I’ll admit this day in Edinburgh wasn’t filled with the most foodie adventures and was much more spontaneous and a lot less cozy than I normally operate. Letting serendipity take the wheel on this one, I ended up coming across many delightful and artful surprises! Where should I begin?
7:30 a.m.
Helping myself to a fresh cup of tea and scones at my Airbnb watching everyday Scots begin their days on Frederick street.
8:30 a.m.
Just a few paces from the front door step of my Airbnb is a lovely independent coffee shop, Cairngorm Coffee. Order: A flat white and a classic breakfast staple, bacon sandwich. Hearty, filling, and will sustain the hilly journey ahead.
9:15 a.m.
Starting to feel better about eating the bacon sandwich as I climb up a hill too steep for my legs this early in the morning. Edinburgh Castle sits at the edge of the Royal Mile, meaning I have a ways to go. With The Fringe arts festival in town for the month of August, the streets are plastered in posters and flyers for performances ranging from world class theatre and ballet to standup comedy in basements. Even better is that there are street performers scattered all over town offering up free entertainment. Rumor has it only the creme dela creme of street performers make it out here during The Fringe. I can just feel this city is teeming with life and energy!
10:00 a.m.
Exploring Edinburgh Castle with my lovely (audio) tour guide who speaks with an English accent.
11:30 a.m.
The weather is holding up! Hurry to Holyrood Park before the clouds roll in! No time to eat…here we go, quickest way to the top please.
11:30 a.m.
I got this! It’s so gorgeous out here, I sure got lucky for a perfect day for a hike.
11:35 a.m.
I should really get outdoors more often. This fresh air is lovely for my lungs!
11:40 a.m.
Time for a water break. Not too bad considering the incline of the hike. The rest of the way doesn’t look too bad either. Let’s keep going…
11:50 a.m.
Alright, maybe another water break, I promise I won’t have to take one for a while after this.
11:55 a.m.
Wait. Just kidding I need more water. Why did I decide to climb this mountain again?
12:05 p.m.
Starting to seriously contemplate the meaning of life and why I’m stuck on a mountain. That escalated quickly…
12:15 p.m.
No turning back now, headed straight up to Arthur’s Seat!
12:30 p.m.
Woo hoo! I did it! The views are so much more gorgeous when you’ve worked for it.
12:55 p.m.
Must. Find. Food. Now. According to my handy dandy Edinburgh food list, Under the Stairs looks like a good choice. “O.K. Siri, how do I get Under the Stairs?” … … …?
1:00 p.m.
Oh? But wait, here’s a little alley way with food stalls at the end. Let’s have a look! Kenyan Soul food, a gin and tonic, and some free music from talented musicians. Yes, please!
2:00 p.m.
I’m just gonna keep sitting here and enjoy the music until I can start to feel my feet again.
3:05 p.m.
Wandering aimlessly around the Royal Mile until…of course I get hungry. Seeing more than a few interesting things out here in at The Fringe.
3:25 p.m.
Didn’t see this coming…
6:00 p.m.
Now let’s try Under the Stairs, no sidetracks this time. This place was on my ‘must go to cozy places’! Of course I need to try the haggis. I’m not actually too sure what’s in it but I’ll look up what’s in it AFTER I try it.
8:00 p.m.
Heading back to the Airbnb to clean up and I still have time for a risky power nap to get through the rest of the night. But first, another lucky break?! Catching the fireworks from Edinburgh Castle after the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo ceremonies.
10:00 p.m.
Finally off to the comedy show recommended by a young woman I met at whiskey tasting the other day. “World War Five” at the Cabaret Voltaire. But why is stand-up comedy always done in a basement? Either way I wouldn’t want pass up on FREE laughs! The line up includes German comedian Christian Schulte-Loh, Irish comedians Danny O’Brien and Rory O’Hanlon, a Greek Australian, an Englishman, and an American from L.A. These international comedians are hysterical! Cracking jokes about people’s accents and all too accurate re-enactment of women on “Wine Wednesdays.” Cry-laughing funny!
Midnight
What a day! I’ll admit it wasn’t filled with the most foodie adventures but much more spontaneous than I normally operate. Finally headed home. Now just one wee little thing stands between me and my sweet, sweet, bed…
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