Noha says hi from Scotland

Hello from the quiet city of Edinburgh. As a part of my PhD project, I moved to Scotland Rural University College (SRUC) last December. SRUC is a research institute that delivers postgraduate courses and consultancy services. The working environment is different compared to Foulum; there are not daily coffee breaks for the whole section, nor bread days. However, the PhD students arrange gatherings informally and they often go to Ceilidhs, which are social get-togethers to enjoy folk music and perform traditional Scottish dances. The institute arranges a yearly postgraduate conference for PhD students to disseminate their research work with their fellows and colleagues (although, because of COVID, this was cancelled this year). The campus is located close to a golf course and a big park with a hill (where the old Royal Observatory is) and a 'burn' (that's the Scottish word for stream) running along the bottom, where I used to go for short walks after lunch. 

Edinburgh is vibrant and lively; bringing history and modernity alongside. The city is touristic and student-friendly, offering a wide range of events and places to go. Besides, the city is culturally diverse, bringing various cuisines and arts together. There are number of international music and film festivals held every year. I managed to enjoy one movie during the Iranian film festival in January before the lockdown! Getting around the city is quite easy, you can reach almost everywhere on foot. When I moved to Edinburgh, I expected a similar weather to the Danish one, but it felt colder and windier here-- very windy :) (we've had over 80km/h gusts here more than once!). 

People are friendly and welcoming, but the Scottish English is a little challenging to understand especially when people speaks so fast?. Because, currently the whole city is under a lock down, and we are only allowed to go out once for necessary groceries and once a day for exercises and people from different households are not allowed to gather. Supermarkets are still open and some restaurants are open for only take-away or delivery. Although the situation is unlikely to change before June, people are trying to keep their spirits up. Rainbow drawings decorate almost all the windows in my neighborhood and there are inspiring quotes written on the pavement. 

So far, my work hasn’t been dramatically affected, except for having noisy neighbors (two six year old boys bouncing off the walls with pent up energy!). Getting used to the new normal was challenging at the beginning, but I am lucky that my accommodation is close to Hollyrood Park and in walking distance to the beach in Portobello. When it is sunny, I go for walks around the park and enjoy the view of the swan lake. I am looking forward to discovering more of Edinburgh. 

Sending you good vibes and remember: this too shall pass! :) . Stay safe and take care of yourself wherever you are. Looking forward to see you all soon.

Best 

Noha