The mornings in the neighborhood are quiet — not that different from the afternoons or evenings. There is the sound of clothing and sheets moving in the breeze. Somewhere, a car engine roars to life. A door opens and closes. There are footsteps on the sidewalk. A neighbor calls a greeting to another.
The homes are close together, but nothing feels cramped — it feels like having family around you. People share with each other. Everyone has a garden they tend.
You drink excessive amounts of tea with each other. You drink more tea alone. You linger over breakfast. You watch the sunrise.
And here, even though it is a city, there is no rush to be anywhere. You are where you need to be and you’ll get wherever you’re going.
{photographs by me of Leith Links, Edinburgh, Scotland}
