Hello everyone!

My name is Indigo (yes, my parents are very cool) and I’m a fourth-year International Relations student, which means I’m part of the School of Social and Political Science here at the University of Edinburgh. I’m originally from New York, but spent the first part of my childhood living on a sailboat based out of Georgia (the state, not the country) with my parents and our dog. We then moved to Seattle where I lived until moving to study abroad in Madrid, Spain, for my last two years of high school.

The first time I ever visited Edinburgh I was 14 and tagging along on a work trip with my mom and grandmother. We were only in Edinburgh for about 48 hours, but by the end of the trip I was completely smitten. Stepping out of the cab onto the Royal Mile for the first time, hearing the bagpipes playing and seeing the sun shining on the cobblestones (I really do think we get much more sun than people give Edinburgh credit for), as silly as it may sound, I felt like I had found home.

Cut to four years later, I was deciding between attending a small liberal arts college in upstate New York, or the University of Edinburgh. In all honesty, it was a tough decision. I hadn’t lived in NY since I was small and it was tempting to return to my roots, my family, and ensconce myself in small town life (if you’ve ever watched Gilmore Girls, you’ll know what I’m talking about). In the end though, I realised that I could go live that life at any point – it was there waiting. What I might not have another immediate or straightforward chance to do would be to live and create a life in Scotland, with its every corner steeped in history (and perhaps a little whisky).

I’ve come to put down new roots in Edinburgh, ones that have grown from incredible friendships, favourite haunts, and the particular kind of fresh air you seem to only find here, nestled between the mountains and the sea. Living in Seattle, I came to really appreciate cities that strike a balance between a lively urban feel while still incorporating lots of natural beauty. Spending my first year here during Covid, one of my favourite things to do was hike up Arthur’s seat, the mini-mountain that borders the southeast side of the city. On sunny days it’s perfect for picnics at the base, and on foggy or misty days the hike up to the top reminds you that you’re in the still-wild landscape of Scotland. About a five to ten minute walk from the base is my absolute favourite bakery, called Bits Bakery (their peanut butter chocolate muffins are ridiculously good).

I’ve been thoroughly enjoying my degree (with the occasional exception of some data analysis work – I’ve never been naturally great with math) and the amount of independent study I get to engage in; sitting in a cute cafe and doing my readings for classes like International Law, Culture and Power, or the Politics of Victory for the week is such a vibe. Apart from my school work I enjoy playing the guitar, cooking overly complicated recipes late at night, watching any romcom starring Meg Ryan, and going out for drinks at the hidden/speakeasy type bars scattered throughout New Town.

I’m so excited to have joined the SPS blogging team and to share my experiences with you all!

All my best,

Indigo