Term One // Update

An update since my last post: 

I've moved to a new country! 
I've hopped over the border (plus some 300 miles) and moved to Oxford! 
Now that I've settled in and adjusted to my new life here - it has mostly involved spending the majority of my time in the library, and the other 10% cycling to the library - but I love it? 


This post has been sitting in my drafts since July:

I am officially a university graduate! I have a degree!, and as I am waiting to start my masters I've spent a lot of time thinking about what I learned over the past four years.

In the past I have written about what I learned in my first year and in second year, but the hectic nature of honours (my third and fourth years) meant that writing as a hobby was put on the back burner.

Fourth year was hard, really hard, but also a year of incredible growth and opportunity. It was by far my busiest year both academically and socially, perhaps taking on a new job and new society responsibilities was not my smartest idea but I learned a lot and had loads of fun!

It sounds ridiculous to say but the fact that I got into Oxford, and will be a graduate student there, still hasn't sunk in. It still blows my mind that I got in, I still tear up when I think about it. Yet despite this, or perhaps because of this, I am anxious and a little scared about moving there and starting my masters. I don't know if the sheer intensity of the course, or the fact that I am moving to a very unfamiliar city is more anxiety-inducing.

I can't wait to study and research more of the topics, periods, and people that ignited the passion for ancient history and archaeology that fuels me. I will be in a school and department with world renowned experts, and that is intimidating but also absolutely incredible. My hometown has less than 5,000 people, and St Andrews has approx 15,000 - in comparison Oxford is enormous. I'm excited to explore a whole new environment and meet a whole new host of interesting people. Thankfully I know a few people studying and working in Oxford so I won't be completely alone when I first arrive, plus there are only twelve people in my masters so I'm certain we will become fast friends.


I've developed healthy and productive habits over the past year and I am excited to continue seeing how they change my life for the better.

Just like that my first term in Oxford is finished!, and I think I've survived!

I'm not going to lie and say that the first term of my masters has been all sunshine and happiness - it's been challenging, scary, and lonely. But it has also been incredible, beautiful, and inspiring. 

Something happened over the summer between my undergrad finishing and my masters starting, as I am somehow better at writing essays and having my own thoughts about topics. It is currently the winter break and in less than two weeks I have two 5,000 word essays to submit, and I am working on an extended research proposal for a course that I am doing in Rome in springtime - I think I've become a bonafide baby academic? 

I spend most of my time in the library or alone in my room, and sometimes go a couple of days not talking to anyone but my flatmates and the cashier at the local shop. I definitely phone my parents more than I did in St Andrews, but I have made friends here and thankfully they know firsthand how hectic life is here. 

This coming term I am studying a topic I am really excited about - sex and gender in Roman art - and I'm excited to explore more of the themes I've become more interested in. Especially potentially the topic I want to write a masters thesis on, but that's a post for another day since I don't know if I am going to switch programmes yet. 

Regardless of the choices I make or the opportunities I am given I know that 2019 is going to be really exciting and challenging - and I can't wait. 

Mykonos 2018

A beautiful week spent in Mykonos - June 2018.

Minimalism + Less Waste

Image by Sarah Lazarovic

Most likely you've come across the term 'Zero Waste' before. In the past year I've been doing more research into the topic and figured out a way to make my lifestyle more sustainable. In all honesty a fully zero waste lifestyle is unachievable and unrealistic for the majority of people. If you've got the funds, resources, and time to lead a fully zero waste life then kudos to you, I definitely couldn't do it.

There are a few reasons why I've decided to become more minimal and less wasteful in my life, and the biggest is that I have too much stuff. It's so easy for me to hoard sentimental items and keep things 'just in case'. I think as I become older I am becoming more aware of the impact my life has on the environment and on other people. I also just want to be more responsible with where and what I spend my money on, and in this thread, I'm trying to buy more from small local businesses.

