Entry One
The adventure has begun.
I am writing this inaugural entry from the desk in my dorm. In relation to my apartment back home, my dorm is a third of the size, a third more expensive, and I sleep next to my kitchen. Somehow, I still feel like I made the right decision.
The first day was hard, though. By “first day,” I do not mean the time I spent travelling with my friends before moving in. No, I classify the first day as when my mom left. I was a wreck. In my defence, I did get my period twelve hours after we parted, so I barely stood a chance. Thank god for my dad’s insomnia! He’s a disgustingly early riser, so I was able to call him and have a virtual panic attack. He talked me down and got me to stop crying, a power he’s had over me since the day I was born. I seriously don’t know how anyone does this without a supportive family.
Anyway, it’s only gotten better from there. My dependence on Google Maps is subsiding, and I’ve met lots of really cool people. Both my co-residents and my classmates are an incredibly friendly bunch. Learning about their various cultures and upbringings has been a highlight. I've been getting to know people from Ireland, England, Ukraine, Hungary, Switzerland, America, India, New Zealand, and, of course, Scotland. I’m happy to report that the common thread is kindness and curiosity.
It has also been hilarious to explain various Canadianisms to my peers. During a break on the first day of school, some of us started talking about favourite genres. I brought up prairie literature, and before I could explain the genre, I had to explain what a prairie was. Nobody knew what a prairie was! I couldn’t believe it.
While I do miss my prairie province, it’s pretty freakin’ cool here. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to the fact that I pass a castle on the bus ride to school (the one where Mary, Queen of Scots gave birth to King James IV). Edinburgh has every convenience of a major city, with every charm of a tiny European town. Each day, I hear bagpipes blowing in a courtyard or a jam session pouring out of a pub. I could try a new restaurant, cafe, shop, or bar every single day, and never get to all of them. I just love how much happens here. I feel like I’m in the world.
That’s all I have for now. My goal is to post here at least twice a month, but we’ll see what the demands of school have to say about that. Thank you for taking the time to read and check in, I sincerely appreciate it.
