Hello again!
I apologize for neglecting the blog so much. It's hard without Kayla here to remind me about it - I have a hard enough time updating my own journal. The posts may not be as exciting now that I'm on my own, but i'll try my best to keep everyone updated every once and awhile.
The days really have flown by since Kayla left. I didn't realize it had been so long - almost 3 weeks! The first week alone was pretty rough for me, I must admit. The way timing worked out, both my flatmate Liam and his friend Marcus (who had been staying in the flat in July) left Edinburgh at the same time as Kayla. So after dropping Kayla off at the airport, I came home to an empty flat and the city suddenly seemed much bigger and scarier without my trusty sidekick to keep me company.
Looking back now, it was probably a good challenge for me to get through. I was alone in the flat for about 9 days. Spent the first 4 days locked up in my room having mild panic attacks and bouts of homesickness (which I never would have admitted to at the time). By about the 5th day, I finally pulled myself together and started getting things done. On my own. Ah, feels good :)
I am still without a job, but I have been told it is nearly impossible to find a job during festival time. So I have relaxed a little on that front, and am just enjoying what's left of summer and the fringe festival. The city really has 'come alive' with the start of fringe. I make a point of avoiding Princes St, the Royal Mile, and everywhere inbetween - if I can. It takes about twice as long to walk anywhere because there are so many people. The closest I can compare it to is Canada Day in downtown Ottawa...except lasting for 3 weeks.
I realize I sound like a grouch. And I might be. But I'm quite proud of that actually because it makes me feel like I'm becoming a REAL jaded local, scowling and huffing at all the silly tourists. Hah.
At the end of my 9 days in solitude - EVERYONE +2 came back at once. Liam and Scott were back, plus their ex-flatmate Gavin and his friend Andy came for about 5 days and stayed at the flat. Full house once more. It felt like a reward for getting through that week alone. We had a lot of fun going to different comedy shows at the festival. I was even coaxed into watching a football game at a sports pub on a Sunday afternoon (both teams were from the same city...which confused me). I think it's safe to say that I don't think football will replace hockey for me. I kept these thoughts to myself though.
The UK riots were going on throughout all of this, and we stayed glued to the bbc and sky news for awhile. Very scary. None of us were ever worried about it spreading to Edinburgh though. Everyone here is practically glowing with happiness and beer and general fringe-euphoria. Made me very very glad I chose to live here rather than London.
This past Friday, I saw the musical "Spring Awakening" with my friend Erin (a fellow Canadian!) and it was super well done. It was done by an English Secondary School so I hadn't been expecting TOO much, but I was blown away. Their voices were incredible. I recommend seeing it if you ever get the chance.
I think that brings me up to date, for the most part. I'm going out for drinks tonight with Erin and perhaps making a trip to Ikea tomorrow(!!!) which I am very excited about, obviously.
I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the last couple weeks of summer. Excited to see Mum & Dad in a few weeks!
Love
Amy
PS. Sorry for the lack of pictures! I haven't been carrying my camera around with me very much. I'll try to take some pics of the festival this week.
