Bright Lights Bigger City

So if you know me, you know that I'm not versed in urban, but I aspire to be. I've fallen in love with places like New York City and I'm committed to the idea of living there someday. With Edinburgh, its the same story. At first I really had my reservations because I felt like the city was a bit cold in more ways than one. I know that's true of city life in general, but there was just this kind of subtle aloofness that rubbed me the wrong way initially. But with more time that I spend here and the more people I connect with, I feel almost comfortable. I learned a lot about myself in the short span of time that I've been here or at least reaffirmed what I already subconsciously understood. I'm not big on being the kind of person who goes out and parties at clubs. I don't really appreciate being dumped amongst random inebriated people without a little backup. I'd much rather meet people in a less forced situation that's more laid back and open.

Don't get me wrong, I've met some nice people this way and I appreciate the assistance broadening my social sphere, but I don't really know if I need it. There are somewhere around 15 people that came across the pond on the same study abroad program and I'm happy to say that I've clicked with a few of them. My equestrian lover (meaning that she loves horses, actually she loves all animals) is such a bubbly, friendly, loving person (a great complement to my sarcastic, brash self). I've already made plans to go to Paris with a dude that is pretty laid back and definitely on his organization shit. I have yet to really get to know the rest of the crew, but I really hope to. The seniors on the trip are like the cool kids on the block and kinda do their own thing, which makes me feel like the younger sibling that wants to be with it. I secretly wish that I was one of them because they're just really smart, insightful people.

One of my closest friends from college who's on this trip with me lives on virtually the opposite of town (I would have to walk a fucking hour to get there) in a building that's basically a repurposed hostel from what it looks like. It looks like it was built at least 50 years ago, but I could care less that they randomly have sinks and questionable smells in their rooms. They have the most friendly, inclusive, outgoing, happy, jazzed people that I have ever met. I decided to come visit him a few days ago and I am thoroughly in love. It wasn't quite a Dartmouth freshman welcome, but it was pretty close. I met this amazing, spunky chick who's from Connecticut and she's just the most hilarious and lovable person and this lovable Scot named Scott who I just adore. The whole building is just a fantastic community, which is basically what compelled me to gush in the written word. The first time I met them, they fed me, went to a bullshit creative writing (which turned out to be fantasy writing) meeting, and got KFC with me. Today I returned for more of the much needed affection and ended up watching part of a lesbian film in their common room with a handful of other people, ate some more, got groceries at Sainsbury's, and decided to make cupcakes at 9pm. I honestly have never laughed as much as I have with these people and it makes me sad to know that our love is on a timer. I'm so glad I found people here that I absolutely am fond of because I was feeling a little lonely here. Having meals alone is honestly so depressing so preparing meals for each other is seriously uplifting. I think we have plans to travel to Florence potentially, which honestly would just be incredible, but even just sitting around and talking is amazing. Fingers crossed that we stay friends even when I go back to the Big Green.