Where I Live: Edinburgh

What brought me here: A post-graduate degree at the University of Edinburgh. I had a childhood dream of going to school in a castle and an academic dream to get a degree at one of the top universities in the world. 

What I like about it: There is something mystical and magical about Edinburgh—the buildings, architecture, history—it somehow takes a hold of you.

The amount that Edinburgh, or Edinburgh natives, have given the world is fascinating. Sherlock Holmes, the telephone, chloroform as general anesthetic, the flushing toilet, the car speedometer—all from one concentrated city on an island in the North Sea.

What I wish was different: More sun! I also don’t know if I’ll ever get used to the constant wind.

How it compares to the last place I lived: In many ways, it is very similar to Victoria, primarily its proximity to water and mountains. The main difference is the number of steps here—always a good workout walking anywhere!

Favourite activities: Cycling along the canal, bringing a book to a 17^th century pub in Old Town, kayaking in the North Sea, hiking in the Highlands (bagging munros) and exploring castles.

Favourite neighbourhood: Old Town is just so rich in history. You can’t go a few steps without stumbling on something of substantial significance. You can walk the streets for years and always seem to find something new. Old Town also nicely transitions into South Side, which is where I live. There is a bit of a rivalry between the neighbourhoods on either side of the Royal Mile, but I’m definitely South Side for life!

Favourite restaurants: Ardfern (perfect wine and small plates), Chez Jules (an Edinburgh institution) and Down the Hatch (the Canadian bar!).

Best place to grab a drink: The cocktail bars in Edinburgh are some of the best in the UK. Hey Palu is a favourite for girls’ night with my fellow Edinburgh-based UVic alum bestie. For coffee, definitely Common Coffee, a local roastery independently owned (by a good friend of mine). Their cafe is Mayvn Cafe in the Eden Locke Hotel.

Hidden gem: The Hermitage of Braid (or the Braids as locals call it) is a great park and a bit outside of the centre of town, so it’s the perfect place to go for a walk.

First place I’d take a visitor: The walk around Holyrood Park is breathtaking and is a great spot to get your bearings of the city. Arthur’s Seat [an ancient extinct volcano] is obviously the top hit, but I think the crags are the better walk and the views off the edge are my favourite in the city. It is crazy to think there is a 650-acre park in the middle of Edinburgh!

Best place to take in the views: Besides the crags in Holyrood Park, Cafe Calton on the top of Calton Hill has the best view of the city—why not enjoy it with a spritz! 

Favourite place to chill: The Meadows. I’m lucky enough to live on what I think is the best park in the city. It is also so full of life and is the perfect spot to have a barbecue, order pizza, have after-work drinks or just hang out with friends.

Best place to people-watch: Honestly, the whole city! The Meadows, Princes Street Gardens, Grassmarket—to name a few. But I also saw the King and Camilla when I stepped outside my front door in South Side and Benedict Cumberbatch with his family at the Christmas Market, so people- watching is prime here.

When you should visit: Early spring is generally the best weather and early enough in the tourist season. The amount of tourists who visit Edinburgh is overwhelming, especially during the Fringe festival, which doubles the city’s population—so as a local, I definitely wouldn't recommend August if you want to see the city in its “natural” state!