The Search for Church

When you're a child, finding friends is easy. It's a fact. My niece, who recently started kindergarten, proceeded to tell me that a week into starting school that she has "like 45 friends." To be friends at that age consists of two or more children that want to play the same thing. You don't even need to know their names and yet, they are now your friends. Couldn't be easier.

As you grow older, friends are harder to find. You find a lover, create a life with them, possibly have children, or fur babies and your life fills up with that and work. I remember thinking how strange it was when I heard my friend's parents didn't have a lot of friends. I've typically been someone who has probably too many friends to the point that you can't find time to hang out with all of them.  Rough problem to have. And as I've gotten older, those friendships dissipate a bit because of the aforementioned stuff. While it's a little sad, it's just life. We are no longer in high school hanging at movie parties with a dozen people.

Now that my husband and I find ourselves across the pond, we've been determined to settle quickly. We want to find jobs, find our rhythm, and of course, find friends. But that's been harder than I would have thought. We are not bar/brewery goers. We'll go with our pre-existing friends, but it has never been our scene. My husband doesn't drink coffee, so we rarely find ourselves hanging out at coffee shops. We haven't found jobs yet, so work friends are not even an option. Housing was tough to find on campus so we found our own flat 20 minutes away. It's a lovely place, filled with skylights in every room, letting any and all light in, creating the most cozy vibe. But with that, you lose your chance to make other friends from the University. In typical rental places, neighbors keep to themselves, though I'm sure someone on the first floor is at the University as well. We might have to be the neighbors that bake something to share. I shoulda brought my apron!

And the school... let's just say Welcome Week is made purely for undergrads. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but when you attend a party where it consists of 30 18-year old boys playing video games in a small, cramped room, you start rethinking life choices. The other tough part about Welcome Week is that it's made for students and only students. They really don't like spouses to tag along. I think that bummed both me and my husband out. Shouldn't we be able to make friends and experience this new place together? Are we just too old to be in this school setting? I mean, I say yes, but that's besides the point.

So where does that leave us? Church. This is where my husband and I have spent most of our few years on earth making friends. We've essentially grown up in the church, albeit I was absent for my middle school years. But some of our longest friendships have come from the church. Youth group was probably the best thing to happen to us. When you don't party in high school and you love God, you're in a minority. When you find others in the same boat, you become friends fast. We'd have youth group on Wednesdays and Sunday school on Sunday mornings, followed by some sort of thing Sunday night. It was always a safe and comfortable place to go. Which is why I'm convinced these friendships still exist. They are held together by something bigger than us. Relationships not based on work or class or your yoga class on Tuesdays. And not that there is anything wrong with those friendships, nor is it impossible that you can meet some of your dearest friends in these situations. But for me, church has been my safe place.

A very beautiful church near our flat. Not one I've attended, but I'm happy to stare at it

But the search for the "right" church (whatever that means) takes time. We've been to a new church every Sunday. And the stories are memorable.

College Church

This was our first church experience in Edinburgh. We went to a little church fair outside of the university library and this place offered us breakfast before the service. My husband was sold on that alone. We were brought to a flat where we met a few more people. Everyone was very nice! The church service was comfortable for me and I liked the way it was set up. The pastor was understandable (which is hard with those thick Scottish accents some people have) and the vibe was something I was used to. Of course, this church couldn't be farther from our home. So the search continues.

The Church Of the Lifers

For me, this church was the hardest to feel comfortable in. I wished that time machines were real so I could go 20 seconds back in time and not go into the building. While I didn't like the color scheme going on, the hardest part was the congregation, which seemed to consist of less than 50 people, were  a few parents, small children, and people who have probably been going to that church for 50 years. Age isn't the problem. I think it's wonderful to find a church that has a diverse congregation. You can learn so much from their lives. However, when there's no middle group, it's tough. I don't think the older woman behind us was ever going to become my best friend in Scotland. Anyway, everyone was very nice, but I found myself itching to get out. Probably not the best sign. Upward and onward!

