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| Edinburgh, Scotland |
I miss the cheap drinks and food. I miss the feeling of familiarity that I got waking up in a small city. I miss the random person in the bar starting a chat with me and knowing that they're not just thinking about holding a barrel to my head.
'stupid American...'
I miss our long hikes and the beauty that constantly surrounded us. I miss the small group of students that became so close, spending every minute, day and night together. I miss the history of the city, and the pride of the nation and the diversity of the people.
I miss the feeling of being in one place and belonging, almost like being home.
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| Pentland Mountain |
Now I am in London. I have left behind Edinburgh, Glasgow and the colorful accents that accompany the land and the people.
I have learned to love this place too. I have gotten used to the city, picking up groceries for dinner on my way home from class, finding the best pubs and restaurants to grab a pint, and learning to love the famous fish and chips.
It is Spring 2011. I am studying at Syracuse University. I am taking a 15 credit semester, I have a full class work load, I live in a flat with my eight roommates. It seems like any normal semester, yet I am not in Syracuse, New York. I am in London.
Before I arrived, I looked forward to discovering an unfamiliar culture, to meeting new people, to waking up to a different skyline in the morning. I wanted to walk the streets of London, shop at the markets, walk around Westminster, find a little pub to become a regular at, and learn to call Flat 60 Fursecroft my home.
For ten days this was exactly what Scotland was to me, home. I sought to have a similar experience in London as I did in Scotland. And in the beginning, that's what I did.
But now the days are flying by. I'm traveling so often that I have Euros in my wallet and Pounds in a little baggy that I throw into my bag when I'm back. 3 days in London. 4 days in Italy. 3 days in London. 4 days in Istanbul. 3 days in London. 4 days in Spain. 3 days in London. 4 days in Portugal.
Am I studying abroad in London or am I traveling Europe for the semester? I've lost the ability to tell the difference. Even though I am still discovering unfamiliar cultures, meeting new people, and waking up to different skylines each morning, I can no longer tell you the best places to meet friends for a drink or where to grab a bit to eat in-between classes. If you come and visit and ask what touristy things you must do while you are here, I will not be able to tell you for I have not done them either.
For ten days Scotland was my home, today London is, and in 2 short months I will return to Fairfax and Turkey Creek Court will become my home once again. I hope by then I will have an understanding of where I have been for the past semester and all that I have learned in my time experiencing Scotland, studying here in London, and exploring other countries around Europe.
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| Parliament and Big Ben |
I'M LIVING IN LONDON.
Before I arrived, I looked forward to discovering an unfamiliar culture, to meeting new people, to waking up to a different skyline in the morning. I wanted to walk the streets of London, shop at the markets, walk around Westminster, find a little pub to become a regular at, and learn to call Flat 60 Fursecroft my home.
For ten days this was exactly what Scotland was to me, home. I sought to have a similar experience in London as I did in Scotland. And in the beginning, that's what I did.
But now the days are flying by. I'm traveling so often that I have Euros in my wallet and Pounds in a little baggy that I throw into my bag when I'm back. 3 days in London. 4 days in Italy. 3 days in London. 4 days in Istanbul. 3 days in London. 4 days in Spain. 3 days in London. 4 days in Portugal.
LONDON.
Am I studying abroad in London or am I traveling Europe for the semester? I've lost the ability to tell the difference. Even though I am still discovering unfamiliar cultures, meeting new people, and waking up to different skylines each morning, I can no longer tell you the best places to meet friends for a drink or where to grab a bit to eat in-between classes. If you come and visit and ask what touristy things you must do while you are here, I will not be able to tell you for I have not done them either.
For ten days Scotland was my home, today London is, and in 2 short months I will return to Fairfax and Turkey Creek Court will become my home once again. I hope by then I will have an understanding of where I have been for the past semester and all that I have learned in my time experiencing Scotland, studying here in London, and exploring other countries around Europe.
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