Saturday, February 3, 2024

A wee walk.

 

They had record winds of 115 mph in Sweden earlier in the week. In Edinburgh it's gusting at a more sedate 50 mph which, when channeled down the long straight streets,  is still enough to send hats flying.


We try staying in a new hotel. It considers itself to be very cool and very hip. We don't think it's either. There's lots of strident colours in the lobby and Taylor Swift playing endlessly on loop in the corridors. Our 'Grand' room is tiny and the 'fabulous view' is of the roof of the apartment block opposite. The heating in the room is turned to maximum and we discover it can't be turned off. It gets so hot we have to sleep with the window open. The staff at reception seem disinterested as is the man who arrives at the door to solve the problem - but doesn't. Edinburgh has some good hotels and lots that think they are. You can't beat the two old railway hotels. 


Burns Night clearly taken seriously in these parts. The statue of Scotlands national bard  surrounded by floral tributes.

 
The weather may be dire but there are advantages to being in Edinburgh at this time of the year. There are no crowds, restaurant tables are easy to get and museums are quiet. We find a truly good fish restaurant on George IV bridge. People are friendly.  A woman in the Apple store wonders if I really want to buy a new i-Phone. ' You're barely using any of the memory on this one '. When was the last time a shop assistant proferred honest advice ? 


We leave the lights of the big city and an hour later arrive back home. The train is running ahead of schedule and has to wait at a station en route for ten minutes. The conductor reminds passengers that vaping is not permitted on board and suggests that anyone who wants to take a walk along the platform to get some fresh air can do so. ' Don't worry I'll no go without ye ' he adds cheerfully. Car parking at the station for the two nights we've been away comes to the grand total of  £2.30. 

Worth remembering, when looking at this, that one cubic metre of seawater weighs a ton :https://twitter.com/Rainmaker1973/status/1752269721469120542

I'd buy one of these. How long I'd keep it is another matter :https://www.fastcompany.com/91015583/this-whimsical-clock-is-the-playful-gadget-ai-needs-right-now



8 comments:

Ruth said...

Those scenes at sea are terrifying in seeing what people face in their work. I am in awe. As for the clock - At seven thirty- eight I had bacon on my plate. A good day to you.

Yamini MacLean said...

Hari OM
Lordy, looks like you tried out the Aparthotel by the Golden ***d. Their website is as nauseating as those sea shots... All making home on the very edge look just that bit more luxurious! YAM xx

WFT Nobby said...

The latest railway operator announcement/excuse: "Scotrail apologise for the late running of the 6:20 pm from Edinburgh to Aberdeen, due to our policy of asking passengers to step onto the platform to vape and then assuring them that the train will wait until they've inhaled sufficient nicotine before moving on to the next stop. This being the EXPRESS train from Edinburgh to Aberdeen, vapers can be assured that there will be opportunities to fuel their addiction Inverkeithing, Kirkcaldy, Burntisland, Markinch, Ladybank, Cupar, Leuchars.....)"

Coppa's girl said...

That clock is definately designed for retirees. Who, with a busy schedule, will have time to actually read words to find out the time?
The cost of your parking is very reasonable, an encouragement to use the train rather than drive.

jabblog said...

The parking is extremely reasonable.
The North Sea is a workplace not for the fainthearted.
The clock would drive me nuts.

Travel said...

Disappointing when the hotel does not live up to the hype. The last one in New York was a disappointment. The Omni in Louisville this week is very nice.

Diaday said...

I read about and saw photos of storm Ingunn in Norway. Very harsh and scary. The Wright Brothers and Paul Laurence Dunbar are the favorite sons in my city, Dayton, Ohio, and people leave year round tributes by their graves.

Tigger's Mum said...

The North Sea is no place for sissies.