Adventure around Corners
A large city, a public transportation system, and an abundance of opportunities. This is what Edinburgh has offered me so far. I've walked more in the last 6 days than I probably have in the last year, and I've seen more in the last 6 days than I ever could have imagined. Around the corner, there could be a symphony center, a monument, a bookstore, a coffee shop. You name it, Edinburgh has it.
Every day has brought a new adventure, from climbing up a hill in the dark to Calton Hill, from seeing Joshua Bell and the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields orchestra perform, from sitting at a Starbucks overlooking the Edinburgh Castle. It's all so unexpected, yet will soon become familiar. I don't want to lose the sense of wonder that I have now because I believe that that is how you continue your journey in life. Through the good and the bad, I don't want to lose the amazement that I have for Edinburgh because there are so many more places to explore.
Even though the walking can get exhausting, it's the easiest and most interesting way to travel here. You never know what you'll find. Thankfully for my feet, the bus system is also convenient (and occasionally complicated) for my excursions further away. Today, I navigated to Usher Hall, the main symphony center in the city to hear Joshua Bell and the orchestra in concert. I knew he was here because we passed the hall the other day on our explorations. The fact that one day I can discover a new place, and two days later, I can hear a famous violinist (for the second time) and a famous orchestra only 20 minutes from my new flat. These are the magical moments of Edinburgh.
My ticket and program from the performance this afternoon.
I've learned that I can take myself anywhere I want and see anything I want with a quick Google Search or map update or bus app. I can find it within a matter of minutes, and I can see it that day or the next. Technology has been very helpful here, but I'm sure once I get the hang of the navigating, it will become much easier.
Six days down, a little less than four months to go. My adventures will continue.
Lucky Strike of the Day: I met a woman who sat next to me at the symphony who was also a musician and aspiring orchestra member. It's great to see that this artistic connection carries over in another place.
