One week down

I have officially survived my first week of this crazy adventure!

A week ago, I was landing in Edinburgh and had no idea what was awaiting me. I was definitely most nervous about this part of the trip because I was going to be travelling solo and have never been to Scotland before.. but I was in for an amazing surprise. This city totally captured my heart! I met some absolutely amazing people and made memories that will last a lifetime!

When I first got off the bus in Edinburgh to be honest I was feeling defeated. I had to pay an arm and a leg for overweight bags, and I lost my phone on my layover. I was dragging my suitcase up a giant hill and then all of the sudden I turned a corner and saw this amazing view

Seeing Edinburgh castle for the first time literally took my breath away. I couldn't help but stop and smile. Here I was jet lagged, drenched in sweat from carrying all my stuff but just seeing something so beautiful made me know that no matter how hard it seems at times, it's going to be an amazing journey.

The first full day in Edinburgh I made a new friend from California named Jamie and we went on a walking tour of the city. I learned so much about this amazing city, it's history and it's dark past.

Edinburgh Castle

I also learned that Harry Potter was written in Edinburgh and even got to visit Lord Voldemorts grave

At night we had an alternative style St Patty's day celebration and went on a ghost tour! We visited the Underground City and the Graveyard that night..I was too scared to take pictures for fear of summoning the spirits but it was quite the experience!

The rest of the week was a blur of beautiful scenery, eating traditional Scottish food, listening to bagpipes on and getting rained on every single day. One of my absolute favourite memories from this place is the walks up to Arthur's Seat. Though it was a super challenging hike it was entirely worth it once we got to the top 

And the best part of the trip was on the last night I found a Spanish club in the UK and danced the night away to Reggaeton until 3 AM😎

After only two hours of sleep, the next day I had to catch my flight to London. I arrived at my hostel in London and after a little nap decided to head out to Parliament Square like most tourists do. I walked along the Thames river snapping photos from the bridge of the London Eye then walked by the Parliament and Big Ben. 

The next day I met with a friend for coffee then decided to go to Buckingham Palace before catching my train to Margate, totally oblivious to what was going on over in Parliament square

I was already in Victoria Station, on my way out of the city when my cousin messaged me about the terrorist attack. A wave of anxiety consumed me and all I could think about was getting out safely. I boarded my train minutes later and was whisked away into safety. But on the train I started to think about how lucky I was. The previous night I was exhausted but decided to go to Parliament Square anyways. I know things could have been so different if I had decided to put it off, and all I can say is my guardian angel was definitely looking out. As I always say when these things happen; Terrorists want terror, they want people to live in fear and if we give in to it they are getting their way. I will never ever not take risks for fear that something bad could happen. Instead I am remembering to live each day to the fullest because you really never know what will happen tomorrow.

That being said, I am safely outside of London in a town called Margate with my friend Hayley. Tomorrow we will be off to Florence to celebrate my birthday weekend and I can't wait!