June 3, 2007, 10:48am


So, I've confirmed my love for Scotland and the UK in general. Scotland is charming and picturesque. People are generous and polite.

I don't like the States.

Got to find a way to get a postdoc somewhere in Europe.

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My nightmare began after I left Edinburgh five years ago. Terrible workplaces, a crazy mom, knee problems...

I had nightmares two times when I was in my friends' house. The first was that somehow I was in high school again. Puzzling about why I was back there required to take the classes I was not interested in. Why was there no choice about classes? I got two higher degrees already. Why would I be stuck in this small hellish classroom again?

The second nightmare was something about my crazy mom. Forgot about what that was.

The moment I landed in Edinburgh, I feel like, this is time to conclude my dark age period in Hong Kong. My life has to begin again. Just leave the dark period behind.

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Little things I like about Scotland:

From "A Year with The Naismiths:"

p. 12
The father said to his son:
"You are fearless enough on horseback, certainly. But could you work in a team and sink your own wishes for the sake of others?"

p. 15
A little girl introduced her family to a new friend:

"I'll try to describe the Naismith family to you," laughed Norma. "First, there's Dad, who is a dear, but he works so hard at his profession that we don't see as much of him as we should like. Then there's Mums -- the very nicest sort of mother that any one could have. If you are ever in a fix, talk to her and you will wonder how she makes things plain. She does not just tell you what to do like most grown-ups, but she makes you see why it should be done, and helps you to do it."

p. 22
A little boy's realization:

"At the end of her examination he had regretfully to acknowledge to himself that in several subjects he was far below the average boy of his age at Carden College. His tutor -- a delicate student sent to India for his health -- had laid special stress on such branches of learning as were most congenial both to himself and the boy, with the result that George's education was a very one-sided one. He was therefore thankful to have a term in which to study hard so as not to make such a poor appearance when he went to school. He quickly settled to work and made quite good progress."

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I don't see why Americans give As to just any student.