Journal: 13 January, 2012

In many ways, South Africa was a study abroad of practicality.  Something in me knew I wanted to go, and, at times, it literally felt as if I was being pulled to Cape Town, almost against my will.  I went because it scared me.  I went because I wanted some small access to a continent I had previously unexplored, and, to be quite honest, had somewhat ignored.  It was an experience of learning, and feeling, and loving.  I wouldn't change one bit of it if I could.  Simply wonderful.
Edinburgh, and my time here, is my fairy tale.  It is the land of my dreams and make believes.  It has pulled me towards it for, seemingly, all my life.  The majestic castles, the cobbled streets, the haunting graveyards, and the mysterious fog and hills that hold such visible history leave me breathless.  Its not that this study abroad will be better in any way, its just that this place accesses such a different part of my being.  I think its something like the dreaming, endlessly romantic, always reading, little girl as opposed to the (more) practical, confident, aspiring world citizen nature of the young woman I hope to become.  In many ways my time here feels more selfish.  Its not that I wasn't concentrated on myself in South Africa (I am in my early twenties after all), but rather this feels like I'm indulging in a guilty pleasure.  And I'm going to enjoy every minute of it.

Update:
I've just moved into my flat at the University of Edinburgh after a wonderful week with my family. Living so far away from my nearest relatives means that I often forget what it is like to interact with relations other than immediate family, and I was pleasantly reminded that it is great.  I chatted for hours with my 15 year old cousin, I spend time talking about life and the future with my aunt and uncle, and I explored gorgeous Stirling with my new Holga in hand.  Now I'm back in the swing of new people, new place, and the same emotions with which I'm becoming so familiar.  Its wild, but fun.  Nerve wracking, but fascinating.  I think/know its all going to be ok.
I decided to graduate to blogger from tumblr for several reasons, one of them is that it will be easier to hear from you!  So please let me know what you think, or follow me if you want; I can't wait to hear.  Keep warm.
LOVE.