DESEMBER_UNIKUM_WEB

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