Happy Election Day! I’m over in France, terrified about the state of the world in the next twelve hours, as is every other study abroad student at my school. What a way to celebrate. Let’s not think about that.
In other news, I have just returned from Fall Break, a ten day pause in life to traverse around Rome and Edinburgh. Rome was absolutely remarkable. The way the history was intertwined with the modernity of the city took my breath away. (The pizza did, too. And the gelato.) I was lucky enough to see the Vatican, the crypts of the Capucin monks, some of Rome’s early Christian burial sites, the remains of Pompeii, AND I got to climb Mt. Vesuvius. I did not climb Vesuvius gracefully, but I did it all the same.
Edinburgh, though. I’m absolutely in love, and I’m still reeling from how much I could adore a single place. It definitely did not have the same atmosphere as Rome. Rome basked in its ability to make you feel like just a microscopic piece of the world and of history, but Edinburgh was the opposite. As much of a big city as it is, it does its best to make you feel cozy and comfortable, like you’re just returning home once again. I spent too much time in The Elephant House (birthplace of Harry Potter), but I also found a ton of really cool shops in which to pass my time. The people were friendly (and English-speaking!!!), the food was delicious and heavy, and the city itself looked like it came from a storybook. 10/10 recommend if you’re ever in the need for some good rejuvenation – maybe just wait to rejuvenate till it’s a little warmer.