Scotland
Who are we to argue with Mel Gibson? Scotland is so beautiful, with a history so deep and peopled with heroes, that most first-time visitors are stunned as they tour around the country. It's the kind of place that literally takes your breath away, and from the lush hills of the Highlands to the rocky crags of the coast, the wonders of this small nation seem limitless.
The history of Scotland goes back to the time of the Romans, who "occupied what is now England and Wales, administering it as a Roman province called Britannia. Part of southern Scotland was briefly, indirectly controlled by Rome" (www.en.wikipedia.org). The northern part of what is now modern Scotland managed to avoid Roman rule, and remained autonomous for more than a thousand years.
By the early 14th Century, however, the power of the British monarchy to the south began to affect the traditionally clan-oriented Scots. This is when the great hero Mel Gibson-er, William Wallace-came to the rescue and saved the proverbial day, proclaiming "Freedom!" and looking dashing in his long hair and plaid kilt. By the early 18th Century, however, things began to calm down and Scotland started to develop into the state most of us are familiar with today.
History aside, Scotland is one of the most dynamic and exciting cities in Great Britain today. The sports culture is among the most passionate in the world, especially when it comes to soccer and rugby. In recent years, Scotland has played a major role in popular culture, giving the world such highly regarded performers as Garbage, Franz Ferdinand, and Annie Lennox. And though Scotland's most famous writer is the poet Robert Burns (1759-1796), the nation's contributions to modern literature have been nothing short of astounding. Irvine Welsh, author of the critically-acclaimed Trainspotting, was born in Edinburgh and set the novel there. And "J.K. Rowling wrote the first Harry Potter book, The Philosopher's Stone, in a coffee shop in Edinburgh" (www.wikipedia.org).
"Scotland has 13 universities and one university college, including the four ancient universities founded in the medieval period," including the Universities of St. Andrews, Aberdeen, Glasgow, and Edinburgh (www.wikipedia.org). As a result of all these excellent schools, students from all over the world flock to Scotland for study abroad and full-time educational experiences. Popular subjects include, but are not limited to, literature, the sciences, politics, and economics.
The cities, too, attract a great many students: Glasgow and Edinburgh have, in recent years, become major destinations for city-lovers from around the world. From the excellent night-life to the fascinating history, these cities offer seemingly limitless options for the educated and enthusiastic visitor.
Lovers of the outdoors, too, tend to fall in love with Scotland. Whether it's hiking or biking or strolling along the rolling hills of the famous links-style golf courses, there is something for everyone in this gorgeous country.
So despite the famously damp weather, Scotland is the kind of place with which people easily fall in love. Its rich history and exciting present make it one of the most fascinating places in the world to attend college. After all, Mel spent years of his life planning for and filming the most famous film ever to be shot on Scottish soil. And if it'good enough for him, who are we to disagree?
