My soul in the highlands
I began my journey with a trip full of surprises, delays and a lot of stress. I arrived to Aberdeen (The Silver City!) to a winter where day was night. I stayed in a hotel for a couple of weeks, then I went to Hillhead.
Classes started in February. I arrived with a mind full of (boring) political analysis methodologies, but suddenly new ideas began to emerge. Universes, characters, and plots were born. Furthermore, I shared my creations with friends from other countries and forged an eternal bond of joy and the same desire to write our stories. However, not everything was easy.
Also, I travelled to another places in Alba or Scotland. I learned that the Highlanders are beautiful people, with many stories of sacrifice and joy at the same time. I watched the sun covering the Cairngorm Mountains and Loch Ness (not Nessie, sadly), walked through Aberdeen, Dundee, Glasgow and Edinburgh.
On that trip, I met friends, new writers, and magical places plenty of history…and stories. But I can't lie. I faced an economical hard scenario. You must know, the cost of living is high, and the weather is a little complex for people from warm lands. Also, there is a growing social tension and there may be fear. Fear? Friends, fear can be fought and overcome. I travelled to the United Kingdom very young, at my 52 years old, with a lot of savings.
I returned to Chile, penniless, unemployed and alone. But....fear? The fear ended when a few months later I found, thanks to the same will with which I went to the United Kingdom, three jobs, in Chile. I know that my country is now complex to rebuild me a professional.
Nevertheless, don't be afraid, save money and keep the desire to live, to know the origin of new universes in your professional life! Cross the pond, you are younger than me and your decisions are infinite.
A hug and my best wishes on your journey. They are going to the United Kingdom or perhaps also to Scotland! In my case I was physically born in Chile, but my soul in the highlands.
Have a good trip and cross the pond, travelers of knowledge.
- Raul