#1. My University
The University of Edinburgh is currently listed as one of the top 20 universities in the world, and boasts of great alumni, such as Charles Darwin, David Hume, as well as 20 Nobel Prize winners and 2 prime ministers. There have also been notable university officials like Prince Philip and Winston Churchill. The University was established in 1583, making it much older than some countries in the world, including the United States! Its rich architecture, value of academics, and love for pubs makes it the ideal school for anyone who values a well rounded education.
The University of Edinburgh is currently listed as one of the top 20 universities in the world, and boasts of great alumni, such as Charles Darwin, David Hume, as well as 20 Nobel Prize winners and 2 prime ministers. There have also been notable university officials like Prince Philip and Winston Churchill. The University was established in 1583, making it much older than some countries in the world, including the United States! Its rich architecture, value of academics, and love for pubs makes it the ideal school for anyone who values a well rounded education.
#2. The Simplicity
In Edinburgh, and most European cities from my knowledge, everything from going to the grocery store to buying a pair of shoes is much more simple and basic than the US. Every few blocks of the city there is a small grocery store that people visit every few days (as opposed to once a week like we do in the US) where the products are simple and the name brands are few. Ordering coffee here is simple, the only question you get is "black or white"? (Although this threw me for a loop when I went to Starbucks the other day and I ordered a "tall dark roast", the barista looked at me like I was speaking Japanese and said "Sorry, is that a coffee you want, we only have one kind, the drip. But I can put milk in it for you!"… just another awkward moment to add to the list.) The shopping mall is even underground, making it easy for the people of Edinburgh to enjoy the green summer grass on a nice day while still being able to get the latest fashions.
In Edinburgh, and most European cities from my knowledge, everything from going to the grocery store to buying a pair of shoes is much more simple and basic than the US. Every few blocks of the city there is a small grocery store that people visit every few days (as opposed to once a week like we do in the US) where the products are simple and the name brands are few. Ordering coffee here is simple, the only question you get is "black or white"? (Although this threw me for a loop when I went to Starbucks the other day and I ordered a "tall dark roast", the barista looked at me like I was speaking Japanese and said "Sorry, is that a coffee you want, we only have one kind, the drip. But I can put milk in it for you!"… just another awkward moment to add to the list.) The shopping mall is even underground, making it easy for the people of Edinburgh to enjoy the green summer grass on a nice day while still being able to get the latest fashions.
#3. Adventure is out there!
Seriously though. Just a few blocks away from my flat is King Arthur's Seat which is a hike that makes for incredible views of the city! My friends and I hiked up only halfway to the top and were still amazed with the beauty it provided. In the city itself every corner hides a new adventure, each rich with history and usually some sort of haunted story behind it. And, if you're lucky enough, you'll hear bagpipes for each new turn you take (feeding into the stereotypes of Scotland, there are a very surprising amount of bagpipers roaming around the city, and all in kilts, I might add)
Seriously though. Just a few blocks away from my flat is King Arthur's Seat which is a hike that makes for incredible views of the city! My friends and I hiked up only halfway to the top and were still amazed with the beauty it provided. In the city itself every corner hides a new adventure, each rich with history and usually some sort of haunted story behind it. And, if you're lucky enough, you'll hear bagpipes for each new turn you take (feeding into the stereotypes of Scotland, there are a very surprising amount of bagpipers roaming around the city, and all in kilts, I might add)
#4. The People
One of my favorite quote is, "It's not where you are, but who you're with that really matters." And although I must say that where I am right now is a pretty magnificent place, the people that I am with are amazing too. During my short time here I have made great friends, having someone there to laugh with when you give the bartender 20 pence instead of 2 pounds (kind of a big difference) or when you try Nando's for the first time (the rumors are true, it is delicious) is something that I will never forget about this experience. My flat is a mini UN with 4 of us and all from different countries (China, Chile, Canada, and the US). Every day I am shocked by how different my lifestyle is compared to that of someone from another country. I have always used the saying, "It's such a small world." This world might be small, but it is extremely diverse.
One of my favorite quote is, "It's not where you are, but who you're with that really matters." And although I must say that where I am right now is a pretty magnificent place, the people that I am with are amazing too. During my short time here I have made great friends, having someone there to laugh with when you give the bartender 20 pence instead of 2 pounds (kind of a big difference) or when you try Nando's for the first time (the rumors are true, it is delicious) is something that I will never forget about this experience. My flat is a mini UN with 4 of us and all from different countries (China, Chile, Canada, and the US). Every day I am shocked by how different my lifestyle is compared to that of someone from another country. I have always used the saying, "It's such a small world." This world might be small, but it is extremely diverse.
#5. The Food
Shocker, I know, there's never been a food that I've met that I haven't liked! Although Scotland is not known for their exquisite cuisine, I have really come to love it! Their affinity for minced meat wrapped in pastry and fried foods has really grown on me. My favorite of all I've tasted so far has been Digestives. Although the name of it is not as appetizing as this chocolate-coated biscuit truly is, I have to thank my cousin Erin for introducing me to these sweet little wonders which I've fallen in love with. Placing the cookie over a hot cup of tea allows for the chocolate on the bottom to melt and be gooey and delicious, you can also dunk it in a cup of tea and bite into happiness.
Shocker, I know, there's never been a food that I've met that I haven't liked! Although Scotland is not known for their exquisite cuisine, I have really come to love it! Their affinity for minced meat wrapped in pastry and fried foods has really grown on me. My favorite of all I've tasted so far has been Digestives. Although the name of it is not as appetizing as this chocolate-coated biscuit truly is, I have to thank my cousin Erin for introducing me to these sweet little wonders which I've fallen in love with. Placing the cookie over a hot cup of tea allows for the chocolate on the bottom to melt and be gooey and delicious, you can also dunk it in a cup of tea and bite into happiness.