Even if the new year is already a couple of days (ahem) old I would like to add my own personal welcome to this new year. I know that for most people 2020 brought unprecedented insecurities and changes, as it did for me. But despite the pandemic, troubles and angst I can say that 2020 has been also one of the best of my life. How, you might wonder?
At the beginning of the pandemic as most international students left the country in a shock, I found a wonderful friend. One night, as the flights were being cancelled, university warmings issued and general panic took hold, we boldly decided to stay in the country together and watch out for each other, no matter what. That night we decided we are family, and my dear Michelle shall henceforth be known as my corona sister.
This incredibly woman, soul-sister, fellow master student, philosopher, avid hiker, yoga instructor and believer made my life in Edinburgh special every single day. I am certain that without the pandemic, we would never have formed that unusual friendship and for that I am beyond grateful!
Edinburgh – the city we got locked in became our playground for daily walks, dreaming up stories, explorations and a never ending endeavour of wonder seeking. Every day was unique in a city so rich with history, ancient tales and what I believe to be the highest density of mystery authors as well as graveyards. Every rainy day we took out our wellies, every time the sun only hinted at peaking out, we ran up a hill. Every morning I woke up in the most beautiful apartment right on the royal mile assured there was no better place to be stuck in during this special season of life.
Despite panic attacks, insecurities and losses I can now look back at that season and be surprised at my own strength. Sometimes I still wonder how it happened, but I managed to finish a master and hand in my thesis on time. This alone is baffling and wonderful to me. And believe me, I had many a doubt of ever finishing… 😉 I also found that my circle of faithful friends is watching out and praying for me those days I cannot. What a wonderful realization to have in the distance.
I will be honest with you, throughout the past year I enjoyed being absent for long periods from social media. It felt good to draw the circle close and focus on tasks ahead laid out right on my desk (aka thesis). Not only the world around us, but also social media has changed. Not only Jan and my work, but the whole wedding industry has changed. And while we all stare at this new landscape in front of us, not sure where the journey will take us, I have decided to slowly come back. I am absolutely convinced that many things will change and continue to evolve, while others will always be the same.
I still believe in capturing the small and big moments of it all.
I still believe in dance parties in the kitchen.
I still believe Italia is the best country.
I still believe in the power of storytelling.
And I still believe in kindness, always.
Till soon,
Rici.
