Discovering the Fittie

Footdee, or the 'Fittie' as it is more commonly known as in Aberdeen, is nothing short of charming. Upon reaching the end of the beach promenade you would be forgive for thinking that there was nothing next to the harbour expect grey, cold stone houses. But if you walk a little way up to get around a wall (and in my case climb over it) and then turn the corner you will be amazed to discover the Fittie that lies before you. 

The area itself has been inhabited as far back as the Medieval times but is mostly known for housing the local fishing community of Aberdeen. The Footdee, as a housing development was laid out by John Smith (a well known Aberdonian architect) in 1809 and has since then seen many seafaring families come and go. The rhythmical crashing of waves and the smell of salt reminds you that you are in close proximity to the beach. Although from the narrow streets of the Fittie you cannot see the sea as all the houses face inwards with their backs to the ocean to protect their inhabitants from the weathers cold grasp. 

In 1880 the Town Council decided to start selling the houses to their inhabitants and so began a time of reconstruction and individuality in the Fittie. Some people built 'tarry sheds' in the squares of open land that the houses faced. These sheds were originally built from drift wood but over the years some of them have been built and rebuilt using other materials. 

But all the houses and sheds have personality. 

It jumps out at you in the vibrant colours that scream knock on my door. 

It is whispered as you walk by the strangest decorations in the gardens. 

It is written in the history of a hard life lived. 

It is noticeable in the smallest of details. 

It laughs with you at the absurdity of it all. 

It smiles back at you as you realise that you just encountered a slice of something out of the ordinary 

But shhhhhh don't tell anyone.....

The 'Fittie' is hidden from the public's view by stone walls,  

but it's a discovery worth making. 

Aberdeen

'This morning I find myself sitting in the kitchen window of my new home in Aberdeen drinking black coffee with no sugar (my friend Raisa would be so proud) watching the activity below on the street. As our first story flat is directly across the road from a massive sports village the activity is great and the people range from grey hair to young children in football kits. Yet they all move along the street like worker ants that know exactly where they are going. 

The sun's rays which rose above the ocean just a few hundred metres away are finally able to reach over the buildings allowing a blanket of soft golden light to carpet the rooftops of the grey buildings. A lady with a blue jacket and H&M bag rushes down the street as if entered in a speed walking competition. Catching a bus? late for work? I'll never know. A woman with a squash racket pops into the gym followed by two guys  dressed to gym the morning away. Only what appears to be a twenty-something lady pushing a pram is not on a frantic mission to get somewhere. 

In some ways I envy them the knowing - the feeling of 'I have people to see and places to go'. Yet the allure of not knowing and experiencing the unexpected is very tempting. For me at present the unexpected is my only choice as the job hunt has yet to result in a job. 

So for now I will enjoy the new flat and continue unpacking boxes. As my friend, Caeri Dunnell, pointed out on her blog the other day we need to 'be happy and dance to the music of life' and have as much hope as we can!

The sliver lining of not working at present means that I have time to explore of new surroundings and take photos as often as I like! 

This is the promenade in Aberdeen which is just a few minutes walk from my house.