The Liveliest Bunch of Them All

The most recent church visit about 20-30 min walk from our place. Much closer than college church. And when we came in, the essence of the church felt right. Right lighting, right vibe, right colors, right amount of diversity. People came up to us and chatted. One man told us we were brave for coming in. Why? Because we were at a charismatic church. In plain English, this church feels moved by the presence of God to sing loud, clap, dance, pray, etc etc. There were people coming up and singing songs that were made up on the fly, people wth some sort of colorful flag they were swinging  around, and a large group of small children that wandered everywhere thoughout the main area, even up on the stage. Super distracting and super weird feeling when it's not the church you're used to. Once we settled into the actual sermon portion and the children went off to Sunday school, the room settled and I felt relaxed. Unfortunately, it might be a bit much for my comfort levels.

While we're feeling like the college church is our best bet, we still might check out another place or two. I know we'll find a place we love, I'm just hoping the process isn't much longer. Good thing we have friends from back home visiting soon! Ha!

Always,
A

A Minnesotan That Misses Target (And Other Things)

Coming to Scotland, I knew things would be different. Obviously. I mean, they drive on the other side of the road here! And we already know my unease over the metric system. But after the past 10 days or so, I've really noticed a lot of little things that I either didn't think I'd miss, or that I didn't realize were differences. Let's dive in to the bizarre (to me) way Scotland does life. 

Where is My Target? 

Okay, okay. I knew Target was not in Europe. They couldn't even make it in Canada. But my goodness, SCOTLAND: you are missing out on convenience! Trying to purchase everyday items here has proven to be quite difficult. We needed a long lighter for our fireplace, and we still have yet to find one. You would think they would have them at little stores or grocery stores. That's a negative. Even trying to buy them on Amazon U.K. Is crazy. Bedding? Psshh. They have one store here called John Lewis that I would compare to a Macy's or Nordstrom. I don't need my bedding to cost over $100. Target easily satisfied my bedding needs for $35. Maybe I don't know the city well enough yet, but I'm not quite sure how people purchase anything. We've gone to so many stores and come out empty handed. Granted, with the university starting up, students bombarding all stores, ransacking the place until all that is left is a down feather from pillows that are long gone. 

All I'm saying is Target, get your act together and cross the pond. Please and thanks. 

Scotland Doesn't Know What it's Missing

You should see the looks I get when I ask where a grocery store's half and half is. They do not have it here. If they do, it's called something different. Honey Bunches of Oats? Try Kellogg's Crunchy Nut. It looks the exact same but tastes nothing like my beloved cereal. Margarita mix? Ha! I've been to a dozen liquor stores. Luckily we made our own (which I'll blog on later) and I think I'm the Margarita Queen. They have managed to have places like Dominos infiltrate the city, and even if I wanted this part of my diet, the prices are insane! There is no such thing as a large 2-topping pizza for $7.99. Try $20. 

Scotland, you are beautiful, but confusing to me 

Needless to say, as I continue my life here, I'll find more and more differences. They aren't all bad. I have to learn to live in a place that has haggis (a "delicacy" in Scotland that consists of sheep's heart, liver, lungs and stomach. I'm dying as I write this) everywhere, but no sour cream and onion chips. Such is the life of a Minnesotan trotting around the globe. 

Boot Sales 

We were left a wonderful binder full of information about the apartment, the surrounding area and some of the previous tenants' favorite places to eat. And within these notes was some information about a boot sale on Sundays. This was especially important to me for a few reasons. Sure, I have my winter boots and my rain boots and tennis shoes, but I also brought flats that you can't walk more than a mile in and flip flops that I plan to never where. I was not prepared for the temperatures and the rain. Stylish boots seems to be the trend here, and I'm all on board with that. 

We had missed the sale the first Sunday, so we made a point to attend this past Sunday. What kind of boots would they have? How does it work? Is it retailers or people selling their boots? The notes told us to head to Omni Park, the parking garage for a theater/restaurant. I didn't think anything of it, but Justin felt a little uneasy. Why is it in a garage? Who knows! But this was going to be great. 

When we stepped off the elevator and onto the 4th level of the garage, I blinked twice to make sure what I was seeing was real. When they say "boot sale" here, they do not mean boots. What they mean is that people take their trash or junk and sell it out of the trunk (boot) of their car. No. No no no. I dislike garage sales for a myriad of reasons, but this took the cake. Car after car had baby clothes, old dolls, shoes that were over worn and games that were probably missing a piece or two, displayed somewhat organized on tables behind their car. There was even a sign that said "Turn your trash into cash." I'm good Scotland, I'm good. 

