An interview with creative Amandine Bula
On reading, writing, and exploring in Edinburgh
Last weekend, Ed and I watched Sideways, the one with Paul Giamatti, where two friends take a trip through California’s vineyards. I hadn’t seen it in over a decade, back when I worked in wine and everyone was talking about it. The scene about pinot noir? Still love it.
Rewatching it reminded me how satisfying can be those films that are wholesome in spirit and light-to-medium on plot. Maybe it’s because everything else is so loud already, I feel like these stories offer a break from the noise. A Real Pain comes to mind, Before Sunrise (Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke, a classic), and In The Mood for Love (who needs a plot when Hong Kong is the backdrop).
What I like about these films is that they don’t try to please everyone, nor are they chasing the viewer’s attention with gimmicky twists and turns. But then I know there’s room for action-packed stories too. With books, for example, I often find myself adjusting the balance between plot and character driven reads, finding just the right mix for the season I’m in. Does anyone else crave palate-cleansing page turners right
‘;after reading something more abstract or literary?
Speaking of books, this week I’m excited to share an interview with avid reader and creative Amandine Bula.
Amandine’s Substack,
, feels exactly like what the name says, each essay a gentle walk through its author’s life and reflections. Originally from Belgium, Amandine has spent the last decade living abroad: first in Toronto, Canada, for four years, and then in the UK for over five. She’s currently based in Edinburgh.I first discovered Amandine’s work through her newsletter, where she shares musings on life, books, and the ordinary moments that inspire her. One piece in particular, about native languages and communication (and miscommunication), really stayed with me. That’s what led me to her YouTube channel too—a “visual diary of everyday life, small joys, and slow moments in Edinburgh.”
Here’s what Amandine says about her time travelling and exploring new cities:
“Being an expat hasn’t cured my travel bug. If anything, it’s only deepened my curiosity for places, cultures, and the feeling of being somewhere new. I love wandering without a plan, finding comfort in small cafés, and trying to blend with the locals. Lately, I’ve also been on a mission to understand coffee beyond just tastes good or tastes bad. Maybe one day I’ll confidently answer a barista when they ask if I want washed or unwashed beans. Until then, I’ll keep sipping and pretending I taste the difference.”
And here is the interview.
Enjoy ♡
Amandine, in your writing you often explore topics like home, seasonality, and creativity. So to start I’d love to ask: what has been on your mind lately?
I’d say all of the above, really: home, seasonality, and creativity. I’m very influenced by my environment and, whether I like it or not, by the weather. I often wish it didn’t affect me so much, but the changing seasons always end up guiding my mood and creative energy. The shifts in the air, the colours, the pace of things—it all plays a part. Lately, I’ve also been thinking about my next holiday. I haven’t picked a destination yet, but as soon as the days get a bit longer and brighter, the homebody in me suddenly catches the travel bug.
Have you always been interested in writing and creating content?
Writing, for me, feels a bit like that one lover you can never quite shake off. That sounds bad when I say it. But what I mean is, I’ve always returned to it, no matter how long the pause.
Being the youngest in the family (my sister is twelve years older), I spent a lot of time on my own as a child. She didn’t really want to play with me (fair enough), so I invented entire worlds to keep myself entertained. I’d write little scripts and then act out all the parts in my room. At school, I was one of those kids who actually enjoyed writing essays, and I was constantly reading. I started a Skyblog (a 2000s French platform), which eventually led me to a Blogspot, then a WordPress site. For a while, I thought I’d become a journalist.
Then life got in the way, and I drifted from writing for a bit. But creativity in some form or another has always stayed with me, whether through photography, video, or simply finding joy in putting things together with intention.
On youtube you share glimpses of your day-to-day life in Edinburgh. What drew you to move from your native Belgium, and how did you find your way to Edinburgh?
Before moving to the UK, I spent four years in Canada. When I returned to Belgium, I tried to settle back in, but it didn’t click. So I started applying for jobs in London. It always felt like a far-off dream, but when an offer came through, I said yes without hesitation.
After two years and a global pandemic, I found myself craving a slower pace and more nature. In October 2021, I took a solo birthday trip to Edinburgh and instantly fell for the city. I think the gothic architecture reminded me a little of Belgium. The trees, the people, the atmosphere… I felt a pull I couldn’t quite explain.
The next year, I started a new job for a company that had offices across the UK, including one in Edinburgh. After my six-month probation, I asked to transfer and here I am. Almost three years in, and I’m still just as smitten with the city.
Books seem to be an important part of your world. Could you share one or more recent reads that have left a particular impact on you, as well as a few of your all-time favourites?
My favourite read so far this year has been Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar. It follows Cyrus, a twenty-something Iranian American poet—newly sober, a bit adrift—as he begins to reflect on his past and identity. It’s not a light read; the story is partly shaped by the tragedy of his mother’s death when her plane was shot down over Tehran. He becomes obsessed with martyrdom and spends his days in conversation with a terminally ill artist at the Brooklyn Museum. It explores big themes like faith, art, grief, and legacy with such beauty, wit and emotional depth. I devoured every word and can’t wait to see what Akbar writes next.
As for favourites, it’s always a bit daunting to choose. I’m sure I’ll forget a title and regret it later! But I had a quick look at my shelves and pulled two that I’d love to reread.
One is Christodora by Tim Murphy. It’s a sweeping novel centred around an apartment building in Manhattan’s East Village, the Christodora. It weaves together the lives of its inhabitants over a couple of decades, while also exploring the AIDS epidemic, addiction, family, and social change. It broke my heart in the best possible way.
