Edinburgh I

A few months ago, when trying to explain to my boyfriend and parents how important this journey was to me, my mind immediately jumped to the cliché term, "dream," but even before I could get the word out I realized how trite and inappropriate it was. In its place, the phrase "projected reality" spilled out of my mouth. That is exactly what Edinburgh has been to me. Not some kind of dream to be longed for and looked back on nostalgically, even if never realized. No, it has been a very distinct part of my future. Now, the future is present, the projected reality simply and astoundingly just reality. I am here.

Many of you may recognize this as a photo of the building I was to live in.

This, of course, was my first choice, but as it was more expensive, I sucked it up. Besides, it's directly across the street from my building, so at least I can look at it.

What I didn't know was that the pretty picture of Warrender Park Crescent (top photo) excluded the houses across the car park of the same name...into which I was meant to move. Meet House 28--residents: (In Alphabetical Order) Eilidh (Scots), Kirstie (Scots), MacKenzie (American), Meghna (Indian), Nicole (American), Stiwa (Bulgarian).

When I saw the outside of the building, I couldn't help but hope that the inside was at least a little bit better. On the up side, we have two stories and my room is on the top, on the down side, my bedroom, which I share with Meghna is probably three times as long as it is wide, and only just wide enough for a bed's-length. I have to thank my mother, however, for years of watching her work miracles with interior design. With a little ingenuity I was able to reposition the furniture to my liking and I have to admit, I'm quite pleased.

This is the view I get everyday almost directly outside my complex. It makes up for the less than stellar exterior.

Here it is again later in the day. It's called The Meadows. I have to walk across it in order to reach my classes. Geeze, so difficult.

In the states, sport-playing is an oft seen activity in parks. Have to say, however, that I can't recall the last time I spotted golfing in a public park back home. This brotha' was quite interesting with his dreads, his threads, and music playing out of his pocket as he putted.

This building is part of a new initiative called Quartermile to renovate the existing old and build new around it. This building is so fascinating. Though it has yet to be renovated, there's so much character still in it. As a side note, the clock functions.

Another, perhaps more vivid, portrayal of the old alongside the new.

I include this photo only in order to demonstrate the intensity of the cobble-stones around here. I've come home with aching feet the last two days. Thank you, Aunt Linda, for the forthcoming boots.

PS: Cobble-stone, cobble-stone!

This is Teviot House, kind of like the Student Union building.

Bristo Square. Incredible, literally incredible.

Another angle of Bristo Square with this fantastic cyclist. I enjoyed watching his tricks, though attempting to photograph him surreptitiously proved to be quite a challenge.

Finally, success. See the larger image for detail.

Finally, Bedlam Theatre. The juxtaposition of the sacred and profane is absolutely fantastic, especially considering that I just found out "bedlam" not only means chaos, but was also the name of an infamous insane asylum in England.

Hope you've enjoyed these. Look forward to the next post.