My third month in Scotland was equally as eventful as the first two. I began the month exploring Edinburgh more, seeing the amazing historical artifacts and models in the National Museum of Scotland, and trying delicious local food at the weekly farmer’s market with a hot mocha from the doughnut shop across the street. Edinburgh is full of opportunities to try new food and experience different cultures, and the farmer’s market in Grassmarket is one of my favorite places to do so. It also conveniently contains one of my favorite pubs for fish, chips and cider, the Beehive Inn. With my flatmate and their friend from home, I ventured into Calton Hill, a beautiful hill filled with multiple historic monuments and providing a fantastic view of the city. Edinburgh is an exceptionally gorgeous city when you’re walking its streets, but it is absolutely stunning when seen from above, especially at sunset. After visiting Calton Hill, we revisited Swanston farm, a local farm filled with sheep and highland cows, making friends with a sweet young cow named Haggis. I’m always amazed at how friendly the highland cows are, as they always let us pet them or walk by without causing a fuss, regardless of if there was a fence in between us or not. Soon after, I was visited by my aunt and uncle and had the pleasure of playing tour guide, taking them to my favorite sights, restaurants and pubs. We explored the castle and saw the crown jewels, took an audio tour of the Royal Yacht Britannia and even danced at one of the weekly ceilidhs held at Stramash, a local pub. They both really enjoyed their time in Edinburgh, and I was extremely happy to have the chance to see them and show them around.

Closing the month off, I traveled to London with a few of my flatmates, hitting as many essential locations in four days as possible. One of my favorite experiences was the British Museum’s Roman Legion exhibition, which contained countless rare and extraordinary items including the only remaining fully intact Roman long shield. The Tower of London was exceptional, as well, with a seemingly endless amount of history and rooms to explore and read about. March was an amazing month, with as much travel and new experiences fit into my schedule as my coursework would allow. Edinburgh is a city filled with limitless interesting things to do and places to see, so I know I have much more ahead of me in this next month before I return home.

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Learn more about this blogger’s study abroad program: Heriot-Watt University