scotland '26. beautiful place, many sights...
EDINBURGH
went to edinburgh for a few nights. it was the first time trying a hostel and living with random strangers of various genders. it was probably the best place to try that for the first time.
the joys of smoke spots
settled down with a cigarette often to help me exist a little bit more. i got to feel the sun, the peace and the surreality. fucking shit cigarette though, it's not special to scotland or anything i just hate cigs. needed it more for the moment than to actually enjoy it.
aimlessly wandering a city is the best form of travel. there's a lotta brown people and muslims here which, while not surprising, is always a little comforting for me.
saw all the usual tourist spots, went to art galleries for the first time in my life and understood why people just stand there and cry when they look at a painting. it's a weird present state to be in but it's honest and vulnerable and i'm glad places like this exist (and for free too!). came across a harm reduction centre that was closed when i kept crossing by, but plastered the shop window with advice, helplines, handmade drawings saying "all trans people welcome here" and urges to vote for local bills in the upcoming elections.
i climbed arthur's seat and saw god rays shine down over edinburgh and all the places we walked through and all the cathedrals that i wish were my house. it's still a crazy ass city at the end of the day. the sun sets and you quickly see all the failures of the uk government and its grip on this country shine through. as much i love travelling i also fucking hate the reality that i'm just barging in on a regular ass city.
this past week feels like an insane end to a chapter in my life. freed (potentially) from perpetually falling through the cracks of the system. no longer does homelessness, the material embers of domestic abuse and the manmade traps of the rich ensnare me (the last one will probably still kick my ass nevermind). finally able to lift the cannon and fire myself up to the stars.
AND I SOMEHOW ONLY SAW ONE GOTH THE WHOLE TRIP.
GLASGOW - NORTHERN UNFEST '26
i finally made the soul-healing pilgrimage to the depths of working class estates to dance at the local community centre, next to a greggs outlet that cost £1 per pack of vegan sausage rolls and 24/7 corner shop.
had the privilege to catch the final nothin' but enemies set and finally fucking see never-ending game!!!!! reunited with hellbound and despize after missing the feeling of having my head caved in by a bald scottish man. got to find out about some insanely good bands like bloodsport, heads on pikes and hard stripes (fast punky hxc, constant side to side).
the community centre was a beautiful venue for it. it was big with the wooden box signalling the dancefloor and it felt like being in a school hall.
i got my earrings smacked out onto the floor during bodybag's set. shit was that good. unfest really reignited my love for the ukhc scene even deeper.
10/10 - you had to be there.