As mentioned in the previous blog I recently moved up to Uist to study Traditional Music at the Lews Castle College campus in Benbecula. I can tell you, what a change! I'm sitting here on the terrace, sunbathing and writing the blog so I think it's very true to say: THIS IS THE LIFE!
I came up here over a week ago and the first impression was massive. You get the hills on North Uist and South Uist and then Benbecula in between which is completely flat. Quite impressive in my opinion. Nevertheless, I came to the house I will stay in for the next couple of weeks and I could literally not stop smiling. I stay in a house on Grimsay which is just between Benbecula and North Uist and if I look out of my bedroom window I can see the hill Eabhal, which is on North Uist. Literally stunning! I could just sit in my bedroom and watch the scenery for the whole day.
First day I went for a wee wander round the house and after going for a run I experienced something very unique. I stopped for a break during the run and there was nothing. No sound. I guess in a world where technology and a busy lifestyle is normal for almost everyone we don't even know that it exists. The only thing I could hear was my own breath. No wind. No cars. No people. No noises. Nothing. That was so impressive that at that moment I felt very blessed to be able to experience such a place.
Next day started and it was time for the first day at college. I'd heard a lot about the place, but I've never seen it, so that was exciting! I met some of the most welcoming and nice teachers and staff and honestly: I had never seen such a small college before. Nevertheless it has all the facilities you need and is so much more personal than all those big universities. What a lovely place! Can't wait for all the new experiences I'm going to make in the next year.
Coming home and speaking to my landlord I realized that this was going to be a different lifestyle up here. Not in a negative way though you just have to be aware of certain things and build your day around it. First thing:
- shopping: You will go shopping probably once a week. That means: Plan your meals! Of course you're not going to die if you forgot something but planning your shopping and meals helps making your life easier and less stressful. Which leads me to the next point -->
- public transport: See it's not as if there is nothing, but it's very limited and you need get some time to get used to that. From the place where I stay to the college there is a bus 5 times a day and the same for getting back home from college. At first I was sure to buy a car because your just so dependant on those times. On the other side buying and owning a car is expensive especially if you're very young. If you get used to the public transport you soon find yourself in a position where you learn how to plan your day better and also that you're not completely lost without a car. Also: People on islands are a lot more social and helpful in those things so even if you're stuck, there will be people who will give you lifts if you ask them.
- weather: If you're up here the weather is a lot more extreme than in most parts of the country and there is lot more wind. I guess the weather changes during the day are typical all over Scotland, you just need to be prepared for everything. That means: Use the good weather! As soon as there are rays of sunshine, get out the door and enjoy the weather!
- socially: The communities up here are very strong and there is a lot of stuff happening within the communities. Everyone knows everyone and somehow everyone is related to everyone which results in everybody helping everyone where they can. If you come to a place you need to get involved and make the first step but once you've done that there will be lot of opportunities such as clubs, charity events and other stuff.
Just an idea of what is maybe different to other places. There is definitely a lot more but guess I will experience most of it later on and learning by doing suits quite well there.
After a couple of days you will eventually get used to this and I'll tell you it's a slow but steady process. Give yourself time to settle in and get used to the lifestyle and the place and don't beat yourself up if things don't work out the way they supposed to at the beginning. That's why I learned after not even two weeks up here. Instead realize the real beauty of the place and how lucky you are to live up here. I realized I'm getting a bit poetic there, but the place is so stunning you can not say it enough times.
My highlight was definitely yesterday when my landlord came in from a dog walk and said "get a jacket and shoes, we're going out NOW!" I was confused as hell but did as she said and went out the door. She said "now have a look at the sky, what can you see?" I couldn't believe my eyes and stood there with my mouth open. Never in my life had I seen so many starts at one. There was literally thousands of stars, the milky way AND NORTHERN LIGHTS! I was trying to take photos but that was no comparison how it was in real life. This phenomenon is so breathtaking you only realize how amazing it is when you see it in real life. What a unique thing!
Let's see how many amazing moments like this will appear during my time up here in Uist but I'm sure there will be a few more. I will definitely keep you updated.
Enjoy your weekend!
Cheerio bye,
EMILIA
Comments