I am officially and completely done with my academic responsibilities at the University of Edinburgh. Friday afternoon, after finishing my final exam, I rushed over to get a falafel in celebration of my accomplishments. I can’t believe how quickly time flew!!
About an hour after finishing my falafel, I rushed over to the church for rehearsal for my last choir concert in Edinburgh. The concert itself was marvelous, also a milestone marking the end of the year. Even though I performed after attending only two rehearsals this week, I had a great time. Two of our pieces are performed at every royal coronation, and I must say I was moved by chills running down my spine when we sang.
During the stressful week (filled with studies), the floor of my room disappeared under papers and clothes. After taking advantage of the opportunity to sleep in, I spent Saturday cleaning and organizing, and finding my floor. In order to clear some things out, I even packed a suitcase with clothes that will be going home with me in six weeks. I must say it was very different to be packing to return to Minnesota . . . I wonder how it will be in six weeks when I actually do return home.
And as yet another landmark, I said my first goodbye to a friend last week as she packed to return to the U.S. Even though I knew the day would come, I honestly didn’t expect it, and in turn wasn’t prepared for it (I miss her already). Her departure was the first of many, and I must accept the fact that even though I will be staying in Edinburgh until the end of June, my friends will be gradually leaving Edinburgh to return to their families and homes throughout the world.
Anticipating changing circumstances due to incoming visitors, and realizing that time is passing more quickly than expected, I was able to spend some good quality time with my flatmates last week. I have been making regular appearances at a coffee/dessert shop in which J.K. Rowling penned Harry Potter, and I will accept any excuse to return there (any time of day). Also last week I made another visit to our cinema with stadium seating – quite a treat. And yes, I was actually studying before and after all of these excursions. To end the week, I made a batch of MN pancakes at midnight on Friday night . . . I don’t know how my parents would feel if I made pancakes at midnight at home during the summer . . .
Unfortunately since the sun is now up at 5am every morning, so are the birds. They evidently have no concept of humans trying to sleep – argh. Thanks to an earplug, I should now be able to sleep in a bit more, but yesterday was an early and rude awakening.
Yesterday I went to the airport to pick up my first legitimate visitor. Although the People magazine which I requested didn’t make the final pack, I am thrilled to have some true Minnesotan company for awhile. Having somebody experience Edinburgh for the first time helps me to remember why this place is so amazing (although I hardly forget). I will be playing tour guide now, rehearsing for when my family comes to visit.
Upcoming plans include enjoying Edinburgh (and it’s random 80° days), exploring parts of the city, introducing my friend to the unhealthy Scottish cuisine, taking advantage of the 10pm sunset, and sleeping in. Next weekend we will head to Ireland, only to turn around and head down to London for a quick visit.
Time is flying, and I am definitely looking forward to my family coming to visit. I think by their arrival, I will be ready to show them around, and then close my time here in Edinburgh. I like to think that my family will come to Scotland in order to take me home.