The time of the year has come, when the weather proves to be even more precarious than normally – that half of the year when any type of weather phenomenon could take place. Such as today; sunshine, rain, sunshine, heavy rain, sunshine and wind wind wind.
That does not stop the locals nor the tourists from venturing to the great city of Edinburgh, ready to experience and explore. A great opportunity to get to know the city better is the upcoming Doors Open Day weekend on 28 and 29th September! Organised by the Cockburn Association, the Doors Open day weekend provides something for everyone – architectural discoveries, educational heritage encounters as well as the best of the cultural opportunities – and what is more, admission to all buildings is FREE!
A city of contradictions not just by its weather, but also through its never-ending possibilities of discoveries and experiences, the metropolitan hub with a village feel that enchants as much as infuriates. Much of the city’s deep rooted intellectual and cultural heritage is played down by the down-to-earthness and approachability of the locals. Not a day goes by that an expat like myself will find herself in midst of light hearted banter and off the cuff quips about the tram works or the upcoming referendum the same as the stranger on the street would be talking to a close friend.
City built in three levels allows you to ceaselessly find new routes to your already established haunts, the hidden wynds, closes, paths and staircases ensure you get your daily cardio as much as find endless amounts of hidden treasures.
How about wandering down to Leith Shore for some of the best home-made food in the lovely Granary? On the way there, why not stop by one the Swedish (oh yes, with meatballs and smörgåsbord and all!); Sofi’s, Boda or Joseph Pearce’s.intellectual and cultural heritage is played down by the down-to-earthness and approachability of the locals.
Have a quick snack at the Spoon or a heftier meal at the Mosque Kitchen, neither too far from the Pleasance Cabaret Bar before you mosey on to one of the well-kept secrets of the local student hoard. The wonderful underground pop up events, such as the Wordy Thursdays, an open mic night by Soap Box that is sure to have your linguistic senses tingling! Or the ever so quirky and wonderful Neu! Reekie! that surely is unbeatable when it comes to fusion nights.quips about the tram works or the upcoming referendum the same as the stranger on the street would be talking to a close friend.
Being relatively new to the city, I Still get to enjoy the walk about and sudden realisation I’ve stumbled on a way I have never been on before, found a nook I have not yet explored or sat down for my drink and a meal somewhere I haven’t tried out before, or warmed myself up with a snifter of whiskey I haven’t tasted before. Although, bit by bit, the homey feel of Edinburgh has even the most curious explorers set in their ways – and more often than not, I will opt for the Last Drop on Grassmarket for my drink, more times than I care to admit settling for that smooth taste of Dalwhinnie, or go for a meal at the Caley Sample Room. I’m a creature of habit, even in exciting Edinburgh.
I think I’m here to stay. Royalty and grungy underground scene in the same city, what more can you ask for?