Reader Warning: Post contains strong language.
As I previously mentioned, I moved out of my apartment a month to heading over to Aberdeen. So, I guess I had two big moves.
Move #1 – Out of My Apartment
You don’t realize how much you acquire until you move and realize how much shit you have. I can’t believe some of the stuff I found, which included my first ID for the City of Boston (why?), my PEZ dispensers I collected when I was younger, my first MacBook (still worked) and so much more. The MacBook still had all my music and it took me down memory lane. I also didn’t realize how much holiday decorations I had for both Halloween and Christmas. You really don’t realize how much can fit in your closet until you have to clean it out. How did so much stuff fit in here and why do I have so much clothing.
The first move started in the Spring with cleaning out and selling all my stuff. First round was at the Rozzie Flea Market and then several yard sales. For stuff I was keeping the plan was to bring it up to my mom’s for storage. Although she offered to pay for a storage unit for me and I gave in when I was just lugging the totes from my third floor to second floor and I was a few days away from moving out of my apartment. I was like nope not taking these up north – I can’t lug these any further. THANK YOU MOM!
Even though I didn’t have much to move out of my apartment, it still took all day and into the evening where it started to rain. It also took longer because I agreed to let my landlord show the apartment because it was at the end of the day and said it wouldn’t take too long. The last showing was 45 minutes -WTF! He also jokingly stated he didn’t realize it was the last day of July. What a dumbass! He then wanted me to rate him as a landlord. Which I didn’t but if I had my senses about me I probably would have stated the following:
You want me to fucking rate you after you asked to show the apartment on the day I move out where I have been lugging stuff all day along with cleaning the apartment. In addition, since I have lived here I have been dealing with an unexpected roommate on my deck that has led to an entire family setting up a home under my deck – so much more to this but for another post. I have also helped clear the snow, where you seem to always be out of town during a storm. Letting me know that you need to increase my rent because you aren’t able to cover your costs but pull into the driveway in a new pickup truck and not a little one. And finally, lying to the downstairs tenants about my rent to validate what you will be charging them. So, you get -10 as a landlord! Had you asked me not on the day I was moving out maybe I would have given you a -5
Moving on from my rant!
The Month Before the Move
I want to thank Cindy Laba for taking me during my last month in Roslindale. I am so grateful for her generosity and opening up her home to me. She also helped me move my stuff to the storage unit and her house. I can’t thank her enough. Looking forward to having you visit!
I really enjoyed my time on Sherwood Street and the will enjoy all the wildlife inside and outside the house. Although never actually saw inside wildlife only evidence. I almost thought my roommate from South Street followed me to Sherwood Street. And I can’t for get about Stevie and Chew & Screw. So, Stevie is Cindy’s very vocal cat who took a bit to warm up to me or actually was still hot and cold with me. Chew & Screw is a neighborhood cat that Cindy has taken in that basically comes to eat and then leaves. Hence the name Chew & Screw.
Other wildlife included a skunk, squirrels, and possibly a woodchuck or gopher that has decided to make a home under the screened in porch. This has all been caught on camera. For those that are not familiar with Rozzie – this is a neighborhood of Boston and yes we do have wildlife including turkeys that I saw taking a stroll down Cummins Highway one morning. Along with coyotes that I’ve seen more than once in the Arboretum. On occasion they even like to take a stroll into the neighborhood. Let’s not forget about the bunnies – Daphne’s favorite animal! I think that covers all the wildlife but who knows what has made an appearance since I left.
I spent the final month in Rozzie, continue to clean out and get rid of my stuff and get organized for the move. Attempted to go paddle boarding a few more times but the weather was not agreeing with me. Temperature was great but if you’ve ever gone paddle boarding when it’s windy you know it’s not an enjoyable experience. I got to hang out with friends, enjoy spending time in a pool, final boat ride in Boston Harbor, last trip to the Rozzie Farmer’s Market, one last walk to the Arboretum and visit local shops. And most importantly, I made sure I voted in the primary.
Before I get into too much more about the flight over and my arrival. I should touch on the few days leading up to my flight, which included packing, weighing, and repacking because it was still over and this occurred a couple of times where in the end I just decided to be ok with paying the fee.
There were a couple of things I didn’t get to before leaving and sorry to Cindy for leaving some items at your house.
