Marisol Ruiz

I was born in Mexico City. One of my biggest dreams was to travel and live all those stories that people told me about being in other countries.

Somehow I could get Spanish citizenship from my mum’s side so I thought that it would be a good opportunity to go to Europe and experience a  proper adventure.

I lived in Spain for 3 years and then I wanted to see how it feels to live somewhere a bit different and be able to learn another language.

London was the destination, it was 2012 and there were a lot of job offers because of the Olympics so I just said why not.

I was in London for four years. Even though I come from one of the biggest cities in the world I could not adapt to London as fast as I thought.

In 2016 I moved to Scotland thinking of a retreat after being in London.

Edinburgh has been one of the best choices I made, I think. I met people from other countries that inspired and helped me to keep going with my studies. I think Scottish people are kinder and more respectful.

One of the things I am so grateful for living here is the opportunity to meet and connect with people from all over the world. 

Edinburgh is a city that sometimes doesn't feel like a city however It has a lot of peaceful places to escape to. 

I must confess that I am still struggling to fit into Scottish society. The relationships here are very different, especially friendships. I do not have Scottish friends even though I work with many of them. Sometimes I feel people here are not very sincere. Even in some workplaces, I feel that being non-Scottish puts me at a disadvantage.

The object is called a REBOZO.  It is handmade and one of my best friends gave it to me as a present before I left Mexico. 

Every time I wear it I feel elegant and I feel as if my family and friends in Mexico were hugging me.