Week 3 in Scotland and Loving Every Second!

 Hiya everyone! Happy Week 3!

I cannot believe 3 wonderful weeks have already passed in Scotland. Every day here is a new adventure, unlocking something new to explore! 

Starting off strong in Week 3, a few of my classmates and I visited Edinburgh Castle on Tuesday. This was definitely a dream come true and was worth every second. The castle and its surrounding buildings were expansive and rich with history! I especially loved the prisons and dungeons section, as the majority was still intact with added props. As you walk through Edinburgh every day, you will, without a doubt, see the castle at some point in your day, but getting the opportunity to walk through the castle itself is amazing. 

The next day, our same group, about half of our class, ventured out to explore the Royal Botanical Gardens! These gardens were breathtakingggg and you were free to explore everywhere. I noticed some of the plants and flowers there varied from those that are frequent back home, and I appreciated that small reminder that I am quite literally on the other side of the world right now. 

On Thursday, my UCSD #Revelle self was thriving as we got to experience two National Museums of Scotland in one day. I am still in awe that the museums and art galleries are free to visit here. I got to see some beautiful paintings in person, many by Scottish artists or artwork relating to Scottish history. 

Afterwards, we went to the viral Mary's Milk Bar for some gelato, and it did not disappoint. We got to enjoy our cups on a hill across from the shop, overlooking the busy Grassmarket, then went up to the Viewpoint from Vennel Steps (for those who watched One Day on Netflix, yes, those steps). 

Friday and Saturday, our class ventured away from Edinburgh and into the Highlands for our excursion! The Highlands were truly a sight to behold. Nature is everywhere you turn, with mountains and trees surrounding the landscape. Up here, some people still know how to speak Scottish Gaelic, which is a mostly lost language to speak in Edinburgh. Some highlights include a 2-mile trail walk that encompasses Lochan Mor alongside views of Loch An Eilein, walking/hiking through The Hermitage, and of course, highland coos!!

I cannot believe that my time in Scotland ends in two short weeks. I look forward to continuing to explore and cherish the city. Thank you for listening to my spiel. Cheers!

With much care,

Christina 💗