Edinburgh - August 2018

The Guinness

You would have thought that after getting a Guinness in countries such as Moldova, Belarus, Azerbaijan and Armenia then Edinburgh would be a doddle.  Well it wasn't.  All we needed was a pub that served Guinness, oh, and food, and allowed dogs, and was somewhere between the train station and Arthur's Seat.........  After quite a bit of research we found one, told people who were travelling from different places and sat back confidently.  The only problem was that it didn't quite work out.  As we battled our way along the crowded streets of Edinburgh and arrived at the pub we found another dog in residence outside.  It was quickly evident that our dog and the pub dog were not going to see eye to eye so an alternative venue had to be sought.  The stress had definitely begun to build by now.  Oh, and I haven't mentioned yet that my wife fell coming down Arthur's Seat and broke her arm!  Luckily, very close by was McSorleys with Guinness signs everywhere.  No dogs allowed though but fortunately we were able to shoehorn into their street seating area and down a welcome Guinness or two. 

Edinburgh -  my 50th European Capital City.  Only two more to go to complete the challenge.

Dylan doing a great job in picking out my next destination - Valletta, Malta.

Team make up

The highlight of the day for me was being able to catch up with some great friends who I hadn't seen for a while.  As the Guinness began to hit the right spot the stress began to dissipate.  Some of those in attendance were drinking Guinness for the first time and enjoying it.  Two stalwarts of this Guinness challenge, Kevin and Ian, who have traveled with me to various Easter European countries were here and both made epic journeys of their own to be here.  Others may not like their names plastered all over my blog without me checking so shall remain nameless but thanks for being there everyone.  Oh, and our dog Shadow for making this his first Guinness trip.

Sightseeing

We were actually only in Edinburgh for the day so sightseeing was somewhat challenging especially with a canine companion.  Going up the classic Edinburgh Hill Arthur's Seat therefore seemed a natural choice.  What I hadn't imagined was that every other tourist in Edinburgh would do the same.  There was some admirable navigating from one of our party to get us through the heaving streets full of festival goes and to the base of the hill.  For some reason we seemed to be at the steep side.  Not to worry, I'm sure those people using ropes and crampons are only doing it for the fun of it.  Actually, the path was a lot more gentle than it initially looked.  The views from the summit were great and there was a trig point to keep me happy too.

Arthur's Seat - we were not alone

  All we needed o do now was to get down.  I know, let's go down the gentle way.  Gentle it may be but pretty gravelly too and Margaret took a tumble whist being distracted by the dog.  We weaved our way down slowly and the near feinting episode didn't happen till near the bottom. 

The Edinburgh skyline

There's me getting sidetracked.  Edinburgh - what a grand looking city.  Full of fine architecture.  Full of atmosphere too in August with the Festival.  Must come back again to explore it more thoroughly. 

Food and Drink

This is where I normally write about the fine national cuisine I've eaten on the trip.  So what did I eat in Edinburgh?  Nothing!  Not even a boiled sweet.  Our plan to have lunch somewhere was naturally overtaken by events, namely distal fractures of the wrist.  After that, Guinness drinking took priority and before we knew it we had to catch the train.  I lie, I think I did manage a third of a packet of crisps and very nice they were too and Scottish. 

Harvest time in the Borders

Getting there and around

We stayed the week in dog-friendly accommodation near Coldstream in the Scottish Borders, topping in Liverpool on the way up and Coventry on the way back.  What a fine area the Border region is and no doubt often overlooked by people tearing up to the Highlands.  At this time of year the Borders is a busy place with harvesting in full flow.

Stationary dog

Outside Edinburgh

 From our base near Coldstream we got to explore the local rolling countryside, forests as well as the expansive Northumberland coastline and the historical town of Berwick-on-Tweed.  And yes, there was some fine food too, a meal cooked by some goof friends and some good meals out too. 

Our dog Shadow trying to complete the Northumberland coast in a single day

Quirky Moments

"I'll just pop into this pharmacist to see if they have a support bandage for my wrist" said my wife in Berwick, two days after we'd been to Edinburgh.  "It's a bit sore".  Sorry, explained the pharmacist, I think you need to go to the hospital.  Where would that be?  Next to the long-stay car park we were already parked in.  That's lucky!  Thank you EU/NHS.  Margaret  -  born in Ireland, lives in Wales, injured in Scotland, treated in England.  Glad it was this year and not next.

Every NHS treatment in Berwick comes with a free seagull.