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Published: January 13th 2013
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Edinburgh Christmas Market
The warm orange glow is not photoshopped - it was just a great blue sky afternoon :) Today is another early morning start for me. I could not afford to miss my train to Edinburgh, Scotland. I bought the discount ticket for 17 GBP while last minute ticket can cost over 100 GBP. The train was okay, with power plugs and all - but it didn't have the entertainment system like my train to Bath several days ago.
The 5 hours train ride doesn't seem that long and before I knew it, I'm getting out of the train already. I was so happy to be greeted by yet another blue winter sky! I knew that this is rare and mostly doesn't last long so I started snapping my camera while pulling my luggage with the other hand. Well that's the beauty of packing light, you still somewhat mobile. I almost jumped when someone tapped me in the shoulder. Its a homeless guy. I took a step back in fear. Its freakin 1 pm on a busy road side and he dares to bother me. I immediately half run, if he dares to make another move, I'll scream.
After few hundred meters, he doesn't seemed to be following me anymore. Thank God. I then continue to take
Grassmarket (near Royal Mile)
Noticed the curvy cobble stone road picture of the Christmas market and was amazed to hear Gangnam Style played way up north in Scotland!
I make my way through near National Scottish Museum, Royal Mile, St Giles.... Ah this blue sky is too good to be spent indoor.
I finally arrived in my hotel in Grassmarket and it was so fab! Modern, reasonably priced, great location. But crazy stairs (I had to hull my luggage to 3rd floor as their lift only able to reach 1st floor) and free wifi is only available in the lobby.
After a bit of rest, I roam around the Christmas market during blue hour. So pretty with the ice rink, rides and all surrounded by pretty old buildings. I continue my walk to Jamie's Italian restaurant that I've been wanting to try. Based on the pricelist and reviews, it should be informal and still reasonably priced (its slightly cheaper vs their London branch). As I was alone, I was seated in the antipasti bar. Together with rows of cheese and hams. But what bothers me is that harsh and hot hallogen lights. Tried to ask to be moved to one of the many empty corner tables, but
Jamie's Italian @ Edinburgh
Nice ambience, good service, so so food. In case anyone is kaypooh, I only had vegetarian mushroom pillow and had nothing to do with this giant ham ha ha.... they didn't allow me with excuse that those was reserved already (altough they remained empty when I left). Ambience and service was great. But the food itself was ..... Too salty! Being Asian and used to bright and punchy flavours, it was a surprise for me to find food that salty in Europe. I was so looking forward to the meal but it was just not meeting expectations. I guess sometimes in life things are better in your imagination vs in reality.
The night ended being a repairman for TV! The TV in my room didn't work and the 2 staffs I asked seemed clueless and just insist that it should've work. I don't want to wait for the technician to come the day after, so I played around with the cables and voila! Problem solved. Another proof that apparently I'm stronger than I think I am. I smiled and slept during one of those "Come Dine with Me" episodes that I grew to enjoy.
Owh, and why the title is "Good Boys Go to Heaven, Bad Boys Go to Scotland"? Well, I don't know. That's just what a T-Shirt shows in one of the souvenir shop. I
also wonder what's "naughty" about Scotland. Given my sincere preference to watch "Come Dine with Me" vs hanging out at pubs - I doubt I will ever finds out.
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TinNiE
" Half the fun of the travel is the esthetic of lostness "
Love this photo. x