Living The Dream

I recall way back in 2001 walking down the main street of Galway, Ireland and seeing how at peace people were, just walking, enjoying the experience of being there. I remember thinking "I would give anything just to set up a life here, and go back to the simple living." Well. I've gone and done it.

I've turned my back on everything I've ever known, because my dream for these next twelve months was to go back to the simple life. Here I am in Edinburgh, now living in a hostel, and I can finally announce that I have a job.

A JOB! I have a JOB!

Before you all begin imaging me surrounded by gorgeous Scottish lawyers, I must tell you that there will be no Scottish lawyers. There will be no Scottish law. Atleast for the time being. I'm calling all of the recruiters on Monday morning to tell them that their services are no longer needed because....

I'm now selling Scottish tartans.

Yes. I walked into the Tartan Mill at Edinburgh Castle and asked them for a job. An hour and a handshake later, I was officially welcomes into the Gregory's family. Gregorys Tailors sits right on the hill with the Edinburgh Castle, and it is this amazing structure. Inside, it makes Scottish tartan clothing from scratch and tourists can come in and see how it is made. I have been employed by Caroline, the Manager, to start off as a Sales Assistant but she believes that within a couple of weeks, she will have me doing more serious stuff, like administration, teaching people about their clan history, and..... PHOTOGRAPHY! Yes, she said she would train me up to be the photographer that gets tourists all dressed up in scottish outfits and takes photos of them!!!! If I am very lucky, I may actually convince her to start selling some of my photography there (but I wont push my luck early on).

I loved this place the minute I stepped into it. Its about four floors high, and when you stand at the railing, you get to see the tartan mill at work, weaving the amazing types of tartan from all of the different clans. Because the place is at the Edinburgh Castle, it is jammed full of tourists and is never quite.

AND

I GET TO WEAR A KILT TO WORK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I went out and purchased some little black slipper shoes and some black stockings which I will wear with my kilt!!!

The reality of this whole set up is that I wont be making very much money. I am getting paid the minimum Scottish wage, which barely exceeds five pounds an hour. So basically the hours that I work will more or less pay for the necessities of life and not much else. I will probably stay with the hostel for a little while, and the Castle is about 200 metres away. I will be working simple hours, from 9 - 6.30, and Caroline said I can work five days, and then weekends if I want them. Basically, the tourist season is upon them, and they are looking for all of the help they can get!!!

For the first time ever, I do not feel at all concerned about my situation in life. I am in this wonderful city, and to live and make money, I am selling the history of Scotland. I dont think you can get any better than that. When the Edinburgh Finge Festival, and the Edinburgh Tattoo begins, this place is going to ROCK!

So this is my life for six or so months. I am in this amazing mood, where I dont feel as though anything can bring me down. Every now and then, I will do a little calculation at how much I will be getting per week, but then I remember that I didnt do this for the money. I did this for a change in lifestyle. And boy, wont my lifestyle change!!!!

Thanks everyone for the amazing support over the last week or so. I've been in a bit of a downer, but all of a sudden, I feel fantastic. I think the only hard time I have had has been in the shopping centre, seeing a little gorgeous baby in her mothers arms. I held back the tears, thinking of Charlotte, but then I remembered that I am here in Scotland learning about not only my heritage, but also Charlottes. I can come back and tell her all about it.

Kisses to everyone,

Kate