A Love Letter to Edinburgh

In January, I shipped myself off to Edinburgh, Scotland. It was not only my first solo trip, but my first trip out of my home country. I was filled with a jumble of emotions: excitement, fear, hope. This trip was the starting point of life's big adventure. Due to the current pandemic situation, I was called back home mid-March by my home university, effectively cutting my study abroad session short. I spent two and a half months living in Scotland, which is half the time I was meant to be there for. I miss it and although I am disappointed that I had to return home, I had the time of my life. I made memories and friends that will stick with me for the rest of my life, and I am so grateful for that opportunity. 

Edinburgh is like no other city I have ever been to. Walking through the cobblestone streets, you catch a view of the Edinburgh Castle at every turn. It sits atop a stony hill, looking out over the city it has protected for centuries. I visited the castle twice and loved it both times. Castles are undeniably epic and standing at a site that had witnessed so much history was truly awe-inspiring. Edinburgh is small for a city and feels medieval even now. Half the buildings appear to be small castle-like structures. Every other shop is a cafe or a pub and you can get hot tea in both. My favorite cafe was the Elephant House, where J.K. Rowling famously crafted the idea for Harry Potter. 

In the center of the city lies the Meadows, which is a sprawling park. Even in the depths of winter, the Meadows bloomed green and welcoming. People threw balls for their dogs and runners traveled the walkways in between. The city is nestled between rolling Scottish hills and the enchanting Arthur's Seat. I hiked Arthur's Seat before classes began. From the top, you can see the entire city spread out before you. Wind always threatened to blow you away in Scotland, but especially atop a high peak. Nothing compares to the landscape in Scotland. The Highlands are a wild, spirited place where anything seems possible. I see now why Scots believed in druids and will-o'-the'wisps.

I don't think I could choose a favorite part of the city. Maybe Calton Hill, with its view of the city and Arthur's Seat, or the National Museum, where I spent hours exploring. Could it be the peaceful Dean Village, a fairy-tale village plucked out of time? Maybe I would choose Old Town, the ancient center of the city where bookstores, restaurants, and a cat cafe wait patiently for visitors. Off the square extends Victoria Street, which Diagon Alley is based on. St. Giles Cathedral--gothic and reverent--is a must-see, as well as the cemetery famous for its guard dog, Greyfriar's Bobby. I loved them all. I didn't get to live in Edinburgh for long, but the time I had there was the best experience of my life. I can see why it inspired J.K. Rowling to write Harry Potter because it possesses a special kind of magic. Although my time there was cut short, I will always be thankful for the moments I did get there and for all of the adventures I had. One day, I hope to return. 

This post doesn't even begin to cover my trips outside the city--to Greece, Romania, Loch Ness, Glenfinnan, Pitlochry, and more. Those are their own stories. I had to cancel my trips to France, Italy, Germany, and Spain, but hopefully I will get there one day. This trip may have ended abruptly but I know many more are to come. I also vlogged my time there if you wanted to watch. And if you are considering studying abroad or just travelling--do it. You won't regret an opportunity to see the world. For me, that is all I have ever wanted. 

Would you visit Scotland?