Scotland the Brave (with more details about Antwerp)

Hello,
I just made it up to Glasgow this evening, and have been having a marvelous past few days. Both Antwerp and Glasgow seem to be turning out to be fantastic choices of stops. 

Antwerp is a beautiful city with quite a lot to do. The train station has to be the most beautiful station I have ever seen.  I will try to post some pictures at some point, but for now you might have to let google images do the work for you.  I made sure to try belgian waffles in three different ways while I was there (chocolate covered, rhubarb-filled, and with strawberry ice cream on top), as well as indulging in local favorites such as belgian fries and belgian beer.  The fries are twice-fried, so they are a bit more crisp, but the main difference seems to be in the dipping sauces.  Sure, you could get ketchup, but instead why not try a weird half mayo/half curry sauce or something of the sort?  The beer was....well...fantastic.  If you like belgian beers it's worth the trip to the country just for that.

Staying with Trey at his apartment (in international student housing for the university) was fantastic, as not only did I get a free bed, but I got to meet dozens of students that were also studying in Antwerp.  I have a list of people from Scotland, England, Ireland, USA, Germany, Belgium, France, Spain, Puerto Rico, Turkey, Italy, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Canada, and Poland that I met during my 3 days in the city.  I really wish I could have stayed longer, as it was so much fun, but I knew I needed to get up to Scotland (especially since I already had booked airfare).  Plus, talking with Laura, a law student from Scotland, made me extremely excited to head up north.

A few notes about Antwerp: 1) there are no open container laws.  Therefore, parties would form in the middle of squares and last until 5 AM.  This was a great way to socialize and share great American traditions such as shotgunning beers and cutting your finger on your can while you do it.  2) The story of how Antwerp got its name is worth looking up.  3) Carnivals are practically the same wherever you go to them.  However, there is a difference when you go with attractive German and Turkish girls.  4)  I met up with a few friends who I had seen in Reims (the maymester group), and we made Pi Kappa Alpha proud.  Beer races have never been won with such style.  5) Rob McMillan better come back with my glass from the Highlander.  6) I only have a few minutes left of internet time, so I better get on to Scotland.

Scotland is an absolutely beautiful country.  Pictures definitely do not do it justice.  Just taking the train up from the southern airport into the city was awe-inspiring.  The flowers are blooming, the grass is green, and the sky is...pretty grey.  But, the city is full of amazing, old buildings and the hostel that I am staying at might just be the best I have ever seen.  Comfortable rooms, good prices, right by an amazing park, in a cool part of town, sells things you might need, has lots of useful information for the town and the country, has a shower and bathroom in each room, my room has a beautiful view of the west end of Glasgow, and I was able to quickly figure out places to stay all over Scotland thanks to their help.  Also, the people in Glasgow have all been really nice.  I talked with a waitress at a restaurant for a few minutes tonight, and she seemed extremely interested in my trip (same with the customs agent.  And customs agents are usually dicks).  I very much look forward to exploring the city tomorrow.  I am about to run out of time, so I will leave you with that.  I hope all is well for all of you keeping up with this, and I will try to get pictures soonish.  Maybe laterish.

Cheers
Andy