The last few days have required a lot of people saying how tired they are or how they can not wait to go back home. So many of my peers are homesick and connecting family or friends in their free time. Most of them want pictures of their pets. However, I do not want to go back at all. This trip has been such an eye opener for me, and I just want to experience more.
Today required my biggest health scare during this trip. Before coming on this trip, I was very hesitant on how my body would handle things. Shockingly I have not had an issue until the last day which is a major relief. All day I have felt horrible, and I almost past out 3 times. However, the view from this morning was worth it.
Now, I need to rewind to the start of my day to give a better understanding. I woke up early to go on a hike with my tour guide and a few classmates. I was already hesitant on going because of my heart condition that requires me to not do a lot of physical activity. I had my friends from back home motivate me to go because I told them excited I was to do it. The hike was on top of the highest peak in Edinburgh, and I just wanted to take artsy photos.
The walk to the mountain was easy because it was downhill of the Royal Mile. Then, we had to go up. The mountain was a lot more steep than I thought it would be which caused me to get overheated very fast. I sadly did not make it up to the top. Personally, I saw I made it about 60% up the hill which is still a huge deal for me.
While everyone went to the top, I laid in the grass and people watched. I saw dogs, sea gulls, hikers and other tour groups. I sat beside an older French couple and what I assume was their daughter taking photos of them. I love French so I was trying to see if I understood them. Once I gained my strength I walked around the tiny area I was at. The view was incredible and a moment I will never forget. If I looked straight ahead I saw these beautiful yellow flowers. Then I saw the city with water behind it. Even in the horizon behind the water there was a tiny island before another piece of land. To my right and behind me was lots of hills with hiking trails up to the top. With the clear blue sky, lush green grass, and bright yellow flowers, everything seemed vibrant. I was a lone for a decent amount of time which required a lot of thinking. I reflected on my life and this trip and how happy I was to finally visit a place I have wanted to go to since 7th grade. Throughout the day, I have felt nothing but misery from the heat exhaustion yet that view of the city made my mentality better.
The rest of the day did require me to not enjoy it as much as I wished. I did enjoy the dinner we had and the ghost tour that followed. Also, I finally got to take some nice portraits on my DSLR too. I know I am going to wake up and feel sad about leaving. Out of all my adventures of traveling, this one was definitely the most unforgettable.