I have a few days to myself at home, and I was going to tell you what I was doing with them, explain to you just how obviously Introvert Am I!. . . (hint: knitting, reading, drawing). . . but after getting to the gym early this morning (second time this week! I’m feeling pretty good about resuming my routine), I’ve decided to head downtown to a favourite café for breakfast, then check out a fabulous new couture exhibition (yes, I promise: more later, and I’ll try to snap some photos), and maybe browse the fall offerings (I’m cautious; all that corduroy, all that velvet, those rich colours . . . so seductive, and my closet is so small. . . )
So short shrift for my readers this morning — just a page from the journal I’ll be keeping on my solo trip next month. . . Not tough to guess my first destination, is it? I’ll have five days there, staying with a friend who knows the city well, but I’m open to any Don’t Miss This suggestions you might have.
My tummy’s growling after that workout, so I’m out the door. . . Happy Friday!
I work from home, and every time I get out to a big city and walk around I am almost starry-eyed with wonder and ask myself why I don't get out every day (answer: work).
Your trip to Scotland sounds wonderful. I look forward to hearing more.
It's true for me as well — I love to be home and have so much I like to do here that I can get too comfortable and forget how much the city stimulates me. . . something about balance there, d'you think?!
What a wonderful trip (although I like the other way too:staying at home,just reading….not knitting,not drawing)!
Dottoressa
They're both good, aren't they?! You're off somewhere this weekend, am I right? Enjoy!
OOOOH, you're coming chez nous!!!! how very strange to see part of our little country on your blog! Sad that you're not getting north to our mountains and rivers and wide sandy beaches – but that will have to be for your next visit. Can you email me with your movements? I am pretty solidly stuck in the north with work but may be down in Edinburgh at some point next month.
Oh, too bad, L was hoping we might all get together — as you say, I'd love to get north (would like to plan for a walking trip at some point, but suspect November isn't the month!) but that will have to wait for another visit. I'll email you, yes.
Edinburgh is a lovely city to visit. I've been home all day, laundering, reading and cooking. I've had enough visiting and working for an introvert. I was planning to visit VAG to see that exhibition. Enjoy the weekend!
I've only ever spent a day in Edinburgh, and that was almost 35 years ago, so I'm looking forward to exploring it.
Those catch-up/recovery days at home are so important, aren't they?
You'll love the Guo Pei show!
Enjoy Edinburgh and beyond. Scottish National Gallery is lovely, though not sure what exhibitions might be on now. And, of course, the Castle. Prepare for some hilly climbs (from Prince Street up to Royal Mile). After your trip this summer, this should not be a problem for you.
There won't be any "beyond" this trip, actually — I'm keeping it simple and looking forward to the chance just to wander the city, check out the exhibitions, and climb some hills 😉 I'm really keen to spend some hours in the National Gallery (especially the Portrait Gallery!)
Will you have a chance to visit Glasgow? I've only been there once for a couple of days, but I loved it. All that Art Deco everywhere…
This trip is to visit a friend in Edinburgh, and I'm looking forward to exploring just one city — I spent some time in Glasgow in '67 and '71 and have fond memories of it — (my uncle was a Jesuit priest there).
Highly recommend The Writers Museum and you must visit The Botanic Gardens.I visit Edinburgh regularly to see family and always try to take in The Botanics..you won't be disappointed!
I always love a Botanic Garden, so yes! Thank you for the recommendation! And my friend is a R.L. Stevenson scholar so I'm sure she'll point me to The Writers Museum which will be fascinating.
Hi Mater, I have only spent a couple of days (two years ago) in Edinburgh, but loved it and hope to return. The Castle is amazing, but I also loved being in Holyrood- standing in Mary Queen of Scots' chambers was pretty special.
All the history . . .
I'm late but that has given me the advantage of reading the comments…a trip with no 'beyond'…my favourite kind. Edinburgh has been the place of choice for my friends and family this year, so I'm interested to see what you add to my 'things to do/see/eat' list…for when the time comes. I'm sure your sketchbook will be full!
Well, there's no "beyond" in Scotland, at least. . . once I leave Edinburgh, I leave the country, but then . . . well, you'll see. . 😉
Better make sure you bring lots of GREEN on your trip! xoxox.
I know! But don't forget I live in a city that has me pretty well accustomed to grey (at least, I'm assuming you're speaking of weather)
Hope this comment takes ! Edinburgh is wonderfully walkable especially all the little alleys in the old town – Up & down , back & forth , full of history . Our favourite eating place is called The Dogs – owned by a proper local . For an almost countryside walk follow the Dean village path . Take woolies , the wind whistles through those streets .
Wendy ( in the very north of Scotland just now ) from York
Yes! Your comment stuck, and so good to hear from you. Your description makes Edinburgh sound exactly like what I love. . . I'm going to add The Dean village path to my list of Things to See and Do in my little travel journal as soon as I finish writing this. And yes, I will be packing woolies (although what a place to buy new, should I not have enough, right?).
Oh, how exciting!! I live an hour from Edinburgh and it is one of my favourite cities to visit (I work there occasionally too). Linda will be able to give you plenty of recommendations and the suggestions made by the others above are all good. The number of tourists will be lower in November and it can be a lovely time to visit the galleries in relative peace. I'm really keen to see the Toulouse-Lautrec exhibition which is on at the Scottish National Gallery until January. Wendy is right about the woolies and if you happen to run short, there are lots of options. Brora is my favourite, it's expensive but I like to save for a special treat there every so often. I hope the weather is settled when you visit, we've had some beautiful crisp, sunny days this month. Wilma D
Thanks Wilma — I've got such a long list of recommendations now, I'll be wishing I'd planned a longer stay. . . Galleries are top of my list, plus lots of walking. . . and if my wallet could handle Brora (I can at least drool, right?)
I've emailed you my top suggestions, including a top deck experience. Seconding Wendy's Dean Path suggestion, and if you walk from Dean Village downstream you'll come to the next little village/quartier of Stockbridge with its small local shops and cafes and then the Botanics. I recommended the no. 23 bus to Morningside – a good French cafe in Bruntsfield on the way there or back is La Barantine on the same street as the bus route, Bruntsfield Place.. Don't bother with an umbrella because if we do get rain it's likely to be horizontal – pack a warm waterproof coat with a hood!
I'm already planning my list for when you return and visit me up here in the north.
Wonderful suggestions, Linda, and thank you for them all.
And yes, next visit I'll be sure to get up your way!
We were there in March. Second recommendation for The Dogs, also recommend The Scran & Scallie (in Stockbridge), and Aizle. We highly enjoyed a whisky tasting at the Scotch Malt Whisky Society on Queen Street, and a wander through the National Museum of Scotland. If it’s not too windy, hike up Arthur’s Seat.
Thank you! Adding to my (rapidly growing) list 😉