Hi All..
I have just returned from five days in the amazing Edinburgh. Having leave saved up that I needed to take before the end of the year I loaded a backpack and headed north. First stop was a nights drinking session with the lovely Michelle in Leeds. I took a guided tour of the local pubs and bars and at one stage we again found ourselves sampling the fruits of Peru in the form of Cusquena beer. An early morning rise wasn't what the head or stomach agreed with however I shot into town to catch the train to Edinburgh.
Upon arrival a few things were evident. The further north you go, the thicker the accent and the further north you go the colder the weather. A more pleasant cold than London, Edinburgh's fresh winter breezes and blue skies make the chill a little more bearable.
Edinburgh is a beautiful city, both in its landscape and its architecture. The city itself is built over old volcanoes and most of the buildings are untouched by the modern world. Most of the cities highlight’s focus around a stretch of road called the Royal Mile which extends from the Edinburgh Castle down to Holyrood House where the Queen stays on local visits. I stayed with Mark in the 'Old Town' and between him and his flat mate Shannon provides excellent mini tours and information on the great city.
I took a bus to the small town of Roslin to visit the very quaint Rossyln Chapel, resting place of Knight Templar's and supposed burial grounds for the Holy Grail.
A climb to Arthur’s Seat gave a great view of the city on a very clear day. The nights were spent perusing the local nightlife and one night on the way to a bar it snowed on us (albeit faintly). This was then outdone by finding a bar that stocked Boags Premium's, something I haven't seen for about 8 months. One night was spent a Vegas themed night club complete with cocktail dresses, slacks, feathers, cabaret dancers, craps tables and the like.
I also got a chance to sample the local delicacy Haggis (oats and offal), which was surprisingly nice (great cure for a hangover), as well sample the local soft drink; Irn Bru. Irn Bru (along with Inka Cola in Peru) is the only soft drink in their respective countries to out-sell Coca-Cola. The drink itself is nothing but a hyped up version of Cream-Soda mixed with Raspberry with enough sugar for an Oompa Loompa to poke a sugar cane at..
It was quite sad returning to the gloomy London, although I made it back to see Muse play to 18,000 people at Earl's Court. Gig sold out in 30 minutes and it was honestly one of the best concerts I have ever seen. Incredible!!
Anyway I left plenty of things for myself to do in Edinburgh to make sure that I go back..
Everyone have a Merry Christmas + Happy New Year and don’t do anything Steve would.
Dave
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