Is it a better borough in Edinburgh?

I hit the pavement early; I hit it hard, and long!

In stark contrast to yesterday, all went well, and I had a great day. I love Edinburgh, I was comfortable enough to stay out late and even walked home alone and in the dark. Ooh wild.

I packed in a big day of sightseeing around the city. I did a tour of the Edinburgh Museum, walked to Holyrood Palace, and hiked up to Arthur’s seat. I stood and took in the vast views of the city and out to the sea. My dad's name was Arthur, and standing up there with the wind passing through my hair, I felt him with me, the man who had left all of this behind to give his kids a better life.

Edinburgh then decided to rain on me during my walk back down. The experience was more authentic now. I wasn’t drenched, just a little damp, so I stopped at a wee Scotty pub for a traditional Haggis lunch because when in Rome, right!

Now, I am NOT an offal kinda girl, but I gulped down that little voice of complaint and told myself this is all part of the travel experience and to harden up. So, when the bar tender asked, "are you sure you want the traditional haggis and not the tourist taster?" I confidently placed my traditional order and then made the near-fatal mistake of googling Haggis.

“Aah, what have I done to myself? That looks like something out of Jeffrey Dahmer’s deep freezer…I’m going to be sick. I wonder if it’s too late to change my order. Crap, they’ve probably started cooking it already.” Aargh 😩

So, to ease my sweaty brow while I wait with dread in my heart, I ask the waiter for a wee-whisky-sour prequel and PRONTO! He laughs while I sweat some more.

Travel Tip #17: Never ever Google haggis, not anywhere in the world, there is never reason adequate enough.

I finish my drink just in time to see my little plate of horrors come around the corner.

“Oh! That doesn’t look like a burst large intestine at all.”

In fact, it was a sophisticated tri-colour gourmet tower. The two lower layers, cream and white colours are mashed potato and swede with a meat layer atop. So, I scoop a mouthful and think, “This is a meat pie without the crust. Too easy and actually nice.” No way I could eat it all as it was too big, but I did it. I’ve Haggised!

More good news: I've worked out how to operate these radiators, and my room is finally warm. After miles and miles on Edinburgh's streets, my achy legs were more than ready to be sandwiched between cosy covers. Bliss!

Snuggling up as I leave early tomorrow.

Catch up in Ireland!