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Final thoughts<br />
I could go on forever, but I’ll try to end this<br />
with a reflection. I actually really loved<br />
being alone for a while, just in my own<br />
world and doing whatever I wanted. I didn’t<br />
have to follow anyone’s schedule, and I got<br />
to see all the places I wanted to see. I got to<br />
write poetry in the Central Library like the<br />
main character I think I am. I got to talk to<br />
an old lady at the gallery who did art and<br />
told me that it was lovely meeting me. I got<br />
to fall in love with my friend, watching her<br />
interact with people, and being her true<br />
wonderful self. I got to have a cigarette<br />
in the park with a stranger and I talked<br />
to a lovely couple during dinner who told<br />
me to enjoy life while I was still young. I<br />
met so many kind strangers and I had so<br />
many moments where I thought “Wow,<br />
this feels like a movie”. I loved every bit of<br />
this trip. I have always been so scared of<br />
being too much alone with my thoughts,<br />
but it all worked out somehow. It made<br />
me want to spend even more time with<br />
myself. I journaled multiple times a day<br />
during this trip, maybe that helped with<br />
my usual overthinking. But I truly had the<br />
most amazing time. I learned that being<br />
alone isn’t all that bad, and maybe that’s<br />
exactly what I need in life right now. I have<br />
fallen on my face so many times trying to<br />
chase people and feelings, and for once, I<br />
didn’t feel like I needed anyone else. I was<br />
perfectly content with myself, and I have<br />
never felt so at peace as I did in Edinburgh.<br />
I came home with a heavy feeling in my<br />
chest of having left a piece of my heart in<br />
that city. It felt unfinished. I learnt a lot<br />
about my identity on this trip too, but that’s<br />
for another time. But all I can say is that I’m<br />
so proud that I did this for myself, and there<br />
isn’t really anything like that feeling. And if<br />
you’re considering a solo trip, DO IT. I mean<br />
it, book the tickets right now. It has changed<br />
my life.<br />
Believe me or not, I have already booked<br />
my tickets back to Edinburgh. See you in<br />
February!<br />
Favourite places:<br />
Typewrongers bookshop – met the nicest<br />
strangers there and this bookshop is just so<br />
cute! They also have a bunch of typewriters<br />
there and actually one functional one you<br />
could use.<br />
Edinburgh Central Library – my dark<br />
academia dreams were realized.<br />
The National Gallery - I spent 4 hours<br />
crying here after having left Aisha at the<br />
train station and met a lovely old lady who<br />
told me so much about her life. This gallery<br />
holds a special place in my heart.<br />
Dean Village – The dream is to move here,<br />
such a lovely little village.<br />
Calton Hill – the sunset from up there was<br />
so gorgeous.<br />
St. Mary’s Cathedral – I was feeling a bit<br />
emotional at the time, and an old man told<br />
me “Peace be with you” when I was lighting<br />
a candle and it made me cry a little.<br />
<strong>DESEMBER</strong> 2023 <strong>UNIKUM</strong> NR 10 23