Week One: Settling In

somewhere between Heathrow and Edinburgh

driving into the Scottish Borders region

I told myself I would be disciplined with my writing on this trip, but I've been having a bit of writer's block and am lagging on my blogging. I know I promised you regular contact from me while I'm here (if nothing else, so you know I'm alive ;) - for now, I'll have to satisfy your curiosity with some pictures I've taken.

It's taken some getting used to, being so far from home. I didn't think I'd start getting homesick so soon into my journey, but as my friend Gideon pointed out, "It is a part of the process. If it did not come up a little bit, it would not be a big enough leap." He was right. It was a big leap for me. I had never traveled alone before and deciding to go live in another country for the summer -though an exciting adventure -was still daunting. He had shared his own experiences of solo journeys, and I was inspired. If he could sell off his belongings and travel across the world with just a backpack, I could enjoy two months on my own in the beautiful countryside of Scotland.

I didn't make a list of "must do's" for while I'm here, hoping to allow life to unfold as it will. I do hope to write more, to get comfortable with solitude, to explore the country a bit. I'm staying in a small town in the Scottish Borders region, about an hour out of Edinburgh.

My favorite things about the town so far:

*People are really friendly, always going out of their way to help.
*It's quaint but has everything I need -including an old book store -just a walk away.
*The weather has been really lovely thus far. I haven't had to take out my heavy jacket or rain boots yet.

Things I'm learning:
*How to properly pronounce "Edinburgh" -never, never say it like it looks. And no, it's not Edin-bor-ough either. It's something closer to Edinbra or Edinburra, but not Edinburgh with a hard "g."
*The refrigerators are really tiny here (you know, like the ones in college dorm rooms).
*Smiles, thank-you's, and other niceties are appreciated just as much here if not more.

Okay, kiddos, it's dinner time for me here so I'm going to sign off. I promise to be back again soon.

the woods a few minutes walk from the house

one of the cute side streets

a horse from the hike the other night

the river Tweed