Another is Cold Enough for Snow by Jessica Au. It’s a short, introspective novel about a mother and daughter meeting in Tokyo after travelling from abroad. As you can probably tell from the two previous books, I’m often drawn to family-related stories. Especially when they explores mother-daughter relationships. I read it while visiting my mum in Belgium, and I couldn’t help but see echoes of our relationship in the characters: their gentle bickering, the quiet affection, and the sense that sometimes, even when you love someone deeply, you can still speak entirely different languages.
Your videos and writing have such a distinct atmosphere - calm, reflective, and visually beautiful. How do you go about crafting this aesthetic?
Thank you, that’s such a lovely thing to say. I’ve often been told I have a good eye, an eye for detail, like spotting something that might otherwise go unnoticed. I’m drawn to light, shapes, geometry... the way sunlight catches a surface, or how shadows fall in a room.
At first, I think it was just something that occasionally caught my attention. But when I studied photography in secondary school, I began training my eye to look for those small details. It became second nature. I’ve always been drawn to beautiful things—not in a flashy way, more in a soft, considered sense. I blame it on being a Libra. Balance, symmetry, and beauty definitely speak to me.
Between work, YouTube, and Substack, you juggle a lot of creative projects. Do you have any habits or rituals that help you reset when you’re feeling off or drained?
I’m still figuring this out, to be honest. When I get overwhelmed, I tend to shut down or, more realistically, press pause. At least on the creative side, since I can’t exactly take a break from work. Sometimes I go for a walk to clear my head; other times I’ll visit an art gallery to recharge. It really depends on what I need in the moment.
I try to remind myself that pauses are not only allowed, they’re necessary. Whether it’s YouTube or Substack, if I miss a post or an upload, I’ve learned not to be too hard on myself. Yes, consistency matters, but so does doing it with joy.
On a similar theme, when you’re not working and have time to do the things you love, what’s your ideal way to spend a day?
I love a good solo date. The perfect day for me involves visiting an art gallery, pausing for a coffee somewhere cosy, and browsing a bookshop at my own pace. After wandering around all day, I’ll usually pick up a few ingredients and cook something comforting at home. Nothing fancy, just a nice meal to end the day on a good note.
Can you share some of your favourite places to eat, drink, and unwind in Edinburgh?
I recently realised that most of my go-to spots revolve around brunch or coffee. I love breakfast food, so that’s usually where I end up.
For brunch, Cowan and Sons in Stockbridge is a firm favourite. Their veggie bun with avocado, pea smash, and grilled halloumi is perfection. They’ve also got a lovely little counter by the window where you can grab pastries. Their brookie and cinnamon bun are dangerously good.
For coffee, I love cafēn, BEATNIK, and Origin Coffee. Origin might be my top pick. On top of amazing coffee, they serve the best vegan cinnamon roll and banana bread I’ve ever had. I introduced a friend to it, and now it’s become our regular meeting spot.
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, lovecrumbs is a must. Their cake selection is unreal. I once tried a lavender and blueberry jam cake (even though I hate lavender), and it completely blew my mind.
As someone who adores art, I have to mention a few galleries. Fruitmarket and Talbot Rice Gallery are fantastic for contemporary art. Edinburgh Printmakers is often overlooked, but it’s such a gem—they also offer printmaking workshops. Dovecot Studios is another favourite, especially if you’re into textiles. They had an exhibition on Andy Warhol’s commercial textile designs last year, which I absolutely loved. It was fascinating to see another aspect of the artist.
And of course, Edinburgh is full of brilliant bookshops. Topping & Company is open from 9 am to 9 pm, which is just dreamy. Tills Bookshop is great for secondhand and translated fiction. Lighthouse is a radical bookshop with a strong community focus. And if you find yourself by the sea, the Portobello Bookshop is worth a visit—one of the best in the city.
Finally, one of the best things about Edinburgh is how close nature is. Whether it’s Arthur’s Seat, Blackford Hill, or a quiet woodland walk, nature is never far away.
You've travelled a lot, what does home cooking mean to you? Are there specific flavours and dishes that bring you the most comfort?
Food is a huge part of my life. I love spending time in the kitchen, throwing things together and seeing what comes of it. Sometimes it’s a total fail, other times it turns into one of my signature dishes.
Whenever I travel, I get obsessed with local cuisine. I always make time to visit grocery stores—partly because I’m nosy, but also because I find them oddly comforting. Plus, I like to bring back herbs and spices so I can recreate dishes at home. It’s not always exact, but I’ve found that the right spice mix can really transport you.
For comfort, I tend to lean toward spicy flavours—Mexican and Korean cuisines are big favourites. I love having tacos for a fun DIY dinner with friends where everyone builds their own taco. Another go-to is spicy soft tofu stew (sundubu jjigae) to warm up after a long day. If I travel home, I’ll ask my mom to make a stoemp. It’s basically mashed potatoes mixed with another vegetable. But not too pureed; you need to have chunks. It’s usually served with sausage, but as I’m vegetarian, I’ll eat it with eggs and Belgian pickles (similar to piccalilli).
And finally, what are you most looking forward to in the months ahead?
Sunshine, honestly. The UK gets a bad rep for the weather, especially Scotland. And while it rains, we don’t get torrential downpours like we sometimes have in Belgium. It rains in short bursts. It’s the grey skies that get to me more than the rain. Today, though, the sky is bright blue and cloudless, which instantly lifts my spirits. I’m also really looking forward to some small trips. Maybe a few around the UK, and hopefully one or two in Europe if I can manage it. Nothing too grand—just the joy of discovering new places, good food, and changing scenery.
All photos are courtesy of Amandine.
If you’re curious to discover more, here are Amandine’s Youtube channel and Substack newsletter
xx Stefania
loved reading this!!!
So many great nuggets of wisdom in this one, thank you 🫶