the room, or the energy of the reader... I just couldn't tell you," Khan said. However, he did explain the process and the physics behind it all. "First you need a chain, or a sturdy piece of string will do. Use a ring, or a heavy object for the pendulum, and hang it about four inches above a table top," Khan said.

He then explained how it usually only works for yes or no questions, swinging one way for yes, and another for no. Khan has used his skill in many ways, from predicting Michigan v.s. OSU games to foretelling last week's PowerBall numbers. However, it is also very often used as an incredibly accurate pregnancy test, "If it's a girl, the pendulum swings in a circle, and if it's a boy it'll swing in a straight line. And that test never fails, in fact, it's been right 93 times since I've been doing it!" Khan said. Pendulum readings are used in criminal investigations as well, and have helped to locate missing children, according to Khan.

Are people born psychic, or is clairvoyance thrust upon them? 

"That is an excellent question, and also a difficult one to answer. I think some people realize their talent at an early age, and others are able to learn a skill later on in life." Khan said. He clarified that the art of fortune telling is mostly an inherited skill, but often times the ability to read tarot cards and palms are skills that can be taught and practiced.

He then gave an example of one of the crystal ball readers on his psychic staff. "Jerry, one of our crystal ball readers, realized her talent when she was just three years old when she started to see 'spirits'," Khan said. However, some of the tarot card readers in the agency have learned their skill in their adult life.

So now that the veil is pulled back and Oz is revealed, check out the the Psychic Fair for yourself next fall. And if you think you're pregnant, Bagga Khan might be able to help.

Something New About Something Very Old

"You learn something new everyday," is a common saying that many attribute to little imbues of random unknown knowledge. Similar to the phrase "An apple a day keeps the doctor away," I believe this to be true. As an aspiring story teller and journalist, I try to keep my knowledge of current events as up-to-date as possible. I often find myself spending hours on the web wandering around Reddit, or scrolling through articles on different news sites. It's not very often, however, that I spend my time reading up on things that happened a long time ago. That's not to say that I don't love a good Charlotte Brontë novel, or that I'm not highly anticipating the movie release of "The Book Theif". Nonetheless, history is in a sense unknown territory for this curious cat.

Being away from home for school has seemed to strengthen my allegiance towards my roots. I put more Old Bay on my food then I used to, I proudly tell anyone who cares (and some who don't) why Maryland is the best state in the land, and sometimes doodle our amazing state flag or blue crabs in my notebook during class. So I was naturally intrigued by this new study found talking about 145-million year old seawater found beneath the Chesapeake Bay! You can find the study here, but if you don't feel like doing all the reading, I am thoroughly prepared to give you a summary.

In short,  groundwater was found more than 3,200 feet deep under the Chesapeake Bay. It is said that the water found was twice as salty as modern seawater. What makes this study interesting is that the existence of this ancient aquifer was so unlikely. Like most large bodies of water, I learned, the Chesapeake Bay was also created by an oceanic impact crater more than 35 million years ago, and the impact of the comet would have broken up and destroyed existing arrangements of aquifers. Post bolide disruption, a large, salty, newly porous reservoir, now exists, and it is said that this reservoir greatly limits the availability of freshwater in the area. Supposedly, many Geohydrologists have known of this underground water for decades, but this recent study is the only one that has been able to grasp the history of it all.

My beautiful backyard.
©Anne Remy | Instagram

 

Ohio Autumn

Tree lined walkway en route to my dorm. Not half bad.
Photographed by: Kira Remy

Aesthetically, this fall isn't much different from what was my favorite season at home. Although I am close to 400 miles away from the town in which I grew, the leaves seem to be the same color, and the air a bit colder than it was a month ago. 

Even though I'm surrounded by the same fiery pigments that tint the trees at home, and feel the same chilled wind blow through my hair... there's something missing this autumn. As October crept upon my small college town, an emptiness concurrently crept into my heart. A season that used to bring me so much joy now seemed to bring nothing but bitterness and atribilious feelings. 

As I strolled through the vivid landscapes on campus I couldn't help but imagine the picturesque view of my backyard. The week of Halloween quickly came, and with that I realized the only contact I had with anything pumpkin was the $3 pumpkin-spice latte that I gulped down the morning before. What in God's name possessed my broke college kid self to blow $3 on a latte, I couldn't tell you. Athens is rumored to be haunted, so maybe it was some sort of caffeine-hungry-poltergeist that made me do it. In addition to the lack of jack-o-lanterns in my life, I felt a strange shortage of all the other fall-ish things like fresh apple cider, hay rides, bonfires, and the tradition of watching Hocus Pocus and being scared of Bette Midler's thoroughly convincing witch cackle every time. 

The night Halloween arrived was also the night I realized I was no longer a "kid" anymore. Now don't get me wrong, I understand it has been quite a few years since it was socially acceptable for me to go trick-or-treating, but for some reason it seemed like this was the first year that I hadn't. The dorm rooms were eerily quiet, which was strange to experience on a night that I had associated with so much excitement and laughter as a kid. Not to undermine the school's celebrations of course--they did throw a hundred-thousand-person blow out the weekend before. But still, the night was dull, and not a piece of candy was in sight. 

Fortunately, I will return home next weekend, and although it is too late to carve a pumpkin, and the hayrides are overdue... my mother has a bowl of candy waiting for me at home, and maybe... just maybe some fall-time stew.