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Scotland is an amazing place.

First of all, the people are beyond friendly. Our family have already been greeted by members of the Bridge of Allan congregation on many occasions. Today we were taken out to a concert and a tour of Stirling Castle by a 70 year old couple, both of which were completely charming.

The beer is also good. My favorite so far is Tennent's Lager--made in Glasgow. I haven't gone to a pub yet, so the thrill of being "of legal age" hasn't really been found yet, but in good time it will. Also, may I add, the beer comes in 15 oz cans of goodness. No wonder Scots are always talking about the fact that their country has a serious drinking problem.

The sports are also fantastic. Any visitor to my Facebook will notice the massive album of photos documenting my trip to Ibrox Stadium, home of Glasgow's Rangers FC--a team who I am completely in love with--not news to most of you. The passion which Scots have for their teams are unparalleled. Yes, lots of Americans love their baseball teams--but I'd posit that the number of major sports in the US reduces the overall deovtion to one in particular. People have their favorites and support them accordingly. But, when you live in a country where football is really all there is--with the exception of a few rugby or cricket nuts--then it's not hard to understand why people are willing to bash in another's head if the time and the place are right.

Then there's tennis. I'm not a huge fan, but the past couple days of Wimbledon action have made me a fan. For those of you who don't know, a Brit hasn't won Wimbledon--played in London--in over 70 years. So, when Andy Murray, a 22 year from Dumblane, Scotland--just down the road from where I am now--comes this close the country goes wild. I'll admit, I cheered for Murray when he played Andy Roddick today. I know Roddick's an American, but I seriously got swept up in all of the emotion. Murray's loss will inevitably send Britain back under their rocks, waiting for the British Open in the south of Scotland at the end of this month.