Wednesday, 30 November 2011

Girls' weekend in Edinburgh

Two weekends ago in Edinburgh, the city was bright and sunny in late autumn colours. 


In Princes Street gardens, above and below, carpeted with leaves, people were enjoying the sunshine ...


At the Scott memorial, a sea of Remembrance Day crosses and poppies marked the dead, from 1939-1945 in Europe through to Afghanistan and Iraq.



Older Daughter and I entertained ourselves with some girly shopping ... in Anthropologie I tried to persuade her that the fur hat and red glasses were just the thing for winter in Scotland, but she just rolled her eyes at me ...



... and took me instead to see her daily university haunts ...

stately McEwan Hall, where graduations and exams are held 

students' bicycles lined up outside the university library

Teviot Hall, above, and Old College, below, Edinburgh University's original site 


What a grand and lovely place to spend one's university days ...


At night there was some indulgent (what else are mums for?) eating out, in a city where one is spoiled for choice ...

looking in the window of a cosy pub

The High Kirk of St Giles looked full of mystery and drama in this grainy mobile phone snap, above ...
... while The Dome (below) in fashionable George Street, where we popped in for a drink, was looking extravagantly Christmassy already


Besides being chock-full of the friendliest people in the universe, Edinburgh has more restaurants per person than any other city in the UK. At The Outsider, Hotel du Vin, and Maison Bleue, we had some of the best food I've had in ages ...


The Christmas lights, the markets, funfair and ice-skating rink have since opened along Edinburgh's main streets, and I'm longing to go back. Now to plan another weekend ...




9 comments:

  1. You must definitely come up for another weekend! Surely the German market is tempting enough?! Gorgeous pics xxx

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  2. Oh, how I also loved my visit to Edinburgh, so many years ago. I think that it was around this same time of the year and I was amazed to see that roses were still in bloom.

    I stayed in a hotel in the old town, and walked and walked and walked all over exploring that beautiful city.

    Your photos have brought back many good memories.

    xo

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  3. What this post did for me was generate massive green-eyed jealousy! Spending wonderful university years, in a fabulous city that is eminently CIVILIZED and so very beautiful --- could certainly pass for a description of bliss.
    Your daughter is charming to look at, obviously possesses a certain sense of humor, all power to her!
    And Mom, you're on the right track --- ENJOYING it with her.

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  4. It really does look what a wonderful place to attend university! Hope your daughter enjoys every minute of her time there.

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  5. Fabulous whirl-wind tour karen!!
    It looks spendid.
    The lights!

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  6. Just had an invitation to go to Edinburgh from an old friend.
    Haven't bee there since 1968.....
    your phtps make me want to go there NOW

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  7. Just glorious! I want to move to Late-Autumn-Wonderland.

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  8. oh my god i want that hat and glasses!

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  9. Karen, please send me your email address. Somehow, I cannot find it. Thanks so much, Marsha

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