Two Weeks

So, I’ve been here just about two weeks (as of around 8am tomorrow, it will have been exactly two weeks), yipes! It still feels like this odd mixture of no time and all and as though I’ve been here for forever. I suppose that’s what the beginning of study abroad will do to you.

Edinburgh is so beautiful. It’s been surprisingly sunny today and yesterday — though the weather predicts light snowstorms this upcoming week, so I suppose the sun over here can only last so long.

I do feel lonely, sometimes. The day I flew out I felt a deep sense of “what on earth did I decide to do to myself”. I’d never flown on a plane entirely by myself before coming here, so it was a strange mix of both international flight and solo-flying. But I do adore traveling, I have (and have had since I was small) this deep sense of wanderlust that makes me want to explore as many corners of the world as I can.

And I’ve been making the most of it so far — trying new things, exploring the city both with friends and solo. I’ve been to multiple bookstores — which are something that always signify a “home” to me, regardless of where I am. If I find a bookstore/bookstores I feel good in, I feel at home.

I got a phone for while I’m here. Now that was a nerve-wracking experience that ended up turning out just fine. I’ve been social to an extent. Every new thing is progress in a new city!

As an example, just yesterday, I climbed “Arthur’s Seat”, which was beautiful. Not a major hike — but still something extraordinary to be able to do in the middle of the city (we certainly don’t have mini-mountains back in Boston!) The previous week I went to Edinburgh Castle. (Expensive, but worth it even if just to say that I’ve done it!)

I think a good reminder for while I am here is to try to do one ‘scary’ thing each day — be it climbing a mountain-type thing, going to get a phone, or even something more simple like cooking something brand-new or finding my course’s lecture room, it’s a good goal to have. And as I do each thing, my confidence in my ability to do new things will only increase. (Or so I’ve been told.)

I do miss Smith, and Boston, and my friends and family, but in an email exchange that I had not too long ago, someone very wise reminded me that we’ve got bits of our homes in our heart, and even if we aren’t with someone(s) who we love at one moment, they live in our hearts. I think about that when I feel unsure or afraid.

My general goals for this blog are to have a place to spill my thoughts, post some photos of my travels and wanderings, and, admittedly, do the clichéd ‘I’m a Junior in college abroad!!!’ thing. I’m not always super good at keeping up with blogs I’ve had in the past, but I think that since this one will be a place for me to talk about whatever I please and the world I am exploring, I will have more luck. (Fingers crossed!) :)

I think my basic goals are to post 1-2 times a week, and more if I feel the inspiration to do so. Let’s see where this experience abroad takes me!