Exploring the City

Today is Saturday.  I tried to go to a flat viewing this morning, but because I am still figuring out the bus system I got there late and missed it... the worst part is, I'm not sure exactly why the bus didn't go where I thought it would so I can't even say that I learned anything.  I just have to pay better attention I guess.  Hopefully next week goes better!  I have 5 viewings scheduled by the end of Wednesday.  One of them has to work out right?

As a side note, let me explain how getting a place to rent works here:  Most places won't let you rent a property without going to a viewing.  Viewings are scheduled once or twice a week and if you can make it perfect, but if you are working or have class then you are SOL.  Then, if you manage to make it to the viewing and you decide you want the place, you have to apply.  Being from out of the UK this is much more difficult then it should be.  Most places either require you to have a UK guarantor or pay 6 months rent up front, plus all the routine stuff like a credit check and they need to know your favourite flavour of ice cream.  Also, Rent is about 30% more expensive then in Edmonton.  Stupid Canadian dollar....

At least the flat was pretty close to the centre of the city so Erik and I walked around and saw some sights!  We walked the royal mile where some street performers we gathering crowds and we did a little window shopping.  If I leave here without buying any cashmere I will die!  I am in love.  There are beautiful scarves everywhere but I think I saw some cashmere pyjama bottoms and I want them.... so.... bad!  Also, I now have a strong urge to own as much tweed as possible.  Tweed is so cool!  (Just imagine Blaeby in a 3 piece tweed suit!!)  The city is so great to explore!  I hope I get a chance to go to everything!  Sometimes, when you live somewhere, you don't take advantage of all of the awesome things you can do and then its too late.  (For example, I have still never gotten around to going to the Yardbird Suite in Edmonton)

Earlier today, while walking along a cobblestone street, I was unintentionally eavesdropping on a Scottish couple.  I have to say I was a little impressed at how well I have been able to understand people here, I means some people have stronger accents then others and I miss a word here and there but I have done pretty well. Unfortunately, my self-reverie was cut short when I later tried to ask a bus driver if his bus was going where I wanted.  I have NO idea what he said!  I eventually decided that his response was far to complicated to be a yes and that I should try a different bus.  (I later realized that is was also too complicated to be a no... so I have no idea)  Oh well, next bus got me home just fine.

I'm excited to go to church tomorrow, Evan says our ward is really nice!  (For those who don't know I'm a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Days Saints)  I'll keep you posted on my quest for a home... Hopefully next time I'll have good news!

Post the First

Yup... Starting a Blog again by popular demand (of one person, thanks Mel)  This time I will keep readers posted of my life since moving to Edinburgh, Scotland from Edmonton, Alberta.

As for the title of my Blog, its my way of saying I have no clue what the crap is going on (In more then one way) because....
1. We don't have a place to live yet
2. We don't have enough money to make it the whole year for Evan's degree unless one (or both) of us works.
3. We have zero plans or clue about what is happening after his masters is done
4.  I have to re-learn how to shop, travel, and keep Blaeby entertained, among other things

If it sounds like I'm complaining its probably because I am, but my attitude is coloured by the fact that I have a really bad cold and I am sitting in a tiny room surrounded by suitcases.  Secretly though, I'm also excited.  I have always loved a challenge and can't wait to get a handle on things here!

My trip here went much better then I expected.  Don't get me wrong, traveling across the ocean with a 20 month old and a nasty cold is unpleasant at best, however... we ended up with an entire row to ourselves on the flight from Edmonton to Iceland (6 hours), on a supposedly full flight, which was awesome!  Plus, Blaeby slept for most of the trip.  I didn't sleep a wink, but I'll take what I can get.

Evan was waiting for us after we got through immigration and it was wonderful to see him again!  Blaeby acted as if he had never left and went to him right away.  Evan was prepared for him to play strange because it was a month since they had last seen each other but Erik was just like "Of course I'll hang out with my dad while you go out of eyesight for a few minutes mom." (If you know Erik, you will know that this is a pretty big deal)

We have done a little exploring and the city is beautiful!  One thing I have been able to determine so far is that I have to re-read Harry Potter.  My word, there is sooo much stuff that Harry Potter is based off of here!

As of now, we are staying at a place that Evan found on Airbnb.  It is pretty small and doesn't have a kitchen, which makes food a little tricky.  On the other hand, the room has it's own entrance and bathroom and is fairly modern and quite nice.  My biggest complaint is the bed is brutal.  You can feel each individual spring digging into your back.  It would be the easiest fix, all you have to do is buy a mattress topper!  But nope...  It leaves me battling metal springs and an incessant cough for sleep. We are looking for a new place though, and hopefully will find one soon!

What happens next? Who knows! Until next time...



PS.  If you wanna chat with me, give me Blae a call on Facebook messenger, but please keep in mind that we are 7 hours ahead over here.  (Thanks!)