The plastic bag charge has been in effect in Scotland since 2014, so I am very accustomed to bringing my own reusable bag or one of the many plastic bags that live in my kitchen. I've only ever bought one canvas tote bag, the others have been freebies from various events and organisations. If I can promote a student society around town whilst carrying my books then I definitely will. I make sure I always carry a reusable bag if I know I am going to go grocery shopping, and even if I don't have one I usually wear a backpack which holds a lot.

I recently became the owner of a KeepCup (hooray for freebies from training days!), and I also have a thermos which I love. I love my Contigo travel mug, it is definitely pricey but it is the best travel mug I've ever had. I can make my coffee at 8am, chuck it in my bag, go to class and it will still be hot when I get home at noon, and it hasn't leaked all over my notes! Although I don't trust the KeepCup to not leak in my bag, it has been great to use instead of a throw-away cup in coffee shops.

Since I've been at university my stuff has been split between my home and my student house - which means I have way more items than it seems. I've gone through all my clothing and donated multiple full black bags to charity shops, and I've sold stuff online. I used to buy sale items all the time in the hope that it would one day suit me, fit me, be warm enough for it etc, but I've since stopped that bad habit and try to only buy clothes when I need them. 

I've not quite got a capsule wardrobe - in the sense that I only have 20 items, but I do have a small number of pieces that I wear all the time and in all seasons. I still have pieces such as nice dresses and summer clothes that don't get a lot of wear but are important parts of my wardrobe. The same goes for shoes - I wear boots for the majority of the year and have the essentials ie, trainers, sandals and nicer shoes for when I need them. 

I've also made an attempt to be less wasteful in my make up and skincare, which has mostly involved me trying to use up all my half empty bottles before I buy new ones. I'm still using cotton wool rounds, mostly because I have a lot to use up but also because I am yet to find a good replacement.

Whilst this isn't necessarily related to minimalism or a less waste lifestyle, I have been trying to live in a healthier, and cleaner space. This means I've got plants in my bedroom and I've been using a humidifier - and I've noticed it's made a significant difference with my asthma. I've also been using chemical free cleaning products, namely Method, in all rooms of my house. I've noticed my productivity and general mood improves when I am working in a clean and tidy space, thus I've got into the habit of making my bed everyday and tidying up each evening. 


Although I have made a conscious effort to be less wasteful there are some exceptions. When I am on excavations baby wipes and plastic bags are my saving grace for travelling and keeping myself clean where there is no running water. For the same reason when I am in Greece I buy and throw away many plastic bottles as there is not drinkable tap water and, on the islands I was on, there was no means of recycling plastics. 

One of the standout issues that I have noticed with the 'zero waste' movement is the idea that in order to start you have to buy a number of items such as canvas bags, metal tupperware, or beeswax covers. Whilst the ultimate goal should be to use these reusable items instead of single-use or plastic items, it is much more eco-friendly and economical to first use up the single-use items first. As with any social movement there are the trendy and idealised items and products that are popular, but old jars and other re-used items are just as useful with no extra cost. Now this isn't to say that I won't eventually buy metal food containers or a nicer water bottle, rather I will use the items I currently have until they can be used no more, and then I will buy the new shiny items. 

Andros - Summer 2017

What better time than the next year to write about my summer? 
I had an action-packed seven weeks and then went head first into my busiest semester of university - now I finally have time to write for pleasure.

In July I set off for my first ever excavation on the sunny island of Andros in the Cyclades, Greece. We were excavating a neolithic site (about 5000 years old) which involved a lot of animal bones and broken pottery. The site was on a promontory of the island which meant most of the time it was very windy, which meant it wasn't unbearably hot, but it also made it hard to work sometimes. I'm not allowed to show pictures of the site itself so instead here is the incredible view we had each day.

