the nyx nook: 1
Quick Disclaimer: This was written on my phone, as my laptop is currently packed away, so please forgive any funky formatting. Also, this is a very brief recap of the week, and doesn’t reflect all my feelings or all the things that happened. Things have been missed! As is the nature of memory.
One week in Scotland in the books! A week ago today, I made my way to the Calgary Airport to embark on my next adventure and exchange teary farewells with beloved friends and family (miss you bunches, and really special thanks for being there, Chance and Taylor <3).
It was quite an adventure of a send-off, with some unforeseen obstacles and extra long lines to overcome. But my brother and I made it to the gate just as boarding began, with just enough time for a quick (and necessary) bathroom break before we got onto the plane. Initially, we planned for a very quick layover in which we would have to run across the Toronto Pearson Airport, but lucky for us, the connecting flight was delayed and we had time to spare (and to eat very overpriced airport food). Eventually we were able to board our flight to Edinburgh, and then it was just over six hours between me and my next phase of life. I am not built to be sitting down for that long though, and those six hours definitely felt longer than they were. I made it though, and we touched down in Edinburgh early in the morning, jet lagged like crazy, but ready for a new adventure.
From the airport, we caught a bus to Dundee to drop off my extra suitcases at my partner’s flat so that Drake and I can enjoy a few weeks of backpacking before I settle in. Thank you for lending out your room to store my things Gabriel, love you!
Luggage stored, and backpacks filled, Drake and I took off to explore Dundee. We walked along the waterfront, and I had my first sighting of the National Cycle Network, which was super cool, and has made me even more excited to get settled so I can get myself a bike! We wandered through the streets, and befriended many a seagull as we took in the new place. Eventually though, the jet lag got to us, and once we were able to check into our hostel, we were out!
Tuesday brought us to Stirling to visit with Gabriel! It was also Drake’s first time on a train and we had such beautiful views on the journey. When we arrived in Stirling, we were almost immediately met by Gabriel which was so wonderful, I had missed them so very much. We spent the day exploring the castle grounds and walking through the streets. I tried (vegan) haggis for the first time, and it was delicious. Later that evening, we stopped in at a pub, and I had my first pint of Tennents. Truly, checking a lot of Scottish boxes that day!
The next few days were spent in beautiful, sunny Glasgow, adjusting to the new time zone, and exploring the city that will soon be my home! We spent many hours walking through the streets and beautiful parks, and checked out many a museum and art gallery. Though expensive, we’ve also been trying lots of new restaurants and staying in a large variety of hostels, Air BnB’s, and hotels. We’ve also been learning the extensive transit system that Glasgow has to offer, which has truly been an adventure. I went to a few flat viewings, and Drake got a new tattoo! Overall, a very productive week in Glasgow. Tomorrow, we hop on the train to Edinburgh for even more adventures.
This week has definitely felt like longer than just seven days. And my brain hasn’t quite wrapped around the idea that this isn’t a vacation, but the first step in creating a new home for myself. I’ve definitely had a few moments of being very intensely stressed about the whole situation. Fears of making friends, or finding a job, or a place to live. But I also know it’s going to work out. And I really do think I’m going to love it here. Glasgow is such an artistic city, rife with opportunity, and I know I’m going to make the most of it. Things will start settling, and I’m going to have an amazing time. Plus, it’s only been a week! I have so much time to figure the rest out. I’m so excited to be here, and I’m so excited to see what the future holds. On to new and thrilling adventures!
