Little Culture Shock

Hands down the most prominent cultural difference in Edinburgh, Scotland compared to the United States is the drinking culture. Although both countries value the festivities of drinking and nightlife, I have to say Scotland takes the cake. What I’ve noticed throughout this city is that there is a pub or bar no further than 3 store blocks from one another on every street. In addition, Scottish whisky stores, distilleries, and outlets scatter about almost every corner. With this drinking culture, I have also experiences the putrid smell that trails along with it. One thing I miss about Boston is the green and fresh smell of the city (well outstandingly fresh compared to Edinburgh)! When I’m in Boston versus when I am here, I can actually breathe without inhaling the smell of vomit every step I take! Here, especially after weekends and special events such as the Rugby championship, the streets all hold the distinct aroma of what I can pinpoint as rotting cat vomit. Although I knew coming into this trip that drinking was much more popular in Scottish culture, I never expected the actual city to smell as wrenching as it did at some points.

All in all though, I don’t really believe I had any distinct stages of culture shock. At first, the odors in the streets made me want to vomit and gag myself however, as time went on I gradually began to expect it and even find it quite funny. With regards to other things such as drinking myself, I felt a little uneasy at first ordering drinks legally since I am only 20 and cannot drink legally in the United States. It was only the first time I felt awkward and uncomfortable but after that point, I felt it was a privilege and I was engaging myself culturally in the Scottish experience so the shock went away very quickly. Lastly, I would have to say the only other progressions I made with culture shock were coming to the realizations that the locals are genuinely kind here. There are always people who engage in small talk while I’m doing my homework in a café and it’s quite nice to know that there are still people who aren’t afraid to talk to strangers in this world. I’m not saying those in the United States aren’t as kind as the people here, but I have realized that people here are much more apt to engage in conversation than those back home!