Last night was 'International Night' at the Dunbar Rotary club. The purpose of the night is to invite several of the local Ambassadorial scholars in the District and to have them come and give their speeches. William, Robin, and Aki all attended (in addition to myself).
First, I have to say how much I am enjoying getting to know the members in my host club. Dunbar is quite a large group, with an eclectic mix of personalities. I have never felt more welcome within a group my whole life. I think that is one of the neatest things about Rotary--you go overseas and automatically have an entire contingent of people who are excited to meet you, support you, and see you succeed--and they certainly show it!! When you speak with them, they make you feel like you are the most important person in that moment. They listen intently, give great advice, and can always make you laugh ;-) Rotarians are a rare and wonderful group of people and I am proud to have the opportunity to be a small part of their organization.
For dinner, I chose the roast chicken (are you surprised???) and had the Banoffee pudding for dessert (yum!) I even brought along my own dessert for the evening as well. I figured since it was 'International Night', I would bake something 'American'--so I made a peach cobbler! I know what you're thinking...that an apple cobbler is more traditionally 'American'--but the apples at Tesco's weren't looking so appealing. It wasn't the best cobbler I've made, but the members of the club seemed to enjoy it nonetheless (and I get an 'A' for effort, right???)
I was given a tape of David Laird's bagpiping music (he is one of the members of the Dunbar club--he piped in the Haggis at the Burn's Night Supper at the end of January). I had told him that I loved bagpipe music, so he offered to make me a mixed tape--and actually remembered and did it!! What a sweet man.
I am beginning to think I fit in quite well as a Scot though--I love haggis, bagpipe music, and red tartan. I love ceilidhs, castles, and sheep too! I'm even loving the public transport--it gets annoying at times not having a car, but I appreciate the convenience of the buses and trains and am getting along quite well without a car (surprisingly!) Though if anyone reading this wants to give me a ride to the closest Costco's, I would be eternally grateful!!!
