Be advised: this thread is not for serious in-depth discussion of weighty topics (we have a link for that), this thread is not for anything Culture War related. This thread is for Fun. You got jokes? Share 'em. You got silly questions? Ask 'em.
- 147
- 1
Jump in the discussion.
No email address required.
Notes -
Edinburgh has to be my favorite city in the UK, with Manchester lagging behind in second place.
London? I've warmed to it considerably since my first visit in 2022, but I've also cooled on the prices. There's no way I'm going to spend that much money on rent and general expenses, particularly in a profession with little scope for geographical arbitrage.
Edinburgh strikes a nice balance. It's got good vibes, plenty of places to see or things to do. I mean, I'm not actually going to do any of those things, but it's the thought that counts. I suspect that I'm biased towards Manchester because I have family there, its not that remarkable. It's clearly not in the same league as London, it's just reasonably priced and not a complete snooze-fest.
Glasgow? Bruh. There's something in the air. A faint stink of rot (which might well be literal). The day I was in Glasgow probably increased the average mood when considering the population average, and I'm depressed. It just feels wrong, and I was in the nicer parts, staying in a fancy hotel. I didn't feel physically unsafe (I've been in some shady places for reasons I'd rather not get into, thanks), but it's gloomy and lacks the architectural charm of Edinburgh. I've only felt as utterly disappointed by a city when I visited Aberdeen, and that's so far north you run into polar bears.
In contrast, Edinburgh rents are reasonable, it's got a cultural scene that I could get into, in theory (it hosts ACX meetups!), and it's not super expensive. I could see myself living there, modulo futures where I do settle down in the UK.
I loved Edinburgh. My night at The Stand was still to this day the most fun I've had a comedy show, all the food we had was decent, and it was just plain beautiful to walk around unguided. I was extremely happy with how friendly people were, despite the fact that I was there to see Taylor Swift (I'd rather not get into it, thanks).
I did feel like quite the fool though - after waking up earlier than everyone else in the UK, I stumbled upon a completely empty Victoria Street (I had done no research). I thought to myself "Wow, this is such a magical space! I love the colors!"
3 Hours later it was revealed as a crappy tourist trap with queues to get into shops selling chinese harry potter swag. But I eventually dragged our party just a block or two away for coffee, and things were nice again.
I stayed in converted apartments deep in old town. I had eyed them almost 8 years ago, amazed at how cool they were for the price. The TS premium was brutal, but I decided to splurge and am glad I did. They've now been taken over by Marriott and are lifeless shells of what they were.
And perhaps this is why I feel some anxiety about traveling and the opportunity cost of "settling down" for years as I hit prime earning age. Cool places die all the time.
More options
Context Copy link
More options
Context Copy link