Kaz & Phils Blog

It seems like Phil has been celebrating his significant birthday for a month!  First of all was a lovely weekend in Stilton, then the day itself with just the two of us and a champagne dinner and finally last night dinner for friends.  He has been thoroughly spoilt with some great cards and gifts.  We had a lovely evening full of food, wine and chat

Finally thank you all from the OAP - that's Phil of course not me!

Set off from Bournemouth at 8am and by 10am we were on our way into the City thanks to the efficiency of Ryanair and a very cheap day return  Looking out of the window as flew over the north of england all we could see was snow so we were relieved to land and find a bright sunny day and no hint of snow.

We started our sightseeing at the Castle and what breathtaking views across the city and beyond.  We then wandered along the Royal Mile stopping here and there just admiring the architecture, spent so much time looking up that I kept bumping into people!  We had so much fun just diving down the little courtyards and discovered so much that it has whetted our appetite for a longer visit and some guided tours.  Feeling a little thirsty we popped into  Deacon Brodies for a drink and what an amazing place.  Deacon Brodie was hanged by the gallows he designed and the Robert Louis Stevenson classic Doctor Jekyll & Mr Hyde was based on this man who led a double life.

Feeling refreshed we continued our way along the Royal Mile with me diving off now and then into the cashmere shops!  The sound of the bag pipers following us all the way. We decided to go over waverley bridge into Princes Street, big mistake!  It was jammed with Christmas shoppers so we headed to the park and back to the Royal Mile for lunch.  It was after 3pm but everywhere was busy with people seeking food.  So instead of a little pub we decided to blow the budget and popped into the Itcycoo Bar as the Raddison. Spent a very relaxing hour resting our weary feet and decided if we return to Edinburgh this is where we shall stay as its the perfect location for sightseeing.

As darkness fell we headed back towards Princes Street to look at the Christmas lights, the fairground was ablaze with lights and the shrieks of people on the helter skelter!  All too soon we had to head back to the airport and our flight home.  Within in an hour we were back in Bouremouth where the car was covered in an inch of frost so a chilly end to a perfect day.