Weekdays were spent waking at 5am and getting to site for 7am, which meant on most days a nap was required when we got back to the accommodation at around 3pm. Luckily Andros is small and Greeks eat dinner late into the evening. Many late afternoons and evenings were spent wandering through tiny streets of blue and white houses and petting a seemingly infinite number of cats. I developed a love of fresh bread dipped in olive oil washed down with a few glasses of the local wine. 

On weekends we explored more of the island including a monastery perched high in the hills and an ancient city at the bottom of a ravine. Some highlights of the three weeks included getting thanked by the mayor on stage and then doing traditional Greek dancing in front of a huge crowd, finding a tiny bead amongst a lot of dirt, and making new friends wherever I went.

Hadrian's Wall Trip

I recently got back from a small trip to Hadrian's Wall. I am a huge archaeology and Roman history fan so seeing these sites in person (and actually understanding what they were) was truly incredible! 

Housesteads

Located on the rocky crag section of the wall, it was much easier to imagine how Roman soldiers felt when the wall was at it's full height and strength. You can see the wall snaking up the hill from the fort, and it was so cool to see such huge sections of the wall. 

Temple of Mithras, Carrawburgh and Poltross Burn (Milecastle 48)

These are both sites that we just stumbled across, they aren't as spectacular as the large forts but both were worth the visit. The Temple of Mithras would have looked quite different in it's complete state, but it was still cool to see the general layout and replica altars.

Birdoswald and Chesters 

Visiting Roman Britain sites in the rain only adds to the atmosphere and reality that thousands of soldiers lived at these forts. The museum at Chesters had so many artefacts, including tiny altars which may be my new favourite thing. 

Vindolanda

Finally my favourite site, and also the site where I will be excavating in August! Vindolanda is by far the most excavated site that we visited. The museum houses the preserved leather shoes, and some of the famous Vindolanda Tablets. Most exciting to see was the current excavations, meaning we could watch archaeology and archaeological discoveries right in front of us! 

I'm doing a module on Roman Britain next year which this trip has made me even more excited about! I'll also be writing a post about my time excavating at Vindolanda, alongside a post about my excavations in Greece this summer!

Earl Grey Banana Bread

This is my favourite recipe to make and coincidentally my favourite to eat. When I tell my flatmates I'm making banana bread they squeal with joy and the whole loaf is gone in a day. 

Earl Grey Banana Bread

140g butter
140g caster sugar
140g self-raising flour
2 large eggs, beaten 
3 ripe bananas, mashed 
Earl Grey tea (bags or loose leaf)
vanilla extract 

1. preheat oven to 180C. line the loaf tin with parchment paper
2. cream butter, sugar, vanilla extract together. add in a teaspoon of earl grey tea
3. add in the eggs. 
4. fold in the flour and add the bananas
5. whilst it is in the oven poke some holes in it and drizzle steeped earl grey into it
6. leave in the oven for around 40 minutes
7. let it cool down and then enjoy!



I've not tried any variations yet but you can use other teas as well!

Early Spring Playlist

March has been peppered with days of glorious sunshine and a cool breeze, spring is around the corner. 

Lorde / Green Light

Lawrence / Come On Brother + Albi 

Father John Misty /I Went To The Store One Day 

Dear Evan Hanson / Waving Through a Window

Alt J / 3WW

Janelle Monae / Isn't This The World

Kishi Bashi / In Fantasia

Local Natives / Colombia 

Francis Lung / Oh My Love

Tom Rosenthal / It's OK

Everyday Emily

So it turns out third year is a lot busier than I anticipated, hello again my lonely blog. 

I am currently halfway through my university spring break*, and after a week at home I am back in the library writing an essay about imperial architecture in Pompeii, the fun never stops. * I am aware that this is a very American term and also that it isn't spring yet, but that's what its called.
I've done a lot of fun things in these past few weeks, including getting news about more fun things that I am doing this summer. 

