Aberdeen vs. Edinburgh

It was a over four years ago (January 29th 2003, to be exact) that we moved to Scotland. It's hard to believe it's been that long. Until a few months ago, we lived in Aberdeen. As a city, it's nothing special. The surrounding countryside is amazing, but if you're going to live in a city in the UK, Aberdeen would not be people's first choice (unless they had family there, or else worked in the Oil & Gas industry). It can feel quite "hickish" and isolated. The grey granite buildings, while impressive, reinforce the grey clouds that are seen all too often. The air connections are few and expensive.

Because we moved to Europe to travel, and we didn't work in the Oil & Gas industry, it wasn't a perfect match for us. That said, we did enjoy our time there and made some lasting friendships. Some of Jo's extended family lives there, and they were a great help and support particularly as we got settled. As I said, the countryside is beautiful...

Nonetheless, on an almost daily basis, we find ourselves saying to each other how much we love it here in Edinburgh, and why didn't we move here sooner? Well, for most people, I think sometimes it's easier to stay where we are -- even though we know in our hearts it isn't ideal -- particularly when compared to the many unknowns (e.g. having to find a place to live, work, new friends) and the hassles (e.g. new mechanic, new food stores, new hairsylist, etc) of moving...

But on the other hand, when things work out a new city can feel so exciting. Jo's new job is working out great so far, and we looooove our flat! I'm still working on finding work, but I'm optimistic.

Sometimes we humans can get in a rut, but we're not always aware it's a rut, because we lose our sense of perspective. Until recently, the only city in Europe we'd lived in was Aberdeen, so we had nothing to compare it to. But now we know, our life in Aberdeen doesn't compare to our life here. There's no way we would ever go back. Our future is in Edinburgh, and we're so happy to be here!

Edinburgh is often hailed as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and I'll agree with that (at least, compared to the cities I've seen). So, it's really not fair to compare Aberdeen to Edinburgh. Aberdeen's OK. But we don't want to live in an OK city. Why settle for OK -- in cities or in any other part of your life -- if you don't have to?

I think sometimes we forget how easy it can be to change our circumstances, and change our attitude and point of view. And a move to a new city can't help but feel like a new beginning, and makes you feel like you're getting a new perspective on life.