Part 2 - Christmas time in the city!

Quick update on my last weeks in Edinburgh before coming home for break: I only had 1 exam this semester (don’t be too jealous, I have 5 at the end, 2 of which I wont have had the classes for months… will be interesting to see how my memory fares) and my 1 exam wasn’t till the very last day of the exam period – dec 15th. So after we got back from Italy I still had a nice break before I even had to start studying. It was nice just spending time with my friends, some of whom won’t be returning next semester = ( and exploring the city. Edinburgh is great at this time of the year especially – they set up this whole Christmas carnival in Princes Street Gardens in the center of the city, right near where I live, and even have a German Market set up for the whole month. The lights went up right around Thanksgiving, so the whole city is lit up with Christmas cheer – I know it’s cheesy but I can’t help always having “silver bells” in my head! Had way too much fun Christmas shopping, much to the benefit of all my friends and family haha, and even the crowds on Princes Street (the main shopping street with all the big chain stores and such) didn’t bother me – especially with bagpiping santas for distraction!

Also, just want to add, that it is surprisingly uncold for December. All my friends are starting to complain about the chill, but really I’ve been getting away wearing my fall jacket and a light scarf most of the time and I’m fine! I just keep reminding myself of Chicago winter and I really can’t complain! Even the grass is still brilliantly green! And as I tell people, even though it’s been getting a bit gloomier, it makes it all the better when you get a bright blue sunny day – can’t help but smile when out walking about = ) But yes, in between enjoying the city and getting all my xmas shopping done, I did manage to study hard and my exam went pretty well. I spent that last weekend in Edinburgh celebrating the end of the semester with friends. It was sad saying good bye to those people who won’t be returning, mainly my good friends I met through my program, Mary and Courtney, and Julie, best friend from NU who went to Italy with me. I’ll miss them a lot, but am so glad to have met them and am looking forward to next semester when my other good friend from school Gabby is coming! I’m also thankful for all the British friends I’ve made through EUMC. I think that’s one of the smartest things I did over here, joining mountaineering. I’ve met so many amazing people and now I’m so glad to know I have so many friends to come back to! I’m so excited to be home for Christmas to see my friends and fam, but I’m also eagerly anticipating next semester at Edinburgh. Staying for the year was definitely the right decision! There are so many things I’m still planning on doing, so you can look forward to more exciting blogs in the New Year I promise!!!

My love to all on the holidays, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

~R