04 June 2012
Back in Town
I've been trying my hardest to be present the past few days here in Edinburgh. However, I think I really yielded to the jet lag this time. Not to mention the fact that for the past month or so I've been constantly doing things for this trip. I finally gave in to the urge to nap...
I have been SO tired and the weather has been SO nice. Sort of ironic, right? LOL
Thank goodness the days are so long here right now. I haven't felt guilty about staying in and resting in the mornings. I've gotten out each day for walks through Holyrood Park and visits with friends. A nice little balance. I also have been starting to get a little nervous about the big shift. I don't think my new life has really sunk in yet...I'm still sort of floating around in limbo.
I do remember going through similar emotions when graduating from college. Not really a funk, but no full-on party either. I think I am sort of lying low right now. Settling in on Iona will be helpful.
I had to re-adjust to the cold here too. It was really warm when I left New York. I felt like such a wuss because I saw a lot of people in short sleeves while I had busted out my scarf and jacket. My friend, Hilary, informed me that it's the law to wear short sleeves here in June. :D I still think my inner thermostat needs a tune-up.
Maybe I should have planned a little differently. Maybe I could have used some more quiet time (there are a lot of tourists here for the Jubilee). Although I have been able to escape since I know the town fairly well. I can slip off to quieter places or hang out around Arthur's Seat.
Can I also share that I've been sort of embarrassed by some Americans this time around? There seem to be a lot of us them here right now. During my first meal back, I was sort of bombarded by a slightly clueless family. Not fun on 1 1/2 hours of sleep. I tried to send love and leave it at that. It was a definite test.
Oh! And I also had an unpleasant experience with a really rude bus driver. That was lovely. Sort of reminded me that rudeness can be found anywhere and allowed me to flex the "try not to take things personally" muscle. My friends expressed their outrage and shared similar stories to help re-align my view on the situation.
Breakfast at The Royal McGregor after flying in
Meeting up with friends has been wonderful. It's softened the weirdness that I'm going through during this transitional time. Made things feel normal and grounded. All my friends have been so super throughout this whole thing. I really appreciate the love and support.
Picnic Lunch on Calton Hill
Anyway, I just thought I'd pop on here and share what's going on. Following a dream isn't all cartwheels and confetti :) There are down moments when you don't know what's going on. So, I'm happy/I'm muddled...and I'm leaving for Oban tomorrow morning and then to Iona on Wednesday. I'm a little worried about the train ride since my bag feels so huge this time, but I'm sure it will all turn out fine (more than fine)!
Today I finally felt the fog lifting. Maybe it was the nap I took after breakfast. And the sun was out again! I strolled along a higher path in Holyrood Park and took it all in. Edinburgh! The air...the green...the space. And me. ;)
I started out in my jacket and by the end of my walk was in short sleeves. I think it will all be fine.
XO