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Published: August 19th 2005
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Ancient Piper
Just a couple of the street performers After Pitlochry on the 15th the kids had a sleep in day on the 16th. After 3 days of performances, . . . .the Worlds, Perth, and Pitlochry, they were a tired bunch of kids deserving a sleep in and a couple days off. So the 16th - 18th and most of the 19th have been “days off”. On the morning of the 16th it seemed like people scattered like leaves going in many different directions. Some went on extended 3 day junkets while others were taking a number of shorter one day trips such as the Edinburgh Military Tatoo, visits with relatives, or just plain trips of exploration.
Sorry about the photos, I'll have to learn how to correct the orientation.
On the 17th Robb and I made our way to the Stirling train station where he caught the train to Glasgow to meet up with his Australian friend, RJ, (Robert John Houston) and Debra and Kirsten Mossington who had gone into Glasgow earlier.
I went the other direction catching the train to Edinburgh in hunt of a “Pringle” brand sweater for daughter Jesse. Arriving at Waverly Station in Edinburgh I was only about a block from Princes
"Johnny" on the Spot
This mime was most interesting. He really went into action if you dropped a coin in his "pot" Street, the main upscale shopping area were the shopkeepers in Stirling had said I might find Pringle sweaters. Princes Street borders a large park below Edinburgh castle and there were a number fringe performers doing their thing throughout the park. The crowds around the park and on Princes Street were unbelievable - - I should have taken a picture. Of course there were also at least 4 pipers busking on the street corner and along Princes Street. They were terrible, but for tourists expecting a Scottish piper I guess they were good enough. You really have to be there to appreciate the throngs of people.
After checking at a couple of very impressive and upscale department stores who were out of stock of the holy grail of sweaters I was directed to another store and there on the 2nd floor I found the Pringle sweater display. I also found the price tags. The least expensive “on sale” sweater was £160 (or about $350 Cdn), and on the display rack they went up to over £300. Sorry Jesse, no sweater ! !
I made my way to the Royal Mile, (High Street) as it approaches the entrance to Edinburgh Castle. During
The Lady in Red
These entertainers are more than happy to pose for you. the Fringe Festival the street is closed off and there are all sorts of performers entertaining the crowds along the street and promoting the theatre shows later in the evening. As a few rain drops sprinkled down I found a small table on the patio area in front of one of the pubs and took advantage of the opportunity to have a pint and watch people. Fascinating, both the ordinary people passing by and the street entertainers.
I was joined by Doug Mossington who had been in Edinburgh earlier with another group who were catching the train back to Stirling. The few sprinkles had stopped and when Doug walked up from Waverly Station to join me we had to have a pint each. Besides the entertainers and pedestrians were all returning to the street too. We walked up “the mile” about ½ way to the Castle watching different acts and then made our way back down to find a spot to have a late supper.
The Mitre, just down the hill from the road leading up from Waverly Station is highly recommended. When we saw the orders of Fish & Chips our dinner choice was made. A huge piece of
Street Performers
This bunch were promoting their theatrical production. I don't know what it was but with 3 nuns and the coquetttish young lady it was probably interesting very lightly battered fish, but when it was our turn to order, - - - - they had just run out of fish. Oh, well, the chicken pie I had, and sausages Doug had were excellent too. So if you’re ever in Edinburgh, along High Street, and its near meal time keep The Mitre in mind. It looks like a pub when you enter and the dining area is at the rear.
Walking back towards the train station about 9:30/10:00PM all the little pubs were coming to life. It would have been great to be able to join in the fun but with the Tatoo about to end we wanted to catch a train back to Stirling before the crowds.
Enjoy the photos!
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