TGI(almost)F

As I sit here on my couch, looking out the window at a 10:30 p.m. sky that compares to the sky at dusk back home, I find myself reflecting on my first week in Edinburgh almost coming to a close. This past week has definitely flown by, and by no means have I found myself bored.

When I first arrived, the skies were cloudy and gray and I couldn't help but feel myself missing the sunny SoCal weather. But, nothing says, "Welcome to Great Britain" like rain right? Drizzly weather and all, my excitement ran high as we headed towards our flat. On the way to the flat, I encountered the first obvious cultural difference: I was sitting in the passenger seat on the left side of the car. Driving on the opposite side of the road and having to look the opposite direction when I'm crossing the street is something I don't think I could ever get used to. But that's another story. When we arrived, our flat was exactly what I expected. It's quintessentially European with a strange bathroom, small kitchen appliances, and mismatched furniture, but the woodwork and old architecture adds a sense of charm you just don't find in the States. Of course with my luck, the electricity wasn't working, so after a quick (and delicious) dinner at the local pub, we headed to the gym down the street to take a shower. I must say that I do not recommend a gym shower to wash away so many hours of traveling. Eager to sleep but even more eager to feed my Internet needs, I took a look at our fuse boxes and alas, I fixed the electricity! Certainly a good ending to the busy, tiring day.

Sunday morning we went to the local grocery store. First things first, cilantro = coriander, zucchini = courgette, oatmeal = porridge, soda = fizzy juice, shopping cart = trolley, candy = sweets, chips = crisps, french fries = chips, cookies = biscuits, and the list goes on. Sadly, my Arizona Iced Tea addiction will not be fed over the next two months, but I've decided to go the British route and drink hot English Breakfast tea instead. Next up, we explored the city and I got my first feel for just how great and "brilliant" Edinburgh really is. There's so much to see and so much to do over these next few months and I can't wait for what's ahead! Just look at how beautiful it is.

On Monday the 17th (17/6/2013 in the U.K.), my internship with NHS Lothian and Queen Margaret University began. It's been quite a crazy first week of interning and definitely deserves a post of its own, but more on that tomorrow.

For now, I'm off to bed even though the sun hasn't set cause that's the Edinburgh way.