It seems that within all of us, there lies a desire satiable
only by a change in movement and location. Indeed, it is part of the human condition - something inside us
longs to see the white lines whiz by on the highway or the world pass below from the small, oval airplane windows. There is a distinct crave, being homesick for a place you have never been: this is
fernweh. My fernweh has taken me
to the British Isles, where already I have experienced a euphoric happiness just watching the rolling
hills and craggy cliffs pass by from my rain-spattered windows. Needless to say, I have great expectations for all that is to come!
My first week here was a whirlwind of adventure in Edinburgh, Scotland. Within the first 24 hours I found myself at the summit of Arthur's
Seat, feeling as though the entire world was at my feet…and 20 minutes later I
found myself on my back, sliding down a ravine (apparently Lee, Lucy, and I
chose the wrong side of the mountain to descend... YOLO). However, as we were slowly easing down said ravine, we saw the most
beautiful rainbow appear - both ends just a few yards in front of us with all of Edinburgh below. Although I was throughly coated in mud, I smiled and realized that this was now my home!
 |
| The rainbow was too close to fit into my camera frame! |
The Edinburgh Fringe Festival was well underway when we
arrived and the city was so alive! Three million people crowded into Scotland’s
capital, which normally is home to around 450,000. As we made our daily treks up
and down the Royal Mile, hundreds of performers created myriad a spectacle in
the streets all the while harassing us with fliers for their shows.
Here are some examples of the more tame exhibitionists.
 |
| Creeper shot |
 |
| Casual |
I think the way
each of us handled these folks says a lot about us: Lucy pushed on past without
blinking, Lee selectively choose who she would take a flier from, depending on
the attractiveness of the young man handing them out…and me? I took a flier
from Every. Single. Person. (My need to affirm others.) There was a point when
I considered putting on a costume, standing in the street, and passing out my
jumble of random fliers from various shows as a joke.
We quickly discovered that people do not sleep during Fringe
and the streets were loud all night long. We found a place that played nightly
folk music and, one evening, the band played “Wagon Wheel”. Stuff got real. I don’t think I need to
tell anyone that I so loved being able to dance!
We also got to see the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, which may
have been one of the coolest things I have ever seen. Taking place at the foot
of Edinburgh Castle, the Tattoo was a celebration of Scottish history and
included many military bands from across the world.
 |
| Views from the Tattoo |
 |
| Tattoo stadium |
Edinburgh was also the kick off point for a leg of the Paralympic torch relay, which was pretty amazing!
 |
| Casual Olympic torch |
 |
| Paralympic taegeuks |
Some other brief highlights from Edinburgh include cruising on Loch Lomand, Stirling Castle,
French Connection Crepes, Grassmarket district, seeing David Hasselhoff and his 13 year old girlfriend two separate times, AND the Scottish
version of an Indie Craft Parade.
On Sunday, Lucy, Katelyn, and I had found a beautiful little church on the
Royal Mile. As we sat through the announcements, we learned that the church had
gotten a new intern. Then, the intern stood up to introduce herself. Lucy and I gaped
as the young girl said she was an Auburn alum affiliated with RUF. We chatted
with her after the service and I realized that even in Scotland, RUF continues
to amaze and fulfill me!
Immediately
after church, we made our way to the Stockbridge Farmers Market, which was WONDERFUL. I couldn't have asked for a better way to spend my final day in Scotland.
As I boarded
the bus on Monday morning, heading to Northern England, I caught a glimpse of the "London 2012" flags on the street. I couldn’t help but imagine the
Paralympic torch and its journey towards London. I realized in that moment that I too had begun my own journey and I certainly had an Olympic-sized adventure ahead!
Currently Listening: “Generator ^ First Floor” – Freelance
Whales
“On Top of the World” – Imagine Dragons
“Give Me Love” – Ed Sheeran
“Daylight” – Maroon 5