Castles, walls and rain:
I am now the president of the archaeology society for 2017/18 and we went on a trip to the incredible Dunnottar Castle in Aberdeenshire last Saturday. The last time I went it was a beautiful sunny day and I only had to climb the stairs. This time was very different. Firstly, it rained for most of the day, and secondly, we walked along the coastal path to the castle. As much as I love coastal paths, walking in the rain is never fun. Despite the weather I had a great time, which is probably due to the fact that all three of my flatmates came along, so it felt like a flat trip. (#ladsontour anyone?).
On a very similar note I got to spend a week at home with my dad, which was very much needed. It's not a trip home without going to a historical or archaeological site. We managed to fit in a lot of trips including a roadtrip to the highlands where we made sandwiches and only left the car to take photos. We drove through many small towns and past lochs, discovering little snippets of history, including a tiny one room church with the most incredible painted ceiling. We also visited a section of the Antonine Wall, aka the Scottish version of Hadrian's Wall, and as someone who is hopefully doing a module on Roman Britain next year it was cool. I spend so much of my time reading and studying about Roman sites in Italy that I sometimes forget there are ones so much closer to home. 

Summer:
I know it is only March but I have been planning my summer since October, mostly because I will be applying for masters courses next year and I need practical experience but also because filling out applications is a practical way to procrastinate. It turns out that I have a seven week period over the summer where I will be extraordinarily busy. I'll be staying in St Andrews in June to start reading for my dissertation, which I am weirdly excited about and would happily start now. After one week at home I am flying to Athens and then catching a boat to Andros in the Cyclades. I'll be spending three weeks getting sunburnt whilst digging a Neolithic settlement and learning very basic Greek. Then come July 29th I will be packing up for the journey back to Athens to do a two week internship and somehow squeeze in visits to all the sites and museums. August 12th is where it gets interesting and also the point where I may burst from being too busy. I fly back to Edinburgh for midnight and then have less than twelve hours to wash seven weeks worth of clothes and pack for another excavation. Come noon on the 13th I will be in the car driving to Hadrian's Wall where I am spending two weeks digging in the rain and learning loads of archaeological skills. Then I get to come home and relax for a week before my final year of university starts! I've been very productive and applied for scholarships and bursaries and any opportunity that came my way!, and it has clearly paid off! 

Everything else:
I moved on from my Hamilton obsession (even though I bought tickets to the London show..) and moved straight onto another musical, Dear Evan Hanson. I also love the La La Land and Hidden Figures soundtracks, and of course Moana. Artist wise I am loving Tom Rosenthal, Lawrence and Lorde blew me away with Green Light. 
I lasted approximately a week of being vegan before I had a bad day and needed cheese. I'm definitely eating less dairy and more vegetables than before, so all is not lost. Speaking of food: I am trying to broaden my palate in anticipation of summer in Greece and a lot of food I don't like. (I'm looking at you fish).
I've also got really into plants. I have always loved having flowers in the house but this year I've branched out and started my collection of house plants, and so far they're still alive!


(I actually enjoyed writing this and feel like I've got my own style of writing now? Plus it is refreshing writing and knowing that no one you know will read it. Maybe this blog will be making a comeback, who knows?)

Becoming Vegan: Some Preliminary Thoughts

After being vegetarian for six years and then fully embracing meat again for the past 3 years I have decided to go cold-turkey vegan. I know this will not be an easy attempt but I am sure that the positives will outweigh the difficulties.


1. I'm still going to eat honey. It is not something that I consume regularly and I buy my honey from reputable sources which care for and protect their bees.

2. After reading this opinion piece I know I am not going to be too hard on myself. As someone who eats a lot of dairy products I know that I will slip up. I am also going to accept free food and drinks even if they have dairy in them, I am a student and free food is free food. However, I will not eat any meat, or products that came from the death of an animal.

3. I am doing this for health reasons first, and environmental/ethical reasons second. As someone who has breakouts, asthma and just generally could be in better health I want to see how a vegan diet will impact me. I am also intrigued about how this will impact my mental health.

