The New Digs: Patrick Geddes Hall in Mylne's Court

I had to wait more than two weeks, but I finally was able to move into Patrick Geddes Hall of Mylne's Court. It was such a relief to unpack my suitcases after more than a month of traveling. What I didn't anticipate was the incredible location of my flat and the beautiful views I would get. I honestly have the best room in the flat because my window looks out to a quiet courtyard and I don't get sound or light glare from the street. I can visit the street view in the kitchen and then retreat. Pleasant.

Patrick Geddes Hall is the block over from the top of the Royal Mile, so I am literally around the corner from Edinburgh Castle. I go to the top of the street and there it is. I haven't been yet, but I plan on going very soon!

It's quite a bit a ways from the grocery stores and seas of tourists flood the streets when you try to walk up the road with your shopping; the thing that make it all okay, despite the annoyance of someone walking in front of you stopping suddenly to take a picture, is that you can walk by that thing they can only see that once every day. Then it's all okay.

Click the photo of the skyline for the rest of the details (sorry for those of you who were trying to follow the absurdly-paced slideshow)!

I'M GOING TO EDINBURGH

Well, I have been very slow about my recent updates; I've still got three more posts from my trip back in December (and they are still coming!). It's been a pretty busy time being back in North Carolina and moving down to Mobile, Alabama.

Center circle of the Millie McConnell Rhododendron Garden in the morning light.

But, I have some very exciting news!

I've been accepted into the University of Edinburgh's Master's of Science in the Biodiversity and Taxonomy of Plants!

That's right: Edinburgh, Scotland. The year-long program is done in conjunction with the researchers at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and looks to provide an incredible opportunity to gain more training and experience in field botany and applied taxonomy (also to explore the beautiful country of Scotland and be involved with RBG Edinburgh). Wow.

I have some more good news.

I will be staying on at the Mobile Botanical Garden in Mobile, AL over the summer working on the grounds and staying plugged in with their other programs. I can't wait to really dig in and get more involved in the collections.

Finally, I would like to send out a general thank you for everyone who has kept up with me and my travels. It has meant a lot to me that I have friends and family that care about me and what I'm doing. I would appreciate if you would take some time to view my GoFundMe page and think about if there is anything you would care to donate.

Just like this little Pinus palustris seedling, I am just getting started, but I am well on my way.