30th December - Edinburgh

The train to Edinburgh was packed full of revellers all with the same intention: Hogmanay! With two window seats we were in prime position to admire the breathtaking views along the way from Manchester. The weather was cold and the skies a light grey but the rolling hills and surrounding landscape were a variety of vivid greens, yellows and browns - providing a sight better than a picture perfect postcard. It was the quintessential English countryside - matched by nothing.
Following these were some amazing views of the lake district before crossing the border into Bonnie Scotland! Our hopes were raised and then immediately dashed at seeing a thin peppering of snow on the hills which quickly disappeared.
The journey was just over 3 hours but passed easily. Lugging our suitcases off the train, we immediately spied some familiar faces.
After depositing our suitcases in the car boot, we were taken on a wander around the streets of Edinburgh to get our bearings for New Years Eve the following day.
It didn't take long for me to fall in love with Edinburgh, remanents of Christmas decorations and lights still lining Princes Street, the beautiful architecture and the romantic atmosphere I felt! Despite the pouring rain that ensued, we explored the Christmas market, grabbing a huge steaming 'hog roast roll' piled high with apple sauce for lunch. We spotted the castle standing high atop the hill, looking out over the whole of Edinburgh and walked around the outside. Even now, the entrance is both imposing and majestic - a figure if stability and strength.
To escape the rain, a visit to a local pub was suggested. The first was a seemingly small one, but upon entry it was packed, every nook and cranny crammed with dark wooden tables and chairs filled by animated conversations and beer. Inside was a maze - twisting corridors and stairs but no spaces!
We then found ourselves in an Irish pub (yes, in Scotland I know!) with four chairs but no table. A group of Irish travellers saw our soaked, probably pathetic looking faces and struck up conversation gladly sharing their table and warmth with us. I tried my first (half) pint of larger (not a fan!) and J his first pint of Guinness (similar reaction but still drunk it...and mine!)
The rain became too much and we headed home, had a delicious cooked dinner of roast pork and vegetables and apple and blackberry crumble. With an eventful day and new years eve in mind, we found ourselves falling asleep quickly and gladly.
B x