Weekend Escape in Edinburgh

Its been quite for a little bit hasn’t it?! Sorry for a little bit of the radio silence. That’s not for the lack of travelling. Oh no, there is always, always time for a getaway whether a weekend or maybe two. I started another project at work so that’s had me on my toes for a little bit while I got up to speed on what we will be doing on the project with the client. In the mean time I certainly hope you enjoyed my photo diary of Hong Kong and my tales of Retail Therapy and  Haggling in China’s Guangzhou. All work and no play would make Bee a very dull Bee so of course my busy week work was broken up with a weekend of play in beautiful and weather-challenged Edinburgh. I also took another weekend to hide out on the borders of Somerset and Wiltshire’s beautiful countryside yurts. So look out for that post.

So, Edinburgh – a city that really needs no introduction. Known for its weird and wonderful weather, it certainly didn’t disappoint on that front. Scotland was hosting the Common Wealth games a week after we were there so perhaps Edinburgh was even busier than usual because of this. Busy streets packed with tourists from all walks, all taking in the city’s oozing atmosphere. Kilt touting Scots playing bag pipes that you can hear in and around the city. A bustling capital built on a set of extinct volcanoes and richly reeking of history and mystery while charming visitors with a majestic vista under the watchful eye of Edinburgh Castle that towers over the city.

 

Edinburgh its a city that mixes old and new and filled with historic stories and legends that you can indulge in, in many of the city tours that are offered around the city or the fun filled festivals that take over the city in the summer months. Namely the popular Fringe festival in the summer that brings comedians, entertainers, musicians to the city. Because the weather was dull, dark and wet on our first day of the visit it created the perfect setting and an excuse to hide away in a cafe and sip away cup after cup of teas and coffee while trying to understand the deep Scottish accents that were peering through from other diners.

 

The city is not that vast so providing you have a comfortable pair of shoes and the weather is on your side, you can easily tour the city on foot. Among the must see sights of course is the Royal Mile, which has a little gem I am dying to reveal but you have to wait until the next post. Street entertainment is abundant, from magicians or those claiming it anyway, kilt-wearing bag pipers, saw playing musicians, story tellers  and a levitating Yoda! All competing for your attention, but none could compare to the ‘free’ surprise concert we hard at the castle of the Kaiser Chiefs who certainly brighten up a dull day…It was the perfect welcome into the city and great start to an already lovely weekend….