THIS IS MY LIFE: FAREWELL SCOTLAND

Goodbyes are never easy and this one is especially bittersweet. I have throughly enjoyed my time here in Scotland, but I cannot stay in one place for too long, especially with so much of the world still left for me to discover. I was curious about the birthplace of my ancentors and it was better than I could have ever imagined. It had been amazing to take some time to myself, away from the big London City life, to really have a chance to get to know who I want to be and to discover what I want my purpose to be in life for now.

My move to Scotland was not a search for self-discovery. I set out to explore and learn about the world and allowed myself to be found along the way. A small town girl from New Zealand ready to step out of my comfort zone and explore the beautiful world we live in, cliché I know. But this is not any normal story; it is one of complete and utter bewilderment for the discoveries I have made beyond the physical landscape.

Don’t get me wrong; Scotland is a beautiful place. So beautiful in fact that it has been much likened to New Zealand, some even going as far as saying that New Zealand is like Scotland but on steroids. This, I believe, may be the source for the overwhelming sense of belonging I feel: the likeness to New Zealand, not the steroids!

From snow capped mountain peaks and lush green forests, to sandy white beaches and eerie lochs, the wild natural landscapes are certainly very similar. As the land whispers stories of centuries gone by, I can’t help but feel a sense of familiarity, a sense of belonging. This is the place of my ancestors, but my feelings run deeper than that, they are absorbed in the soil never to be left behind.

I may be alone on my adventure but I am not lonely. I am very comfortable here, the kind that can only be found from being home. A home so rich in culture that I feel I am amongst family. I have immersed myself in the way of life I feel so passionate about. From Haggis, Neeps and Tatties (which actually tastes amazing if you forget what it is), to a Traditional Scottish Ceilidh, I have learnt my way through Scottish culture embracing all challenges thrown my way.

I would have never have dreamed that I would live in a place like Saint Andrews. It is such a wonderful little town full with so many different people, from so many different walks of life. Saint Andrews really does have something for everyone.

The people I have gotten to know here will never be forgotten. They are the ones that have made my time here filled with love and laughter. It may be goodbye, but I hope it is not farewell. I would like to show you the Kiwi Way of life one day, just as you have shown me your own.

A part of me will forever be left in Scotland. My time here has given me an even greater appreciation and understanding of who I am and where I've come from, but most importantly, where I belong.

I strongly recommend to everyone who makes the move to the United Kingdom on a working visa, don't spend your whole two years in the same place. I know how desirable it is to live the London lifestyle. By all means do it! Just allow yourself to experience what the UK is really like.

London is not the UK. London is a whole other planet. If you really want to see and understand how another culture survives, than I urge you to get out of London! And this is coming from someone who knows how hard London is to say goodbye to!

For now though, I am off to make the most of my new found freedom. It is back to living out of a suitcase, shared rooms and communal showers, and I wouldn't have it any other way!

"Farewell to the Highlands, farewell to the North... Wherever I wander, wherever I rove, the hills of the Highlands for ever I love... My heart's in the Highlands, wherever I go." - Rabbie Burns

I hope this has inspired you.

LARISSAJODEE x

#family #solo #lifestyle