4. Trying a vegan diet means that I have to cook and prepare meals, something I have got out of the habit of doing. I live in a small town and have a student budget, meaning I don't have access to pre-made vegan meals or food. I'm hoping this will allow me to try new foods and experiment with different flavours. I am way too fussy for a 21 year old, this needs to change.

5. As I am trying to be vegan for health purposes I won't be too focused on the other aspects. I own leather items and will continue to use them. I am already conscious of ethical purchasing and will continue to be so.

6. For me to be successful I will have to plan my meals somewhat in advance, which is something  have been interested in doing for a while. This means I need to schedule grocery shopping and preparing meals into my routine and university/work balance.


- I plan on writing update posts about how I am doing and also some recipes I have made -

Second Year

Two months after finishing second year and just over a month until I begin third year I have been thinking about the various ways these past two years have impacted my life and how the next two years and beyond will shape my future. If you believe what the papers say then we're all doomed to work in minimum wage jobs and never get a graduate job, regardless of how good your degree is. This is why I think it is so important to make sure you get the most out of your time at university. Of course the main reason people go to university is to get a degree but it is so much more than those hours you spend in lectures and the library. This past year I really put myself out there and got involved with stuff I am interested in, my attitude was that it wouldn't hurt to go out into the world and meet new people.


Opportunities
Every post written about university emphasises how great societies and I couldn't recommend joining one enough. In first year I didn't make the effort to go to many events but this year I attended meetings every week and even joined a committee! My best advice would be to go to events and join societies that you are genuinely interested in. There is nothing more boring than going along to events that you don't care about with people who don't interest you, purely because the society looks good on your cv. Sometimes committees and societies are super cliquey and intimidating but who wants to be part of that anyway?

Although you shouldn't join random societies because it looks good on your cv, university is such a good time to build your experiences and thus your resume. I've started writing for a human rights magazine which allows me to improve my writing skills whilst writing about issues important to me. I've volunteered at and helped organise events for different issues, gaining more experience each time, and enjoying myself raising awareness for various causes. Join LinkedIn and put all your experience in your profile, nothing is too small or invaluable! Go to workshops on ancient and medieval coins because you think it's interesting, buy tickets for a feminism in Islam conference because you want to learn about something new, hold a last minute bake sale and stand for ten hours selling baked goods - why not? 


People
Friendships blossom throughout university but they also die, it's just part of life. I lived with eleven people in first year and eight of us became fast friends, fast forward a year and our group is down a person. Initially I was sad, I had made an effort with this person and put myself out there, yet there was nothing in return. But now I realise that if the respect and effort isn't reciprocal then it is not a friendship that I want in my life. Life is too short to continue with friendships that aren't good for you, cull your friends on facebook and enjoy a more peaceful life. 

Get to know your tutors and lecturers, make an effort with them and that effort will pay off. Simply saying hello or good morning really does make a world of difference. In the years to come they might be your dissertation supervisor, your colleague or the one person who helps you get into a PhD scheme! Don't be scared or worried about annoying them with your questions and queries, one answer can help you go up a grade or mark. 


Yourself
Looking after yourself is hard, especially when deadlines and commitments are overwhelming, Speaking from too much experience university can be really bad for your mental health, but it can also be revolutionary. Take full advantage of any mental health sessions or counselling sessions offered by your university, talking to someone neutral to your situation helps you see it from a new perspective. 

Take a day off from worrying about that essay, grade or scary future. Go for a walk, buy yourself flowers, have a well deserved nap. In the grand scheme of things one day is nothing, so go outside and relax.

Everyday Emily

It's been a while since I've done an Everyday Emily but that's because anything exciting that I've done has warranted it's own post. However, these past few weeks have been exciting.

University
I am currently revising for my second year exams which means I am half way through my degree! I have chosen my modules for third year and I get to study things from an archaeological perspective which I am really looking forward to! In the space of a month I have gone from having no idea about what to focus on to having a topic for my dissertation that is a year away and looking at post-grad courses in Cambridge! 

