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Entry from: Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Entry Title: “Scotland in winter – a new home. Brrr.”
Entry:
“Hello once again and apologies for my tardiness in getting this entry posted. It’s surprising to think that I’ve been based in Edinburgh for only six weeks – it seems a lot longer because it’s been one whirlwind of activity around a lot of solid hard work in my new job (that, for once, has been the main focus of my existence!). Even in winter there’s a lot to do and see here which makes time fly. All in all I’m very glad to be back here once again and I think I might even prefer it to London. More on that later… Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland, the traditionally troublesome northern part of the United Kingdom, and now home to a reasonably new Scottish Parliament. 600,000 of Scotland’s 5 million or so inhabitants live here and to generalise it is the home of Scottish ‘old money’, whereas Glasgow, around 70 miles away, is the larger, glitzier and more fast-paced upstart rival. Think old-school Melbourne versus a racy Sydney in the Australian context and you apparently have a pretty accurate picture. The city’s long history and establishment culture are truly bourne out in the style and mood of the place. Filled to brimming with grand squares, dozens of intricately crowned and spired churches, and in general some quite spectacular Georgian-era architecture – it really is a very classy place. I did notice some of this the first time around, but now I’ve covered a lot more of the city in my search for housing, the expansive extent of Edinburgh’s wealth and breeding (especially in the northern part of the city) has become very much more apparent. Which is the style I found myself becoming accustomed to on first arriving here – shacked up in a stately old building that the Hilton Caledonian has taken over – that sits in the shadow of the Castle and which is very central to everything. Next up it was a tasty serviced apartment called EQ2 down the road in Tollcross, an area much like Newtown or Redfern (Sydney-wise), but with the newly renovated Union C**** running through it. With the new development here it’s a similar feel to Darling Harbour in Sydney, but even so, with the c**** boats lined up here Mum and Dad would have loved it. Compared to backpacker hostels and some of the temporary accommodations I found myself in whilst in London, this was living! There was even a local Cargo Bar to really remind me of home. Being the largest and highest of all the grand buildings here means ‘The Castle’ is the focus of town. It’s an unusual collection of very un-castle-like buildings perched atop a craggy bluff right in the centre of town. Sydney Opera House, eat your heart out. Leading up to it from the palace of Holyrood is another tourist must see – the Royal Mile – a crooked and ancient road with steep and narrow pedestrian ‘closes’ that finger off it, like ribs do a spine. There’s also the highly rated Scottish Museum, Holyrood Palace, the eerily paved-over Mary Kings Close, quaint Dean Village (along the cutely-named Water of Leith), and the climb up Arthur’s Seat that are other big drawcards here. However due to the elements at this time of year (mainly dark and windy) I haven’t really done any of them, which is why they aren’t pictured above. Instead I’ve spent my little spare time learning the way of the locals by focussing on some excellent nightlife, groovy food (Haggis and tatties!) and an array of mellow Bitter beers. I can’t tell you about any of the ticket items yet – they will have to wait for later entries – perhaps when old Swedish mate Olof comes to visit over new year. One sight I saw and was surprised by is the abovementioned and funky new Scottish Parliament, located near …”
Read and see more at: http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/technotrekker/overland05/1161267420/tpod.html
Photos from this trip:
1. “Grand parks”
2. “- gothic churches”
3. “- pointy spires”
4. “- a mound”
5. “- and a castle… this place has everything”
6. “pondering guy”
7. “Nice places to stay”
8. “Autumnal views”
9. “from my room”
10. “And a Cargo Bar to remind me of home…”
11. “Lots of great architecture”
12. “a Tardis or two”
13. “Local meat market”
14. “Menacing cow”
15. “liking the place more and more”
16. “Golf at the Braids 1″
17. “Tough layout”
18. “Don’t hit one in here – very spikey”
19. “Then out to Gullane”
20. “Lovely links views”
21. “Giant sea gull”
22. “Sand trap views”
23. “new Scottish Parliament”
24. “Say it well”
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Duration : 0:2:38