I don't think my packages will fit

Lorries, Takeaways and a Numpty 

Before Scotland, I couldn't even tell you what a numpty was. Or why there was a sign near our flat that says "Caution: Lorries Turning." While my list isn't extensive, I'll let you in on some words I've picked up on since being here: 

Flat: Basically an apartment. Maybe there is a difference, but I'm not aware of that yet. 

Lorries: This one was interesting to me. Apparently lorries are delivery trucks, or trucks that are hauling goods. What's wrong with the word truck? Ha. 

Numpty: I saw this word on a Snicker's bar in the grocery store. It's part of their new campaign where each bar has a word like "sleepy" "angry" etc. And apparently numpty was one of them. From what I could gather via Google, a numpty is someone who is stupid. 

Lift: Their word for elevator. This one I'm okay with. 

Takeaway: Instead of to-go. I also enjoy this one. 

Wee: They use this in place of little or short. "We're going to watch this wee video." Justin is in love with it. 

What kind of weird voodoo magic happened to this tree??

Bagpipes. Bagpipes Everywhere. 

I don't hear bagpipes from my flat, but the second you get into more of the city center, you can hear it everywhere. I swear they are pumping it through the sewer systems. It's like they want to make sure we know where we are and that bagpipes are a big deal. The first day I caught myself smiling. Bagpipes! Can't say I've heard that too often. On day 11, I'm wondering if the locals drown it out or loathe the sound. Scotland, I feel like you're trying too hard. Just saying. 

So that's it for now! I'm sure I'll come across a million other little things and there will be a second blog of this nature. Anyway, I hope you all in the States are enjoying your cheap dominos and drinking all the half and half you want. 

Always,
A 

From Scotland, With Love

It's been quite the month. Since I've last blogged, my husband and I journeyed our way to the beautiful islands of Hawaii. And while that is an amazing story in itself, today, well today we talk about the big move to Scotland that I've been incredibly nervous about for the last few months. 

In case it wasn't obvious, we made it to the U.K! Nothing has changed for you, dear writer, but for me? Everything has changed! Let me tell you all about it. 

After we arrived from our wondrous vacation, I had a day left of work, one day to pack and then a quick 24-hour stint in Boston before we flew to our new homeland. To say we were booked would be an understatement. We had goodbye parties, birthday celebrations, niece sleepovers, state fair adventures and of course, lots of time spent figuring out what was coming across the pond with us. It might have been a good idea to be so busy — it kept my mind off of what was happening in a few short days. 

To Scotland We Go!

Our flight from Providence R.I. to Edinburgh was.... long. It was an overnight flight and we thought, "Great! We can sleep!" Man was I naive. We were on a brand new plane (so pretty and clean!) and even though everything was great, we managed to forget our travel pillows in our luggage... which was in the bottom of the plane. No pillows = hard time sleeping. I even took a Tylenol sleeping pill to help lull me to sleep, but instead, my eyes felt heavy and I felt groggy for almost 24 hours. I survived, but of course I was on the crabbier side. 

When we landed, it felt just like we flew to another city in the U.S., only the buildings were transported from another era. For some reason, I was unfazed at first. Planes, Airport, Trams, we have 'em all. It's nothing new. But as you really start pulling in to the city of Edinburgh, you start to notice things. For instance, how everyone drives on the other side of the road. Or you start hearing that strong Scottish accent. Road signs also look funny to us. There's so many little things. 

We were lucky to fly in on a day that was sunshine. It was beautiful. The grass is green (probably from all of the rain), the buildings are unreal and our apartment is better than I expected. But, here, I'll break it down for you all on our time here in the last several days. 

The Flat of My Dreams

Our flat is on the top floor, meaning there are skylights everywhere. Even on a typical cloudy day, we rarely need our lights on until the sun sets. I think that if we are going to live in a place where you get about 1 hour of sunlight a day, this is where we need to be. The skylights make it feel alive and full of life. We already bought a few plants to make it feel homier. I'm also surprised on how much space there is. From the website we found this place on, it said the square feet was in the 500's. Now that we're here, there is no way that's true. The bathroom and living room are giant. Our room is the perfect size for us. The kitchen is functional. So to me, it's perfect. 

One side of the living room, new plant included 

Small, yet functional kitchen. And yes! That's our washer 

It Rains. A Lot. 

