Thursday, July 28, 2011

Edinburgh

I have had a wonderful time here in Edinburgh so far.  I am staying in a lovely B&B called the Garlands Guest House, it is in the same street we use to live in.  When I was trying to decide where to stay here in Edinburgh I figured this area was as good as any and I knew all the bus routes so why not.  


My B&B is the second building in the 3 story building.  Very nice in side.






Day One - After arriving in Edinburgh rather early on the train I was able to check in straight away at my B&B before I headed out to see my work mates, as we had planned to have lunch together.  We went out to Norton House for  lunch which was just lovely.  The best way to spend my birthday being around good friends I hadn't seen in awhile.  We then headed back to SASA where I spent the afternoon sitting out in the sun talking to my old boss as he is planning a trip to New Zealand with his wife, always good to be able to advertise your own country.


In the evening I decided to take in a movie as it was cheap night at Vue.  I went to see Horrible Bosses which was pretty funny, but not as good as I had hoped.  It was just like the old days when I use to go and see a movie on a Wednesday night and then Mike would meet me down at Ocean terminal for dinner afterwards but this time there was no Mike :o(


Day Two - Today has been really rainy, pretty good though unlike Wellington you can just put your umbrella up and go out in it.  I decided to do something girlie this morning and have my nails done.  They are pretty fancy and I love them, this photo doesn't do them justice.

I then went down to Ocean Terminal for lunch and a look around the shops as at least this area is all under cover in a Mall as the rain was being rather persistent. After a good look around I headed back to the B&B to get ready to go out for the night.  I was meeting up with friends (my old boss and his wife) for dinner.  We went to Gusto in George Street, it was lovely.  We had a wonderful meal, I had never meet his wife before so it was great to meet her finally.  From there we headed to Ghillie Dhu for a drink, the only problem was they had a live band on and it got rather loud and we only lasted one song/drink before we headed out.  It was pretty funny really.  We ended up at a table right in front and below the band but it was a rounded booth, so we were looking out at the audience as well, so we felt like we were in a fish bowl.  From there we went to Whigham's, this was a little quieter and we were able to sit down and talk a bit more.  I was introduced to a "Long Vodka" drink, I think now one of my favourite drink but apparently only found here in Edinburgh by this name.  We were able to discuss more about their trip to New Zealand, and have a good laugh at how to prounce NZ names.

I have had a great time here so far, and very much miss living in Edinburgh.  The city really has got better since we left, that could be a sign of course.  All the tram works around Leith, and Princess Street have finished for now and a lot of the shops that had closed down during the recession and road works are all open again, no empty shop-fronts now, pretty good really.

I have one more day left in Edinburgh before I take the sleeper train back to London tomorrow night.  At this stage weather dependent I am going out to SASA again for lunch tomorrow as they are having a BBQ,so this will be a good chance to catch up with others again.

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