Edinburgh is such a beautiful city but I’d say it’s even more so at the moment without the thousands of tourists and congested streets. I’m sure all capital cities around the world are the same right now and while I fully appreciate it’s not the way we want them to be, I’m taking advantage by exploring mine through new eyes. You notice things you haven’t seen before, spot corners and detail you missed previously due to all the people that would normally crowd the streets and hide it all.
One of the biggest changes is the reduction in traffic. When has a big city ever been silent or calm? Usually it would be bustling with life and noise from the chatter of folk going to or from work, catching up with friends or stopping for a coffee and a cake. I didn’t venture to George or Princess Street this time around, instead I took in the surrounding area and admired the historic buildings alongside the emerging modern landscapes. Old meets new on every corner and somehow it works and blends in perfect harmony.
I love to explore cities by foot. It’s the best way to stumble upon something you wouldn’t have if you were on the underground for example. While Edinburgh doesn’t have a metro like London or Paris, it has trams, buses and trains. I’m not a big fan of public transport at the best of times and during the current climate I’m understandably avoiding them even more than usual. Walking aimlessly and taking time is something we don’t always have the luxury of doing. Work and day to day life often gets in the way and we seem to always be in a rush. We tick one thing off the to do list and get straight on to the next.
2020 has slowed life down in the most unusual of circumstances however when I look back on this year, I want to remember the positives even if they are only few and far between. Time spent with loved ones is cherished now more than ever, eating out at a restaurant is a luxury rather than an everyday occurrence and exploring our own countries is more attractive than travelling overseas.
xo!