Open Letter to Scotland

Arthur’s Seat view of three paths at night from afar. Illustrations by Margaret Bi.

Open Letter to Scotland,

You haven’t seen the colour Green until you go to Edinburgh.

Over the weekend I visited a city named Edinburgh — the capital of Scotland — and on my trip, I have discovered a mountain peak called “Arthur’s Seat.” Tradition has it that King David I encountered a deer while out hunting. He fell off his horse and was about to be speared by the stag, but the animal inexplicably turned away, not hurting him. David founded the spot Holyrood Abbey on the foot of the mountain which is where the name originated while the peak of this mountain was named after King Arthur. The summit is above the city to a height of 250.5 m (822ft).

To be honest, I just wanted to get up this mountain thinking that it was going to be easy because the Wikipedia page said it was only 250 metres. I ended up walking 3km to climb up to the peak. Yeah I know what you’re thinking its not that much. Just try slipping backwards, falling forwards and hurdling yourself over rocks for 3 kilometres.

Arthur’s seat has three routes. The first is an easy straight path after you drive around to the back of the mountain. However, the view was quite limited but will get you to the peak the fastest. The second route was a long scenic route with lots of mud. It was the longest way to get to the summit however, the view is indescribable and no picture can capture the lush green valleys of this route. The only disadvantage was the long tiring hike. The third route was the most difficult route which was steep and only skilled mountain climbers can pursue it. This was the shortest route to the summit.

Some people passed others in the hike. Some people choose different paths. Some people went very early in the morning at the crack of dawn and others choose to meander up the mountain at noon. No matter which way they chose; they all reached the summit. Eventually. People who had grit kept going with the beautiful summit view in their mind. People who didn’t, probably fell off the side and died (none yet to my knowledge).

Sometimes it is easy to get lost in the things we do and lose sight of our goals. I got really distracted by how the mud got all over my new pants and shoes — and how I would have to have them dry cleaned after. But, I stopped giving a shit and instead let my jaw drop at how gorgeous the view was while walking up.

For those struggling while mountain climbing the steep side — it might be daunting to look down and sometimes you may lose track of how far you’ve gone by looking straight forward at the rock that faces you.

For those on the winding scenic route — remember why you took that way. Don’t be distracted by the prestige of the mountain climbers who can call their climb a “sport.”

No matter what, just shake off the mud and drag yourself up that summit. I mean if you’re distracted by the view and continue to climb — you won’t even feel it. All three ways are beautiful. They’re different, but all equally significant depending on your perspective. Don’t die trying to get up the summit to pass people and use all that energy to the point that you cannot function. Just enjoy it and don’t lose yourself.

In my own little messed up world. I took the long scenic route. I imagined all the STEM students as mountain climbers to whom I try to race to the top with. Forgetting why I even took the long scenic route. Forgetting that those mountain climbers struggle as well. Forgetting that anybody could lose sight of enjoying the journey. In response to these thoughts, I hope we all enjoy our little adventures to the summit and I hope meet all of you at this imaginary “Arthur’s seat” and enjoy each others company.

-From the grass, the sun, and the clouds.