A Londoner in Edinburgh. The challenge. Day 2
This is Cara‘s second day in Edinburgh. She is desperate for ideas and challenges, folks, do send over some crazy suggestions. Cara will be documenting her time in Scotland’s capital, and doing whatever you dare her to. Shoot!
Good evening, Groupon. Or rather, “och aye, Groupon”. (I’m sorry, Ordinary Jo, I really do hate myself for having just typed that. I figured it’s best to just get it out of the way and then never reference it again. Ok? Ok. I’m sorry. God, I hate it when we row.)
A quick note to announce our arrival in beauuuuutiful Scotland. I’d love to say that I spent the journey meticulously documenting the shifting scenic tones of our native isle, but we all know the truth – I dribbled my way across the border in a dosey haze having passed out somewhere near the Hammersmith flyover, waking only to munch through a service station breakfast, hate myself for doing so, and fall asleep again immediately. (I put this temporary narcolepsy down to schlepping across London at 6am – respect to all those able to function at such a frankly offensive hour, but let’s be honest: if man was supposed to be awake in the dark, we’d have all been born with inbuilt night vision goggles. It’s science, innit.)
So yes, we have arrived. And my word – Edinburgh is stunning. Like open-mouthed, someone-be-a-dear-and-close-my-jaw spectacular. I’ve been struggling to contain the urge to pen an epic romantic poem ever since we crested the hills around this picturesque paradise (see what I mean?). And even though it’s been raining since what feels like before the dawn of time, none of us want to be anywhere but outside, stomping around in the drizzle, punch-drunk on architecture; nothing like weathered Georgian sandstone to pop a spring in your step.
Jemima's challenge
We’re being put up in a charming apartment in the West End of the city, that feels really rather grown up, in a ‘TV adult’ kind of way – resembling a residential set from the opening series of This Life (think block autumnal colours, exposed chrome fittings and a general atmosphere of randy young professional), there’s a pine staircase winding up between the floors and stunning views of the city all around. Plus, we opened the fridge to find two bottles of M&S champagne and a packet of Babybels. Nutritious, and delicious – methinks we’ll like it here…
Thanks for all your fantastic suggestions as to all the many varied wonders this city has in store. I’ll be cracking on with covering the best of them tomorrow, and every day this week, so keep them coming! Unless I begin by taking up Jemima’s challenge, in which case don’t bother – I’ll be too busy having a heart attack.
An obscenely delicious heart attack.
Photography: Nate BW
A few comments from Facebook:
Gillian Reid: I am not sure if battered, deep fried Mars Bars are still available at the chippie but that would be a great way to top off her day!
Con Boyle: Tell her to suck a fishermans friend
Theresa Logan: Go to Camera Obscura (near the castle) and take a trip through the vortex tunnel! Go on.. I dare you! Guaranteed to knock you sideways! xxx
You got up at 6am, so let’s just call it early morning grumpiness rather than a full-blown dizzy-spat-row, hmm? Perhaps the next time I go to Lunnon I’ll catch you on the ‘dog’ and we can meet up for some ‘Lambeth walking’ and all will be forgiven.
Another *slightly* dangerous-but-fun thing to do is to break into one of those glorious private gardens in the New Town. Trick is to take a convincingly large amount of picnic gear so that you look residential. Wear Hunter wellies for even more seamless blending – they’re proper posh round there.
I dare you to take some scottish notes back to London
A few other Facebook suggestions:
Michelle Bidwell: Go up to the castle and ask the guardsman if you can blow his bagpipes! Then set yourself up on the Royal Mile as a street theatre act as part of the Festival and show off your best party trick x
Dave Cregan: Down a pint of iron brew, followed by a pint of buckfast, followed a slug of whisky, then shoot up trainspotting style, don a. Tartan dress and go to church. You may feel a little light headed hen.
Melanie-Jane Clark: Eat a deep fried pizza, followed by a battered mars bar.
Mhairi Morrison: Deep fried pizza- pizza crunch is the best!
Mary Mcdowell: deep fried blackpuddin n batter then a fresh cream scone
Kirsty Kennedy: try tripe &onions
Kirsty Kennedy: culkin skink brill soup
Paulski Walski: dare you to roll down the hill , if dry, in the gardens, its well worth it , good luck
Rachel Jukes: have a proper dram
Lyndsey Wallace: go for a dip in the sea!
Edna Clark: Find me a lovely toy boy and take h im back to Aberdeen ha ha