21: Edinburgh

Ages ago I listed the 21 Cities I'd most like to visit during my year abroad. However with the realization that my months remaining in Europe are depleting as are my funds the reality of visiting all these cities appears to be unlikely. Nevertheless I do intend on seeing as many of these cities as possible. So, to finally get the ball rolling I spent last weekend visiting the closest of the twenty-one cities, I ventured on a two and half hour car ride north and arrived in Edinburgh. During my short trip to Scotland, Edinburgh quickly became my favourite city in the UK. Not only is it beautiful, but the people were amazing. I have absolutely no complaints. 

Autumn is certainly the best time of year for travelling.

 As much as I love the scots I can't say that they are the classiest of people.

 I hate myself for having chipped nail polish in this picture. 

 If there is one thing to know about me, it is that I love Harry Potter. So, obviously a trip to Edinburgh would not be complete without having lunch in the "birth place," of Harry Potter. Honestly, the food wasn't any different than most cafe's but it had a great view of the castle. Plus, if it's good enough for JK it's good enough for me.

 

 I was visiting Edinburgh with a huge Scotch fan, so the opportunity to go on a minor "Scotch Whisky," Tour could not be passed up. 

Prior to this trip I've never really been a Scotch person. In fact I basically hated it. During my weekend in Scotland however, I drank so much, learned so much and returned with so much Scotch that I know consider myself a Scotch appreciator. 

 I stayed at Castle Rock Hostel (photographed above) and had a wonderful stay. All of the other guests as well as the staff were phenomenal. If you are visiting Edinburgh I would recommend it, it is affordable and has a great location.

Also, whilst in Scotland I visited the highlands and went a bit mad in the Scottish National Museum so stay tuned for those!

xoxo

The Post You've Been Waiting For...

Since the beginning stages of my blogging I've noted the uncertainty that it encompasses. This is meant to be a blog dedicated to my exchange, my party in the UK as I've said over a dozen times. The party I've dreamt of for years on end. With every step closer to this possibility becoming a reality I've updated you, each time highlighting that I was a step closer, but not having reached the end goal. The unofficial yes' I've received in the last six months did little to make me feel comfortable and merely increased my frustrations. From being considered, to nominated and so on and so forth I've been on edge. This reached an all time high when, on June 4th I received an e-mail stating that my "application was currently with the relevant department(s) with a request for module approval," and that Durham would  "be in touch with  a list of modules approved by the department(s) as well as an appointment with an academic adviser upon arrival at the  university. " I mean that basically sounds like an in, doesn't it?. Of course the e-mail continued on to say things like "Students accepted for study at Durham University will receive an official offer letter of acceptance as soon as possible," implying that not all students receiving said e-mail would receive an admissions offer. 

My anxiety increased a week later when I received another e-mail which stated that I had been "accepted for two modules by the School of Government and International Affairs," however the other courses I selected would not be available during the 2014/2015 year. So I would need to send them an updated course list before I would be able to receive an official letter of acceptance. Finally, on July 8th 2014 I awoke to an e-mail finally confirming my place at the University of Durham next fall. 

Its actually funny how I got the e-mail. England is five hours a head of so, when I awoke at 6 am because I needed to pee they were already deep into their business hours. So, after returning from the bathroom I did what any compulsive technology obsessed teenager of the 21st century would do and I checked my phone. After seeing the e-mail I was so excited I couldn't fall back asleep. I lay there, with three hours of sleep still available before I had to leave for work. My heart was racing, my fingers couldn't stay still and I was the most excited I've been in a very long time. This is real, this is happening. I have been accepted at the school that has been both my driving factor this year while also inflicting indirect self-doubt. I got into Durham. I'm moving to England. This is real, this is not a false alarm. 

Obviously such exciting news requires celebration so last night I called up some of my oldest girlfriends and we discussed my excitement, my fears and my over all shock over food and drinks. 

Honestly more than anything I am shocked. This has been an idea for so long and the prospect of it as a reality is difficult to grasp. In fact I was almost certain that I wasn't going to go on exchange, as I hadn't responded to my Scottish offer in time. I'm so excited for what this can become and yet I still fear it all slipping away from me. I guess I won't feel fully comfortable until I get my student visa, and even then I won't feel confident until I am on the plane. I look forward to keeping you all updated. 

xoxo

The 21 Cities

The scariest part about applying for this exchange is that three of my best friends here at Uni (L,A,C) are also applying. Meaning, that if I don't get in, I'm not just failing myself, I'm failing them too. Its so nerve wrecking, we’re already planning all of the amazing experiences we’ll be able to share when we’re all away. Its not as if we’re all going to the same place (actually, all three of them intend on going to France) nor are we going for the same time (C plans on only doing a semester exchange) but having familiar faces only being a channel away makes it less scary. However, having to break it to the girls if I do not get in is terrifying in its own right. Since I’m trying to look at the world with new positive goggles on, I’ve aimed to tell myself I am going (which is quickly followed by a maybe) I also tell my self they are going (again followed by hopefully). Nevertheless, the girls and I have made a list of cities that we intend on travelling together when (if) we do all go to Europe. They are as follows:

1. Dublin
2. Budapest
3. Athens
4. Amsterdam
5. Prague 
6. Tuscany
7. Edinburgh
8. Cardiff 
9. Vienna 
10. Rome 
11. Venice
12.   Madrid 
13. Brussels
14. Frankfurt
15. Geneva 
16. Copenhagen  
17. Cannes
18. Munich 
19. Luxembourg City
20. Belfast   
21. Brighton

This list was made by each of us selecting four or five of our “must see,” places in Europe.Intentionally, london and Paris were left out as those are no-brainers. We're going. Finally, we complied our favourite cities. They’re scattered all over the continent, hopefully we’ll be able to get to each of them. I know there are some that I can’t allow myself to not visit. Baby steps though. I have to get into my exchange program first. 

xoxo.