Obama's Inauguration

Today, I felt especially proud to be an American. Being in a different country during this momentous of an event gives a totally different perspective. I guess, to a certain extent, I am not as removed from the American political bubble as I would be in other places in the world, since Britains ties with the U.S. and it's dealings are strong. However, it is quite a different feeling to be cheering for Barack Obama in a room of cheering Brits then it is with exuberant Americans I think, and in many ways is a more profound and awe-inspiring experience.

I walked into the Vic (the GSA's pub and night club) with a few classmates after studio today, to find dozens of students packed around the main projected TV. As I sat down, I heard the singing of Aretha Franklin and others and watched as excited Scotts watched the BBC live footage of the inauguration. I watched as Joe Biden was sworn into office and then, was almost startled as I stood up to applaud the appearence of Mr. Obama by the roaring cheer of the people around me. We all watched intently as Obama took the oath and then gave his speech.

I love listening to that man speak.

As I listened and cheered, I was struck with both a personal pride in my country and my president, but also by a realization that this moment was being celebrated all over the world. Many of the people here in Glasgow were as excited and moved as I was, and for that fact alone, I commend Mr. Obama. As the video panned out over the crowd of millions on the mall, I heard remarks of shear awe from friends next to me. I was reminded of Martin Luther King Jr's speech on the mall, not just because the two men are/were strong, well-spoken african-american leaders, but because they both inspired such a large group of people to believe in the strength and the perserverance of the American people.

God bless America
God bless the Earth

I look forward to the future...

Studio

Studio, where the magic happens...













Greig and James





Iain and Rachel




Most of the class...

Pubs and Peeps

I've been in Scotland for a little over a week now, but it seems much longer, in a good way. School started on monday, and we started a project with Hoover Candy (the UK and European Hoover). We will be doing strategic design work to examine potentially new product markets for Hoover in the near future. We've done a lot of research so far, and I gave a presentation on the science of dirt and hygiene. Did you know that for every one human cell on your body, there are 10 bacterial cells?


Along with academia, I've also been meeting people. I've gone out a couple times to nearby pubs to have a pint or two with folks from the Product Design department. They are all very nice and fun to be around. They've shown me the local brews and other specifically Scottish brands of drink and food. It's always fun to try new things. Also, I have to say, being able to buy alchohol is better then I could have imagined. Being able to buy a pint after class is just plain relaxing.

I've finally settled into a room in a flat, which is only about 100 yards away from my studio, and right up the street from the main digs of Glasgow City Centre. It's small, but warm and cozy, and there are about 20 other people living in the house, so I'll have many people to meet.

My bed




Desk





Fridge



Bathroom with shower



It's been raining and gusting wind for the past two days, so I've mostly staid inside, with the exception of going out to buy the things that I need for my room. I've already noticed how much having the things around you that you are used to can help you feel more at home. Consumerism at it's best I guess. I've also gotten to talk to many people from back home, which has made me feel alot better.

View out of my window



Until next time

peace and love
eric

Glasgow

These are some of my first pictures of Glasgow on New Years Day

















GSA Mackintsh building





GSA Campus (the product design building is the one at the farthest end)



See more at my flickr page

http://www.flickr.com/photos/30624169@N05/

Flight

Leaving is almost always a strange experience for me. I guess my mind doesn't really wrap around the idea too easily or quickly. It always hits me later.

After many last minute preparations, with the great help of mom and dad, I packed my last bag and went out the door. At the airport, I hugged my parents for the last time in a long time and went through security. It wasn't until I was halfway over the atlantic that I realized how alone I was and how much I would truly miss them and all of my friends.

On the seven hour flight from chicago to dublin, I sat next to a little girl, who was probably five or six. In fact, probably 30 percent of people on that 767 were under the age of 8, and at least half of the flyers were Irish, probably coming back from holiday in the states.

I got a meat lasagna dinner during the flight. It was somewhat humurous to see the meal, since I used to be quite excited about them when I was a young kid. I am still fascinated with the modular and segmented design of food prep and serving products on airplanes, and how they fit together like a puzzle. The meal was much less exciting. I watched Ghost Town, with Ricky Gervais as a selfish, cynical dentist who starts seeing ghosts. It was ok, a bit cliche, and Ricky is much funnier unscripted.

I did not sleep, except for about 30 minutes right before they woke us up for breakfast, mostly because it is impossible to get comfortable in coach seats on an airplane. We arrived into dublin and I had about 10 minutes to catch the flight to glasgow. The dublin airport was surprisingly busy for 8 am. I caught the plane to glasgow and watched out the window the whole 50 min flight, trying to get a good look at the land in which I'd be spending the next 6 months. Unsurprisingly, except for a few holes through to the rolling hills and pastures, it was coated with clouds. I wish I had taken pictures. As we approached the airport, the unmistakeable forms of grassy hills and stone buildings came into view. There were sheep pastures all the way upto the outer fences of the airport, and when I stepped out of the plane doorway the smell of cowpatty surrounded me.

We walked into the airport after taking a bus, and I was surprised to find that were no customs or immigrations officers. My checked bag was also missing. I talked to the aer lingus baggage people and to the airport security and they said that if there was not an immigrations officer available, then I could just go. I went to an atm, took out my first batch of pounds, got on a bus and went into Glasgow.

New Years Day 2009

Introduction

I've decided to use this blog as the story of my journey over to the U.K. and my life at the Glasgow School of Art in Glasgow, Scotland. I do not know what form it will take or what it will contain, but I hope it will give some comfort to my loved ones back in the U.S. and to me, since I am thousands of miles from where I call home.