I am also now on the committee of the student archaeology society which will give me some experience for planning events and finding opportunities. I also participated in IJM's Stand4Freedom. I couldn't do the whole 24 hours but I managed 10 hours and it was a great experience! My legs definitely hurt and I was very cold but getting to spend time with big-hearted people raising money and awareness for a great cause was 100% worth it!

Music
During my spring break a group of friends and I travelled to Glasgow to go to a Bethel Worship Nights, and it was an amazing night! I got to sing some of my favourite songs with so many passionate and spiritual people. 
I am also seeing Sigur Rós with my dad in August. He has never seen them before and their whole performance is incredible, the combination of lights and sound just blows me away!

Summer
My lease ends in August which means I have the joy of staying in St Andrews over summer. Luckily the Open is in Troon this year so there won't be as many golfers. I am working in a hotel this summer which wont be very exciting but that's because my exciting summer plans are happening next year!
However I am excited to spend my time off at the beach and taking in the beautiful town that is St Andrews! Plus a few of my friends are also staying over the summer so I wont be completely alone.

Rome: Pantheon and the rest.

For me the Pantheon is one of the highlights of Rome, it combines ancient Rome and a beautiful Christian basilica, plus it's free! We arrived at midday after a rainstorm and the lighting inside was amazing. 

The Trevi fountain was jam-packed with tourists, both times we passed it. We snapped a photo and didn't even attempt to go near it to make a wish. It is really easy to walk from Trevi to the Spanish Steps etc, which we did a few times. 

As Rome doesn't follow the typical Roman style city-plan there are tonnes of tiny streets and back alleys to explore. On sunny days everything is bathed in lovely orange sunlight, making even the grotty streets look beautiful. One quirky thing that I loved about Rome is that public buildings and utilities all have SPQR on them, meaning Senatus Populusque Romanus or The Roman Senate and the People. Referring back to ancient Rome and the power it was in the Mediterranean world.

The Spanish Steps are annoyingly shut off so the view from the top of them is blocked. However, we travelled along the road and found many viewing points with fantastic views across the city. Nothing beats a St. Andrews sunset for me but the Roman one sure was nice. 

After spending a busy week in Rome I am already itching to go back! I am a huge fan of ancient history and pizza, both are plentiful in Rome. Hopefully my academic career will bring me back to Rome in the coming years.

Rome: Colosseum and Roman Forum

The colosseum, or the Flavian Amphitheatre if you want to be pretentious, is perhaps the most iconic Roman ruin in the entire empire. To avoid the queues we arrived early, taking full advantage of our student discount for the triple ticket which included the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. After a lacklustre tour from one of the official guides we explored on our own, guidebook and personal knowledge in hand. Whilst many of the walls remain the seats and steps are gone, meaning imagination must be used. For me however the highlight of this day was the Roman Forum. 

As someone who studies ancient history and spent two weeks researching and writing an essay on the Forum Romanum, this was an exciting day. The forum itself is large and has ruins from the very beginnings of Rome through to the end of the empire and beyond. Unfortunately the majority of the buildings in the forum are now ruins but you can go into the ones that were turned into churches, and thus saved from ruin. The signs aren't too detailed so I would recommend getting a good guidebook or a tour. I could have spent all day in the forum, just imagining what it was like in the glory days of Rome. 

The Palatine Hill overlooks the Roman Forum and is the site of some ruins as well. The beautiful Farnese gardens provided a shady spot on a sunny day. It is the views of both the forum and the colosseum that make the uphill walk worth it in my opinion. 

The Capitoline Museums have a good collection of art and archaeology, making it a good introduction to Rome. There is a large amount to see but the layout and variety means you can spend a good couple of hours there. For me the best part was underground in the Tabularium, in archaic times this is thought to have been archives and nowadays has an impressive view of the Roman Forum.