New to Edinburgh!

Last I posted, I was preparing for the big move.  That big move happened on the 28th of May!  Nearly missed my flight from Heathrow to Edinburgh thanks to a ridiculous wait at the border.  An employee had to run a group of us across the airport and through security to make our flights.  So embarrassing when I rushed onto the plane and all impatient eyes were on me!  I hadn't slept at all the night before or on my trip, so I was barely awake enough to hug my husband when I arrived.  :x

It was a busy start.  After visiting family in Cumbria, we came back up to look for a new flat.  Yep, another move.  We ended up with a flat a mere five minutes' walk from the old one.  Then we lost internet.  It took Sky and BT over a month to realise the right line had never been installed in this flat to start with.  No skyping home in that time, so it was hard, especially since my mom and aunt were trying to plan a trip for February.  It affected my mental health to the point I wasn't functioning, but that's being sorted now.  I could deck Sky and BT though!  Ugh.  Useless.  That's why I was unable to keep up to date with the forums.

Still don't really know anyone in town.  Anyone know if there's a place fellow yanks gather in Edinburgh?  I'm shy and unspeakably horrible at meeting new people.  I love animals, talk about dead historic figures like I knew them personally, and do arty stuff.  Awkward nerd material, pretty much.

Well, just thought I'd check in now that I'm on the other side of the pond.  :)  Now to catch up with whatever's been going on around here.  I'm so glad this site exists.  It really helped me get to where I am now, finally living with my husband!  So grateful.

Wow, sounds like an adventure for sure! What a doozy, traveling is always so hard, no matter how smooth we try to make it.
Sorry to hear about not being able to have internet connection (do libraries there offer internet like they do in the US?), that must have been so hard.
How long have you been there now?
Glad to hear things are going well now. 

That was actually the first real issue I've had with international travel so far.  Figures it'd happen when it really counts!

Well, turns out there still isn't internet, but I'm using my phone's wifi now.  BT were supposed to send an engineer out today, but that's been postponed to Wednesday.  Crazy.  The main thing was that I haven't been able to see anyone back home via skype in the meantime.

To answer the other question, I've been here about three and a half months now.  :3

Welcome to Edinburgh Sorry to hear it's been a rough time so far. This lovely weather hasn't helped much either I'm sure.

Just wanted to say 'welcome' and that there is an American Expat Meetup every month - details here: http://www.meetup.com/AmericansEdinburgh/events/78424372/

I've been going for years and it's great You should come.

Awesome, thanks!  I'll have to keep that one in mind and see when I can drag my husband away from his obligations.  His work has let up since Fringe is over, but now he's juggling classes along with the job.

And well, we live along the water, so at least the moody weather makes for a nice view over dinner.

What bothered me more were the Fringe crowds, tbh.  I get anxious, so the Mile and Princes Street were a nightmare.  We celebrated the end-of-festival fireworks as a return to normalcy, haha.  Now that the hordes have scattered for nicer weather, I plan to get out more.    Thanks for the invite!

Edit:  The age-old problem.  If you can recommend a palatable Mexican/Tex-Mex restaurant, I'd really appreciate it!  In Florida, there were so many Mexican and Cuban places, and now I'm jonesing for it.  I've found Los Cardos isn't too offensive to my tastebuds, but that's takeout.

Los Cardos is owned by Americans and thus the reason it's so yummy Unfortunately, we've not found anything as good in restaurant form.

Yes, much nicer here once the crowds have gone. I really LOVE this time of year in the run up to Christmas as the nights get longer and then the Christmas market ...so lovely.

Look forward to seeing you some time at the meetup. I go without my hubby all the time, so don't feel you have to as everyone is very friendly and there is always someone to chat to.

I'm very fond of Viva Mexico! on Cockburn Street, and I understand Illegal Jack's on Lothian Road is also very good. Avoid Chiquito on Frederick Street, it's rubbish. If you find yourself in St. Andrews, The Grill House has good stuff too, especially the fajitas and frozen margaritas!

Ooooo Bookmarking. I could kill for some Tex-Mex right now. 

