A little Glaswegian

After finishing my book in the gardens at the foot of Edinburgh Castle, I released it at the Edinburgh International Book Festival after the Fringe show that afternoon. I then wandered around more of the New Town of Edinburgh, before boarding a train to Glasgow.

Just at that point where the sun goes down and the sky is that blue colour, I was raced through the Scottish countryside. Lush green hills, and at one point we passed a lake where we were at just the right angle for the sky blue colour to be reflected back like glass. One of those awesome train travel moments.

Arriving in Glasgow, I walked through the streets to check into the Victoria House Hotel for the night. After a full buffet breakfast the next morning, I walked through the pedestrian streets of central Glasgow.

Finding the Glasgow Cathedral by accident (I kinda lost my way there for a bit!), I then walked down to Glasgow Green and the People's Palace. The greenhouse style of the Winter Garden was quite warm after being caught in the rain outside, before walking through the history of Glasgow. (More photos)

A walk along the River Clyde, before lunch at the 13th Note, which is an OBCZ. More walking through this worker's town, before getting a bus out to the airport and my flight back to London.

Poofs, Lunch and Worms - EEF

After deciding to come up to Scotland for the August long weekend, a few people had asked if I was going for the Fringe Festival. After looking into it a bit more, I booked a few shows based on their blurbs...and managed to see an assortment of good shows for my two days in Edinburgh!

Saturday afternoon I found my way to the Gilded Balloon for A Can Of Worms. The best of the shows I saw, this stage show depicted two twins coming together after the death of their mother, and sorting out the boxes in the attic. Going through the assorted collection of hoarded memories, the brothers recall significant moments from their dark, and trouble upbring, often memories that the other was totally oblivious too. Bizarre and funny, sad and haunting, the set was merely cardboard boxes, but used brilliantly to let us know time and event as each memory was told.

Saturday evening I saw 4 Poofs and a Piano - Strictly Neurotic at the Pleasance Courtyard. Famous for their interludes on Friday Night with Jonathon Ross (not that I knew...shows how little UK tv I watch!!), these four lads sang their way through the trials and silliness of growing old, and being gay.

This afternoon I have walked around New Town Edinburgh before finding The Assembly Rooms, and the policical and disturbing (I Am) Nobody's Lunch. Based on a collection of interviewed conducted in America in 2003, this cabaret looks at the question of media and information, and what we really know, and don't know, about all that's going on in the world. Hot topic at the time like 9/11, Guantanemo, Jessica Lynch, and Tom Cruise's sexuality, the show consisted of people reactions, and misinformation, apathy and the reading between the lines. Funny, anxious and haunting, this US production was thought provoking, and right on the mark when it comes to the matter of what we think we know.

Three very different and great shows. I could have arrived and picked any shows off the boards and the ever selling box offices, but I am glad I picked random and interesting sounds shows for my Fringe experience!

Great Scot!

Finishing work on Friday, I raced out to Gatwick to get my flight up to Scotland for the long weekend. Derobed of my belt, my shoes, my lipbalm (noooo!) and my bottle of water, I passed though security only to find my flight delayed. I don't think I have ever had a flight from Gatwick that has left on time!

Arriving much later then planned, I missed my booking for a film at the Edinburgh Film Festival. Meant to be the next big US cult classic...thanks to Easyjet I landed after it had started!! Hearlded as the next big US cult movie, if Apart From That is huge....ahhh!

Coming into the city on a doubledecker bus, all the amazing, ornate buildings of Edinburgh were all lit up, and a light show seemed to dance over the imposing and spectacular Edinburgh Castle.

I made my way out to Bathgate, and the Dreadnought Hotel, where I had booked a room for two nights. A full English breakfast the next morning, I made may way back into town, and to the Old Town.

From the station I made my way up to Edinburgh Castle, and I did a walking tour through there. Seeing the Scottish Crown Jewels, and the Stone of Destiny, I was reading about a time and war I know so little about. Walking through the ancient walls you can almost hear the whisperings of "they may take our lives, but they'll never take our freedom!" Well, I remember Mel Gibson accurately!!


I then walked down the bustling and very busy Royal Mile, heaving with people and street performers for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Street stalls and encouragement to go to a million and one different shows!

After a pint in The Clever Dick (the strangest pub names up here!), and a show or two, I wandered back through the streets and awe inspiring architecture of the Old Town before heading back. (More photos)