That would easily be my trip to Edinburgh, Scotland, in September 2018. I was super excited and very tired but over-the-top enthusiastic about studying publishing at Edinburgh Napier University for a year. And it was the best experience of my life, my true step into adulting for real.
This place is magical. From crossing the castle every time I walked to taking in every corner of what Edinburgh had to offer, I loved my experience of being away from home to be my most authentic self. I would be lying if I said everything was la vie en rose. There were days when I terribly missed the familiarity of home-cooked meals, festivals, and the language that I spoke back home, but what I gained more was working in hospitality part-time, attending a variety of events, and getting the best experiences of the magazine and book industries, travelling to London, and walking non-stop to see the museums, bridges, and all the once-in-a-lifetime monuments.
And once I submitted my dissertation, I made an elaborate plan to visit Europe with all I earned from working as a part-time waiter/bartender/server, etc. I kid you not, every experience was a new challenge that I fell in love with immediately. From charity balls to serving Princess Anne of Edinburgh, derby races, and rugby stadiums, when I look back, it feels like one giant vivid dream. Such was the intensity of that year. Also, I travelled to Berlin, Prague, Budapest, and Italy on my solo trip. I honestly wish I could have done more of it when I look back, i.e., to live and breathe and create this intensely.
Here are a few snapshots from my extensive collection of photos taken during my time in Edinburgh.
(My first internship was at a lovely second-hand bookshop, which I started after completing a half marathon the previous day! My second internship was at Canongate publishing house)
(Later, I got to intern there as well)
What an incredible milestone — combining travel, studies, and stepping into adulthood all at once. Inspiring!
Thank you so much for your kind words! <3