We all have our story, but the angles change as years go by. These days, I often get asked about my life in Scotland. How I ended up here, how long I expect to stay or both. People are interested in this. They want to understand. I get that. When I meet new international folk in Edinburgh - which in this cosmopolitan city is no rare phenomenon, I too ask about location choice. It intrigues, if not inspires, to hear people talk about their personal journey, quite literally. No individual is the same, that is what is so great.

This summer marks my five-year Scotland anniversary. As a EU citizen I can now apply for Settled Status. It is a bit of paperwork, not too onerous, and definitely worth it. Settled Status means – among other things – that I have the right to live, work, and stay in the UK as long as I like, free of immigration control. In theory, 12 months after my settled status is confirmed, I should also be able to apply for British citizenship. I say in theory, cause the ‘jury is still out on that one’.

Initially, the plan was to stay for a year, maybe two, and see what happens. Five consecutive years in the land of whiskey, haggis, and the kilt: who would have thought?!? Time flew, it still does! Living abroad, here in this stunning country, enriches me every single day. Here is to five more years. I think. Again, let’s see what happens. No need for more specifics just yet. For now, I am going with the flow. That, in itself, feels pretty damn good.

Quality time

It might seem crazy, but one of the things I like about living abroad is to welcome visitors from oversees. Close friends and family I mean. When people are here, they are here. It’s a quality time thing. Daily ‘stuff’ is left behind. There are no household obligations, no work pressures, no dangling kids. There is this vacation spirit which puts people in a genuinely relaxing mood. It is a time to catch up and make memories on the spot with twinkling moments, big or small. With social media it has become easier to stay tuned with the lives of friends and family members, but nothing can replace true, face-to-face, one-on-one conversations, shaped by the people I am with. Call me sentimental, but I will never grow tired of that. How pleased I was to spend this summer with visitors from oversees. Itinerary wise, I was able to intertwine a few things and different social groups came together. I love it when that happens!

Go wild

A few weeks back, I was invited to go wild camping. One of the many spontaneous undertakings this year (I am thankfully embracing the post-COVID era, needless to say). We went to Silver Sands Beach in Aberdour. A nice spot in the Fife region and just a 40-minute drive outside the city. It was a new location for me with gorgeous views and a lovely beach. I doubt it will be my last time there. Granted, the weather was not anywhere near the Mediterranean climate I have camped in before, but the scenic, rustic outdoor feel was the same and so was the enjoyment of the company I was with. Good times!

I forgot how much I like camping. On a whim, that invite made me decide that it is time to get my own tent and camping gear. Five years living in Scotland is long enough. Amazon, again after my recent reading spur, allowed me to get organised quickly and on time. I am now all geared up and ready for my next wild camping adventure.

Who’s with me?!?