Pip- Welcome to Scotland!  Have you been shopping at the Livingston Outlets yet?  http://www.livingstondesigneroutlet.com/  We go a couple times a year to stock up on Nike and Body Shop goods. 

As for making new friends, I recommend City Socialising.  http://edinburgh.citysocialising.com/home.html?frm=Google%20Ads&gclid=CImFsJ_Vr7ICFaTJtAodAkwAAw   I have met a few American expats here in Scotland, but friendship did not really pan out (major religious, moral, or political differences that put me off).  I have made closer bonds with Scottish women that I have met through my community. That said, I love arty stuff and Tex-Mex and am willing to take a train into Edinburgh from Dundee if you ever want to meet up. 

Los Cardos is owned by Americans and thus the reason it's so yummy

Hah.  Figures!  I normally can't eat very much at once, but I've been wolfing down those giant burritos.

I'm very fond of Viva Mexico! on Cockburn Street, and I understand Illegal Jack's on Lothian Road is also very good. Avoid Chiquito on Frederick Street, it's rubbish. If you find yourself in St. Andrews, The Grill House has good stuff too, especially the fajitas and frozen margaritas!

Ooo, now I'm intrigued.  I've been checking the menus on the windows every time I see a Mexican place, but I'm always afraid I'll end up disappointed at spending the money.  I've also seen a place called Mariachi or something on Victoria Street, but no idea how it may be.  Viva Mexico seems promising from what I just looked up.  I was put off by Chiquito immediately upon seeing the menu.  My husband doesn't understand why, but he's only eaten at a Mexican-owned US restaurant once or twice, so I can't blame him.    He used to live in St. Andrews and wants to take me sometime, so the Grill House is definitely an option.

Ooooo Bookmarking. I could kill for some Tex-Mex right now. 

Pip- Welcome to Scotland!  Have you been shopping at the Livingston Outlets yet?  http://www.livingstondesigneroutlet.com/  We go a couple times a year to stock up on Nike and Body Shop goods. 

As for making new friends, I recommend City Socialising.  http://edinburgh.citysocialising.com/home.html?frm=Google%20Ads&gclid=CImFsJ_Vr7ICFaTJtAodAkwAAw   I have met a few American expats here in Scotland, but friendship did not really pan out (major religious, moral, or political differences that put me off).  I have made closer bonds with Scottish women that I have met through my community. That said, I love arty stuff and Tex-Mex and am willing to take a train into Edinburgh from Dundee if you ever want to meet up. 

Thanks for the welcome!  I definitely feel you on the Tex-Mex craving.  I was moaning this morning about how I wanted some, and I hadn't even gotten out of bed.

I haven't been to the outlet, but I'll keep it in mind.  And I know what you mean on the religious/moral/political matter, and that's understandable, especially when it's an issue really important to you.  If you ever are in Edinburgh though, maybe we can hunt for some decent Tex-Mex, haha.

Hi there! I'm in Edinburgh too. Haven't been to one of the meetups yet, but it's on my list of things to do now that my post-grad studies are complete.

I am seconding the recommendation for Viva Mexico. The food there is terrific.

Edinburgh as well!

Viva Mexico is actually pretty darn good, I can't vouch for Illegal Jacks as it was terrible when we ate there but that was when it first opened. If you cook perhaps check out Lupe Pintos at Tollcross - its kind of amazing & full of things to eat that should cure a bit of homesickness & the guys are really nice.

If anyone plans to meet up in Edinburgh, Im in!

I log back in after a long absence (for various reasons), and of course the first thing I see is my thread on Mexican food... haha.

My husband has been to Lupe Pintos, but I haven't.  I don't think he even knows what he'd be looking for, but he was there to get something for me as a surprise -- Libby's pumpkin mix so we could have pumpkin pie at Christmas.  Next time I'll have to go and see what they've got.

Still haven't been to any meet-ups either, cygnoir.  I'm pretty shy anyway, but my anxiety's been so bad I couldn't even consider it.  Part of my absence from here has been due to working on that, so maybe someday soon!  I've been a total hermit and it's getting a bit old.  :p