This week was a fun one, and something I've said I'd do for years but never got round to; 'Visit Edinburgh'. It was all down to these lovely ladies that I finally booked a weekend in the capital of Scotland.
Many years ago, or a few short years back, depending on how you look at it, we all worked for the same company. As time has passed some of us have moved to different jobs but we've all stayed in contact. Basically because we're all awesome. One of our number, Susan, recently accepted a job in Edinburgh so we just had to organise a team visit.
We jumped on a train from London on Friday afternoon and passed the journey with lots snacks, a little bit of fizz and some catching up. It was late in the evening by the time we rocked up to our home for the weekend. We had booked a flat with AirBnB, and it may have been one of the most charming places I have stayed in. Straight away I nabbed the small maids room off the living room.
The whole flat was really spacious but I wanted the smallest room as it was so quaint, and because of the tall ceiling it didn't feel cramped at all. After a good nights sleep it was time to head out and explore!
We spend most the morning walking, eating, drinking and chatting, or any combination of the four. Straight away I loved Edinburgh. It is a beautiful city and I was in awe of the architecture. In the old part of the city I felt like I could really imagine what it would have been like to live there centuries ago. Where ever you turned there was just so much character and history.
Soon it was time for us to check out one of the worlds oldest team sports, Curling. This winter Olympic sport originated in Scotland way back in the 16th Century.
I found it a really addictive sport to watch. It seems quite simple, get the stones into the house (see Susan, I was listening) and knock out all your opponents stones, but on ice it is more difficult than it seems. I got quite carried away watching, thinking up strategies and urging my chosen team to win. If I start another 52 New Things once finishing this list 'Playing Curling' will be right at the top. I'm not known for my balance or elegance so putting me on ice may be dangerous, but I really want to have a go at curling, and not just so I can try out the slippy/grippy shoes!
Soon though, it was time to return to our flat to get ready for a night out in Edinburgh. Lucky Edinburgh.
We started with a particularly nice meal at a restaurant called The Dogs. It's quite central, has great atmosphere but most importantly the food was amazing. I recommend the mac & cheese as well as the rice pudding dessert - delicious. Then it was time to head for some cocktails.
A block or so from The Dogs is a cocktail bar called Panda and Sons. You head downstairs into a basement bar where you can treat yourself to a range of beautifully prepared cocktails. There's cocktails in smoke filled bell jars, mix your own Monet cocktails, and most importantly for Anna, Espresso Martinis.
I woke early the next morning feeling a little worse for wear. I blame the aforementioned Martinis, I don't drink coffee so was still buzzing with caffeine whilst everyone else slept soundly. I decided the only sensible thing to do at that time of the morning was climb a big hill. So off I headed to the nearby Carlton Hill.
From that hill I could see the whole cityscape of Edinburgh and really got a chance to appreciate the scenery.
Now it may have been the combination of the lack of sleep, the hangover or just climbing up a big hill but the view took my breath away. I decided then and there I have to visit Edinburgh again, and I also plan to head out to the surrounding mountains and lochs. It's just too beautiful not spend more time in Scotland.
I returned to the flat feeling a little bit more human and ready to face the rest of the day. Luckily for me it turned out we were going to spend the morning on an open-top bus (which I love) so I didn't have to worry about slowing anyone down having spent the little energy I had on Carlton Hill.
What I enjoyed most about this tour (apart from being sat down) was that we had a real life guide. None of this headphone automatic computer talking to me nonsense. Our guide was funny, informative and had a great Scottish accent (the jury is still out for me whether Scottish or Irish accents are the best). Having spent most our time in the old part of Edinburgh it was really interesting to visit the newer side and hear about the regeneration of the area. Unfortunately all the photos I took are a bit wobbly so I won't bore you with them, but safe to say, despite being a little chilly I would recommend a bus tour, if like us you don't have a long time in Edinburgh, just make sure they have a human guide!
After a final, warming meal with Susan at the National Gallery it was unfortunately time for us to say our farewells and head back to London. It was certainly a more subdued train journey than the one that brought us to Edinburgh. I had a fantastic weekend for my first trip to Edinburgh. It was wonderful to spend time with friends and Edinburgh is a beautiful city in which to do it. Thank you Susan!
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