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

Lake District

I've recently learned that taking a break from routine is necessary in staying sane. There's just something about escaping.  That's not to say my life has been particularly routine in the last few months. I mean, five weeks ago I was living in my parents home in Milton, Ontario. Three weeks ago I was couch surfing in London, England. Now I am dividing my time between classes, travelling and nights out in the North of England. Life appears to be ever changing yet somethings don't seem to ever change. Those "things," in my experience are my thoughts; I'm in a weird state of everywhere. My thoughts are always on home, my friends and family and yet my body continues to relish in the beauty and experience that is my exchange. It's strange to think that although I've left and I don't get to see the faces I once saw everyday, those faces still continue to laugh or frown amongst one another. Thankfully, I was able to busy myself from my strange thoughts by heading to North Western England, visiting the famous "Lake District." As much as a cliche as it is, being around a large body of water is such a peaceful experience. Setting sail on the largest body of water in the United Kingdom as the autumnal leaves changed, while the sky was a dull but comforting grey and the birds sang and the leaves whistled was an absolutely enriching experience. 

Windermere was both a beautiful town and an impressive body of water. The Lake District really allowed me to extract myself from my superficial issues and enjoy everything nature has to offer. Thank you for being such a beautiful and therapeutic place.

xoxo

Wants and Wills

I don't have any major updates (not necessarily true I recently had a shopping trip in Newcastle and watched a Premier League match in Sunderland, but more details on those later) however I have been feeling many things all of which are quite positive and most of which I want to share. 

I've set out to replace all my wants with wills.

I want to travel and see the world,

I want to laugh everyday

I want to be happy

I want to live an adventure.

I want to be surrounded only by people who love me and bring out the best in me.

I want to keep reminding myself that the only things in life I can control are my thoughts and I want every single one to be positive. 

These past two weeks in the United Kingdom have been so enlightening. I am constantly in awe of what hard work and dedication have brought me. Preparing for this exchange was an emotional ferris-wheel and I am finally at the top overlooking the view and admiring my accomplishments. The opportunity I have has allowed me to meet so many wonderful people and see so many beautiful places in such a short span of time. I can't help but think, if this is only week two how will I feel during week three or four? Month four? Month ten? How much can one trip change me? Obviously a trip can only change you as much as you are willing to be changed but this has really been a catalyst on my journey to happiness and I have never been more excited. 

I will travel and see the world,

I will laugh everyday

I will be happy

I will live an adventure.

I will be surrounded only by people who love me and bring out the best in me.

I will keep reminding myself that the only things in life I can control are my thoughts and I will ensure every single one is positive

xoxo 

ps. It was my birthday last week, I am officially twenty how did that happen? 

London Baby

I have not disappeared. I've just been stuck in ever changing timezones and on planes and trains and life got quite exhausting quite quickly. Nevertheless, I have so many fun and exciting things that I am so happy to share with all of you. As I've stated a countless number of times xPartyintheUK is an exchange blog, and as of a week and a half ago, this exchange thing became real. Initially I wrote a post discussing the terrible scare I had in regards to receiving my visa, however I just never posted it and I'm not entirely sure why. Basically, although I received and e-mail confirming my visa had been issued I never received an email that my passport (which is sent to out when issuing a visa) had returned. So two days before my flight I ventured to Toronto and hoped and prayed to ever God imaginable that my passport would miraculously be there. It was. That was on the 15th of september. On the 17th I boarded my flight 

and after a little positive reinforcement

 I was in London

(It took everything I had to not to buy anything from this stand) 

Also, I noticed I've never included a picture of myself on my blog, so here I am riding on a double decker bus in London. 

I've settled in nicely to my college here at Durham and it is absolutely lovely, I also went on a trip to Newcastle earlier this week so photos of both of these to come! 

xoxo