I was told there would be a lot of rain. And this was not a joke or a false alarm. There is rain everyday. Some more than others. It reminds us of Hawaii when they say that it rains everyday, but it's mostly a sprinkle mid-afternoon. This rain, however, is unpredictable. Our weather app told us there was no rain in the forecast until 6pm. It was sprinkling on us by 10am. We also got poured on walking 20 minutes back to our flat with groceries (and plants) in tow. I was not amused. Lesson: ALWAYS wear your raincoat. This is non-negotiable. 

Timing is Tough

Edinburgh is 5 hours (6 hours once Daylight Savings starts) ahead of back home. So when I wake up here, it's the middle of the night in Minnesota. And I didn't think this would be a problem for me. But I think it will be. I wake up, shower, eat breakfast, work out, run errands and start on lunch and people are just starting to wake up to start their day. That's a whole lot of lonely right there. I'm used to waking up and having the world wake up with me. I'm used to checking social media and having a bombardment of new stories and pictures. I'm used to texting people or sending snaps. I'm sure I will adjust and it won't be so bad when we start relationships over here, but for now, it's strange for me. I don't think Justin notices. 

Justin's School is Hogwarts

Many people have commented on a few photos I've taken of Justin's school and completely believe that he is attending Hogwarts. I personally believe he is. In case you didn't know, J.K. Rowling attending the University of Edinburgh and wrote her first novel's pages on the these streets! There is a street near the main campus called Pottersrow. Hmmm... seems like she may have gotten someone's last name from the school. Just saying. I feel like I need to re-read the books to see if I can catch anything that she may have picked up from this town. 

This is part of the Old College. Unreal

The campus though, it's something one can only dream of. The buildings are made of sandstone (told to me from a girl who brought us to church) and are remarkable. I don't even have words to describe it. The city is filled with old buildings that scoffs at everything the States have done. I'm being dramatic, but you get my point. I never imagined how beautiful Edinburgh could be. 

Outside of New College, Justin's campus

Justin said he always wanted to go to an old school. Well, I think he can check that off his bucket list. 

I Have No Idea How Much Things Weigh/Cost

This sounds ridiculous but it's true. I went and bought pork today to make something in the crock pot. It told me it was £5 for some sort of kg. I am not even confident that that's what the packing said. I weighed myself today at the gym, just to see since I haven't checked since mid-August. It gave me a number in kg. I had to convert on my phone. When something tells me it's £24, I'm thinking, "Hey, that's pretty cheap!" But I forget that it's really over $31 after you convert it. I tried to tell someone what Minnesota weather is like when I realized, I don't know Celsius. So yah. I'm an American drowning in pounds, Celsius and kilograms. Help. 

So Much Walking

On vacation I thought we were walking a lot. We walked almost everywhere in Waikiki. But also we hiked a lot everyday, which brought up our numbers. On that vacation we probably averaged 15,000 steps. Which is a lot considering I walked around 3,000-5,000 on a daily work day. But that's vacation. Of course you're exploring and doing a lot. Hawaii has nothing on Edinburgh. The city is walkable enough, but everywhere we go seems to be 20 minutes away. Justin's school, main campus, the large grocery store, the gym. I'd say we are averaging about 18,000 steps here. I'm tired at the end of every day. But it also makes me think of how lazy we are in the States. Granted, not many places are as walkable as this, but if you would have told me to walk 20 minutes in Uptown last year, I would have laughed. 

At Ease, For Now 

So far I've been handling the change quite well. I guess Justin has adjusted slower than me. We took a nap on the first day and he woke up telling me that he dreamt about how wonderful I was to move so very far from home. There was more to it, but it was a restless and stressful sleep. He woke up and thanked me over and over for being so accommodating and amazing. I'm trying. It's not too bad for me yet. We've spent our days together, exploring and wandering down these cobbled roads. There's nothing to fear quite yet. What it will look like when he starts school next week and I'm looking for work? Who knows. But for now, prayers are definitely working because I'm happy. Like I've said before, if I have to go on this adventure, I want Justin at my side taking it all in with me. 

I know this has been long, but thanks for sticking through it. I just wanted to give everyone a snapshot on my first week here in the U.K. I'll be sure to write more soon! No more long periods of silence from me. Too many adventures and anecdotes to share. 

Always,

A