A little
over a week from now I will be on my way to Edinburgh for the fall. After spending six
weeks abroad in London this summer, I anxiously anticipate returning back to
Europe. There is a true thrill in being abroad- where everything new old and
far between bind at your fingertips. My curiosity for travel is one visited by
many twenty-something year old students before and certainly after me. I hope
my blog serves as another string of online entries capturing worldly tales of aspiring
students and encouraging others to follow in similar footsteps.
My decision
to study abroad at The University of Edinburgh was rather impromptu and born
out of the unusual, yet liberating experience of a semester free from the
traditional academic curriculum. This year I earned admission to Brown
University for the spring of 2015. The fall semester was subject to
exploration. I teetered between my options to return to UMiami, work and maybe
even studying abroad. After much sifting and sorting, I arrived at the decision
to study abroad. After all, I had always hoped that my studies would carry me
to all pockets of the world and right now, this fall, the opportunity was
staring me point blank in the face.
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| This picture was taken at Borough Market in London this past summer at the food stand “Scotchtails.” Here they serve their take on Scotch Eggs in a perfect mess of creative culinary perfection. Scotch Eggs are a traditional Scottish food that is a hard boiled egg wrapped in meat and fried. Yum! During a chilly fall, I will be indulging on Scotch Eggs. |
I am particularly enticed at the
opportunity to live and study in Edinburgh this fall. My concentration is
political science and I have a passion for studying culture and tradition.
Scotland will be undergoing their referendum for independence from the United
Kingdom this September, which will be specifically interesting for a political
enthusiast. Edinburgh is one of the oldest, yet enchanting cities in the world.
Born out of stone castles and medieval tales, I am excited to study in a place
that has inspired so many scholars and writers before me. Maybe I will even
find my self taking a stroll down the famous literary lane where J.K. Rowling peered out her window and wrote her famous novels.
This fall
will most certainly invite all sorts of explorations within Edinburgh, but it
will also be the opportunity to travel throughout Europe. I have plans to
travel to Munich for Oktoberfest, Paris and Amsterdam. Each excursion will be a
series of new adventures, but to be shared among old friends. I will be
traveling with friends who are also studying abroad in Europe, both from UMiami
and from home. It is also a chance to visit my family in Holland as I had done
this past summer while studying in London. I hope my schedule continues to fill
up with travel both in and beyond Scotland. Everyone loves a little
spontaneity.
Well,
Scotland I will see you in a week. Here’s to a couple of months of seeking out
the sweetest bakeries, hiking Arthur's Seat and visiting castles perched along the city. I cannot wait to explore Edinburgh's many wonders. Until then countless
pinterests, blogs and “top ten” lists will do. Stay tuned for next weeks edition on my latest Scottish travels.
Pack your parka were shipping up to Scotland!
