Oh, how I’ve missed Scotland. From being a part of the 2024 ensemble as a timid underclassmen, to returning as a graduated senior, this time around just feels a touch more sentimental and full circle. Although we went to many of the same places as I had been before, there was just something so special about returning and being able to experience everything again. The second we had landed in Edinburgh Airport, I was just overcome with this warmth and excitement to do this all over again.
As we drove up to Glenelg, although the ride was full of a lot of sleep, every sight that we saw just brought me so much joy, and as we stepped into the Glenelg and Arnisdale Community Hall, in which I had many fond memories, for our first group meal of the week, I was only filled with the excitement to make even more memories with many of my close friends in this place that I love so much.
As we embarked on our very first hike, although it was extremely windy and slightly rainy, the sights made everything so worth the time and effort. One of our very first hikes was the steepest one of the week, but the view would only get better each step we took and Eddie’s stories would only get more interesting too. From the story of the wild boar that rampaged through Glenelg, to the one about the five sisters of kintail, I just loved hearing every word. It brought me so much joy when we each washed our faces in the fountain of youth because it felt like we were living out the story that Eddie had told.
My experience in Glenelg can truly only be described as healing – Like my inner child was just able to come out and play. When a small group of us went to the beach to collect sea glass and sea shells, I genuinely felt like a kid rummaging through the rocks and comparing finds with my friends. Cammy also helped us find skipping stones and we were able to engage in a healthy rock skipping competition. There was also an afternoon where Brooklyn and I stopped by the park on our walk home, and she turned to me and said that as children there is just a day that we go to the park for the last time ever and we don’t really remember that moment. What she said made me so grateful for that moment that we were able to go play freely at the park and truly remember the last time we went to the playground… for now.
By far the best part of the week is the Ceilidh that we host as a thank you to the people of Glenelg for hosting us. Leading up to our Friday night performance, we invited every local we met to our performance. From line dances, to musical performances, to improv, and jokes, I truly feel like we were able to share so much of ourselves with the townspeople. It felt so homey and warm, and I wouldn’t trade that night for the world. I’m so so grateful for this experience, and Glenelg, and just the fact that I am able to come back to this wonderful place again. I can’t wait to return again one day.
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