Move #2: Boston to Scotland
Day of my flight included the final clean up of the stuff I was leaving behind – the final trip to my storage locker and some of the stuff going back to Vermont with my mom. I did reach a point where I just put it in a bag and sent it back with my mom. We’ve all been there where we just reach a point where you’re just done.
So, I left the states with two large suitcases and yes big enough to fit a body along with a backpack and small bag. I think my backpack weighed as much as my suitcases and yes I did exceed the weight limit. So, I was at the airport making sure only one of the suitcases exceeded the 50lb. weight. The funny thing is it was the smaller suitcase.
I should note the straps are not to keep the cases closed but to recognize them. Which actually worked out well.
The Flight
I flew on JetBlue to Edinburgh and then caught a train from there to Aberdeen. I decided to flight my first JetBlue international flight because I had so many points and still have some that may cover a trip back to the states. Luckily, my flight was on time because in the past when I have flown JetBlue they cancelled my flight and that was 20 minutes before boarding. That was a fun trip.
So, JetBlue International – nothing fancy here and it’s not a large plane, which I wasn’t too sure about. Just a single isle down the plane and the seats weren’t that comfortable either but I managed to get a bit of sleep. The meal option was a salad and the flight crew made it a point to emphasize that it was a cold meal and the snack right before we landed was a small banana bread. So, I wouldn’t give it a good rating for food options although this was a late night flight but still they could’ve done better. I will not that I did not get the cold meal option. Not sure how it.
Overall, I would only fly them again because I have points to use. I would recommend sticking with the JetBlue flights in the states.
Like Glasgow Airport, Edinburgh isn’t much bigger. Passport control was pretty quick even with the long line and if you haven’t flown to the UK recently – the only person is the one telling you what gate to go to. You just scan your passport and go through the gate. Sorry no stamp in the passport. For my luggage, it was one of the first to come off the plane so as soon as I made it through and made a bathroom stop – my luggage was on the carousel. Woohoo! And those straps came in handy – so easy to see my luggage. Although who wouldn’t give the size of my suitcases.
Next was getting to the train station to get up to Aberdeen. So, easy as there is a tram that stops right in front of the train station. Only thing that wasn’t easy was getting the luggage on and off the tram. But I managed. I think there needs to be wheeled suitcases that can navigate uneven sidewalks – there are a lot of cobblestone sidewalks in the UK. So, basically an off-road suitcase should be created.
I did have some time to kill before my train to Aberdeen but a little difficult to when you have 2 suitcases, a backpack and bag. So, I plopped down at the coffee shop in the station and started reading a book I just bought for the trip. Thank you RVMS Board for my gift certificate to Rozzie Unbound. Currently enjoying a murder mystery by a local writer that takes place in the Berkshires.
I decided to book a first class ticket which isn’t very fancy but glad I did it as I had a seat to myself. The only challenge was there was no luggage rack near where I was sitting. I did manage to stow my luggage on a rack although I had to place one of my suitcases on the top rack. Not fun to lift or take down. Once I was settled, it was a lovely ride and I did get a nap in for part of the ride up to Aberdeen.
My Arrival
I arrived in Aberdeen late afternoon and took a cab to my flat. The cab driver was lovely and shared information on Aberdeen noting Aberdeen Beach and being a very friendly and easy city to get around. I should mention that the city is a little over 200K. Much smaller than Boston. I living in private student accommodations but it feels like an apartment as I do have my own kitchen and bathroom. All utilities and wifi are included and there are washer and dryers on the ground floor. I’m located within a 15-20 minute walk to the downtown area as well as the campus.
When I arrived, I was shown to my flat and give a tour and the staff are extremely friendly and are onsite during the week. You’d think after a long journey I would call it a day but I didn’t bring any bedding. So, dropped my luggage, freshened up and headed out in search of bedding, towels and a couple other basics. There is not a shortage of shopping in Aberdeen and I had plenty of options and all within a short walk. Even the grocery stores are close by – I have 3 within a 5-15 minute walk with Lidl being across the street. There are also several diverse bodegas along my street for any cuisine needs – Asia, Romanian, Caribbean, African, Indian, Polish, and several others.
So, overall it was a smooth journey to Scotland and much more to come on Aberdeen, the University and getting settled in. So, stay tuned!
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