Alejandro

‘I was visiting London, and a couple of my friends invited me to join them on their trip to Edinburgh. It wasn't part of my plan, but I tend to do that. I say yes to things and figure the rest out later.

We took the night bus up to Edinburgh and stayed for four days. I absolutely loved it. I was like, I'm not ready to leave, I want to spend more time here.

Two of my friends were going to be travelling from September until January, so they asked me if I wanted to housesit. All I had to do was water the plants and pay utilities. I did the necessary paperwork and made the arrangements to work remotely.

I stayed in Cowgate. I quickly got used to the noise of the drunken students at night outside my window. It's really close to the Royal Mile and Grassmarket and everything, so I loved it. Then I started meeting Scottish people and being invited to parties. Sometimes I was the only non-Scottish person there!

I had to go home eventually, but Scotland did make an impression on me. I ended up coming back this year to study. Edinburgh changed my whole life.'

Alejandro

Notes

This interview has been edited for time. The cemetery mentioned is Greyfriars Kirkyard.

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