Have Bag, Will Travel: Edinburgh

Before studying abroad I didn't have a clear idea of all the places I wanted to visit. Obviously if you can't tell yet, I want to go anywhere and everywhere. As the title of this blog series outlines - I have a bag and will travel. Just tell me when and where, and I'll be there.

So while I was living and working in Brussels, I happened to achieve a milestone in my life. I turned 21, and to celebrate I booked a last minute trip to Scotland to visit a friend. The extent of my Scottish knowledge stemmed from pop culture: haggis, JK Rowling and St. Andrews where Will and Kate met. Clearly I knew the landscape was beautiful since I like to spend my free time looking at travel photos on Pinterest.

Edinburgh was nothing like I expected in the best possible way. The city is a city with plenty to do; yet it was quieter, less hectic. Compared to Brussels, Edinburgh felt like a town with all the perks of a city. It was stunning: a city full of green parks, architecture, cashmere and hard to understand accents.

I was only in the city for a quick sojourn but still got to experience a good amount. Walking in and out of bookshops and coffee shops, I perused the Royal Mile, saw the castle and hiked up to Arthur's Seat. Now that was a view. I visited the Elephant House, where J.K Rowling wrote the beginnings of the Harry Potter series. I drank a pint while watching Rugby and ate a meat pie. I even tried haggis - won't do that again.

Edinburgh is a city I could live in for the rest of my life. Unlike London or NYC - which I love - Edinburgh is a city in which to raise a family. It's got the culture and the arts, and my favorite part is that it blends the urban setting with nature. It's green there, and you can always find someone running or walking his or her dog.

I only got a little taste of the city, but it already has my heart. If I can make it happen, I will find myself back in Edinburgh some day.