Some parts of our "hood": Aberdeen University

In an effort to show some of the places around which we hang quite regularly here in Scotland it would be appropriate to show something of the place for which we have come to settle here, Aberdeen University. It is not only the place where I study, but as of November 2006 it is also where Grace works. So here are some pictures of the coolest University I have ever attended.

Due to my newly aquired knowledge of old Latin I can now read the inscription over this decorated archway, which says either "Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of wisdom", or "Codfish emulsify existential beachtowel".


This is the heart of the University, the old Kings College building. Built around the time of the University's founding in 1495 it is one of the really cool places to show to people on postcards of the place.
Unfortunately, the classes I have had in it were in the crappiest rooms on the campus.
Postgraduates always get bumped into whatever room is available.




Here is the main gateway to old Kings College building. Looks like Hogwarts School of Magic or something, especially when floodlit under a full moon at night.
An interesting side note on this regard, the author of the Harry Potter books was awarded an honorary doctorate at Aberdeen.




This is the vine encrusted interior of old Kings College, in the quadrangle. There is an old well in the centre into which desperate undergrads drop coins as an offering to the god of late-submitted essays in order to secure a grade somewhere above fail.







This is the "Powis Gate".
I have yet to learn where the actual "powis" is.













This building (left) is a few hundred years old, but due economies of age scale here in Scotland it is referred to as "New Kings College".

As a side note Aberdeen is divided into Old Aberdeen and New Aberdeen. While the origin of Old Aberdeen is uncertain, New Aberdeen was only founded recently by a bunch of upstarts in the the 12th Century.




This main quadrangle next to both Old and New Kings Colleges is the perfect spot to sit, relax and ponder life's conundrums, all while getting pooped on by seagulls.









This is the Old Brewery where many classes are held. This example of University building is perfectly fitted to the fine scholarly tradition here in Scotland. Of course any alcohol previously made here was for resec... ...raserch....resatrch...seserch... learning purposes only.




The small clutch of low cottages outside the boundary down the road is not a part of the unversity, but it is still a quaint structure somehow connected with it.
This used to be a hospital for women but is now accomodation for..... well somebody lives here.

I think.