My Darling,

I am currently sitting on a sofa as I write this letter, having just escaped from the biting cold in these parts. France is much colder than I expected, and I’m someone who usually doesn’t mind the cold a lot. Decided to write you a letter because I kind of miss you a lot, despite it having only been a few days since I left you.

As Dougie MacLean wrote a song about your country, missing it while he was wandering on the shores of Brittany, I write this letter to you, that you will never read because you cannot, but I am hoping that this will resonate with the people who love you as much as I do, and that you will reciprocate my love through them.

So, Edinburgh. Where to begin? When I first saw you, it was (and I can’t believe it!) barely 4 months ago. In the first days, grey sky and seemingly infinite rain were the norm. You struck me as a cold city where I could not see myself possibly settle, having incredible trouble finding a place to live (and having lived in Paris, I was no stranger to big, expensive cities) and just wandering everywhere, feeling alone and missing my friends, and not having the chance to take a good look at you.

Then, things started changing, slowly, but surely. I began to meet people from all countries, started the semester, and had great fun. But I wasn’t sold yet, I still wanted to go back to Paris, and getting injured just a few days before my birthday didn’t help things. I only realised your true beauty a month later, but looking back on it, when I was walking with crutches, I had at least 2 people a day ask me if I needed help, and once a Domino’s driver even offered to take me on his motor bike. Also, the weather was much better than at the beginning, and that made you look amazing.

In November, I had started volunteering at a great charity called The Grassmarket Community Project. (Please give them a like, or even better, pass by their cafe or watch a movie each Monday at 7 pm for free.) and met some lovely people. I had also met other people at the same time, who made me discover the Scottish way of living (and drinking) and probably changed my life forever.

What made me love you, first and foremost, is your people. Even the smallest gestures can make me smile, and you are full of them. Saying “Cheers!” to the bus driver as you leave. Smiling to random people in the street. Striking up conversations with strangers. Helping people out. People helping me out. In short, before seeing you, I had never felt so human. Such a simple thing, and yet, not so easily found. And here you are, capital of the land of the Unicorn, one of the biggest cities in the UK, and yet, such incredible warmth!

A secondary reason is your culture and way of living. Pubs are holy places, where only laughs and hugs may be exchanged, where people come to have a good time, drink, and be able to communicate with non-blaring music playing, or singing along with the singers and bands that play in many of the pubs. Your museums, your myths and legends. I must say, it is absolutely no wonder to me that J.K Rowling could’ve written Harry Potter within your confines, as you are basically a bookworm’s heaven and you gave me the energy to write again.

Because I can’t talk about my love your you without mentioning just how much I have changed thanks to you. I have never changed so much in such a short time in my life before, and 2016 was probably the best year of my life, if only because of you. I have grown stronger and much more confident, and now believe I can do anything if I put my mind to it. I now feel like the world is a vast sea of opportunities just waiting for me to catch them, and like I can take on any challenge, whatever it is, just bring it on. I also have advanced intellectually, having seen the way studying is done at the University of Edinburgh, and the various debates and fascinating conversations I have had throughout my stay. I’ve definitely become a more engaging and enthusiastic person, seeing how easily I can bond with people I’ve just met, and also became much more knowledgeable about alcoholic drinks (woops!).

And, despite my rather generous consumption of alcohol and cheese, I have actually managed to lose a few kgs this semester, without a doubt due to my enormous amount of steps walked among your ups and downs, and the several Ceilidhs I have participated in.

But what am I rambling about? I will see you again in a few weeks anyway, because I know that I’m not yet done with you, and there are still so many things I want to see.

Love you,

Malik.

PS: Thanks to all the people I have met in Edinburgh, even very briefly. You have all contributed to my love for this city, believe it or not. Love you all and hope to see you again soon ❤