The Edinbroad

Gandhi once told me, "Be the change that you wish to see in the world." So here i am.

A few clubs that we have graced with our dancing presence. It’s funny, you can really tell who is from the United States by the way girls dance :O. Going in order of the pictures: Club Oh No!, next two are from Shanghai Night Club, The Hive, and The Big Cheese (our student center hosts a big “cheesy” dance every Saturday night. One word, ridiculous.)

The clubs and pubs here are hilarious with their names. I mean, a complete step up from Dizzy Lizards or Nacho Mamas on Long Island. Our first club was called “Why Not?” It was my first UK club experience and I honestly did not know what to expect. If it was anything like what we have on Long Island, it just was not going to be enjoyable…but it worked out. The club was amazing for our first experience. Before entering into each club, you must get stamped (tramp stamped basically because this ink does not come off whatsoever). This one happened to be a question mark, how ironic (why not, question mark, funny!) But, its great! Each club has its own photographer and damn is it nice to see mah face all purrty (just kidding, im not THAT conceited). The clubs listed below are very fun, especially The Hive. When we went all that was playing was punk alternative cheesy rock. For example: Nickleback, Fall Out Boy, Panic at the Disco, A Day to Remember, The Darkness, All Time Low & Rage Against the Machine…but that’s just to name a few! Really really fun! Definitely worth going back to, made such a good impression on our night! OH! HOW COULD I FORGET! We celebrated Chinese New Years at 80’s night at Shanghai Night Club. I really should have been born in the 80’s. The Music was awesome, the fashion was hot and the movies were watchable. It was so much fun, also considering that we were stamped to get into VIP foooo freeee! WOO! Finally special enough for VIP status. The countdown began as we were dancing to 80’s jams and we listened to everyone cheer and jump around when it was finally the new year!

 

“Tea for Two” at Elaine’s Cuppa Cake, Edinburgh UK. We were defeated after what we thought would be a small meal. Let me tell you, it was anything but….

We never took this establishment into consideration. We would constantly walk by the window that was filled with cakes and treats, but we never decided to go in. One of Jacquie’s friends from home recommended Elaine’s Cuppa Cake for something called “Afternoon Tea.” We ventured into town to find this little hole in the wall, a quaint teashop filled with pasties and a never-ending lingering smell of all things delicious, seriously have you looked at my pictures? We quickly scurried to a table where Jacquie and I exchanged stories pretending that we haven’t been spending every waking moment together (definitely not complaining haha!) We ordered the “Tea for Two,” which blew my mind and filled my stomach with the most delicious deserts I have had in a while. “Tea for Two” consisted of a pot of tea (and yes, the tea kettle wore a knit suit of some sorts, absolutely adorable), four muffins filled with jam, two butter biscuits, four scones with jam and a dollop of thick whipped cream and two sandwiches. Jacquie ordered a chicken sandwich and I caved into the meat trail. I ordered a meatball sandwich with cheddar cheese on white bread. BEYOND DELICIOUS. The tea was fresh and delectable. I mean, look at Jacquie! So defeated at the end of this whole endeavor, but very much worth it. 

The University of Edinburgh’s School of Divinity. Edinburgh, United Kingdom 

The University of Edinburgh’s School of Divinity. Edinburgh, United Kingdom 

Title: Til Kingdom Come

Artist: Coldplay

Album: X & Y 

Year: 2005

Outside of the School of Divinity. Edinburgh, UK

if you understand my last name, then you’ll understand when I say that me and sister both howl at the same moon. 

miss ya sis! 

Going to the chapel & we’re gonna get married

Currently in Saint Giles writing this post as we speak and I know that I have been slacking on my posts. My sleeping schedule is still out of whack so I’m going a little crazy, and it doesn’t help that the beds are solid as rocks, but at least im warm! Big things have been happening. On Saturday we had our first international Meet and Greet at the student center, and I swear it was just like walking into the Magic Kingdom. The castle like structure had neon beams of light that illuminated the sides. As we walked in I held my breath. I get really shy around new people so it wasn’t the most comfortable experience, but hey! We met three people, two who conveniently Jacquie knew. We struck up a conversation and I felt at ease. Later in the evening after smoozing around the student center, we took a still down the street to a pub called The Tron. Now, I haven’t seen any of the movies (new or old) but this pub is quaint and free spirited. Meant for the pallets of a younger generation and we loved it from the moment we walked in. The pub was two levels. Top level was very lit and it was more of a hangout, downstairs was where the music bumped. The bottom floor wasn’t as highly lit at the top, which set such a chill mood. Jacquie experienced her first guiness and I, of course, reached for my pint of heineken that was beautifully poured. I’m easy on the eyes but heavy on the beer (just kidding parents, I’m a classy gal.) 

Sunday was our official orientation. It only lasted about three hours, but I got to meet a few international students and travel around our campus. I was graced with the honor of looking…at a distance…at the cafe where JK Rowling “in the deep” wrote a famous book or something. The cafe is called Elephant House…she would. And, It’s not like I have my religion class in a school that looks like Hogwarts, or there is a Potterrow right by the cafe, or we passed a building called Dobie before. Actually, fun fact, Jk Rowling is an alumni of the University of Edinburgh. I didn’t even know that and I’ve been here for a whole week and a half (LOL just kidding Rowling, I’ve seen the movies and read up to the 5th book)

Monday was our first official day of classes! YAY….but classes have been really good so far. Also we were finally exposed to the cLuB sCeNe, which, I don’t know, I just really loved it. We loved to dance, which made the experience really awesome. I can officially say that I partied at a club called “Why Not” and the stamp to get into the club was a question mark hahaha, what is this life I live?! Definitely not complaining. The rest of the week has been pretty mellow, but I’m hoping it will gain more momentum soon enough. Also, with the help of the girls on our floor, they have been wonderful. We have been going through initiation, but I think we got it in the bag. Their hospitality to knock on our doors and invite us out has been such a beauty to us and we fully appreciate hear girls and guys. 

I guess the good thing about being in Edinburgh is that I get to appreciate what it’s like to be myself again. I’m only here for 5 months so if I slip and say something wrong or awkward, what are my chances of being called out on and then seeing that person again back in the states. 

Although, truthfully, it’s been a little weird being here just the two of us while others engage in the comfort of having a bigger group of people to go out with or room with or travel with, we’re doing just fine for ourselves. I just need to remember that this is still the beginning of an adventure and I know that I need to be here. 

Signing off.

Edinburgh wishes & Scottish kisses

Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh

The Secret Garden

There is a light that shows me the way,

To a secret garden, with a fragrant bouquet,

And as I enter through its welcoming gates,

To savor all that for me awaits -

I can’t help but wonder why the light chose me

Why fate gave me the Garden’s key.

For whatever the reason, this much I know,

It is a lovely place where I love to go -

A garden full of life’s delights -

Of tenderness and wondrous nights.

 

A garden in which to nourish my soul;

A place to go to make me whole

Where the warming light beckons me stay

Where always it is Valentine’s Day.

 

Time has shown me this simple truth,

That the light that shines from high above -

That leads me to this garden each day

Is the nurturing light of your infinite love.

                                                       - Ara John Movsesian