Been a week of politics for the locals. Woke to news that will be a hung Parliament. Conservatives trying to form a coalition with an Irish unionists party. The mind boggles. How out of touch must the politicians be (and their advisers) to think the Conservatives were going to increase their majority. The Scottish National Party also did very badly - hopefully Nicola Sturgeon will get the hint that the Scottish majority really don't want another vote on independence. The country is clearly very fractured. Met one of our landlords early Friday morning and she said - well what now?
Been enjoying the current affairs shows. The journalists are generally much more aggressive to the politicians. Totally fed up it seems with all politicians refusing to answer their questions and giving ''pat'' answers instead. Saw hilarious one with Jeremy Corbin who could not answer the questions and the interviewer started calling him out - pointing out that he was checking his ipad, his phone, his written materials and called an adviser, but still couldn't answer the questions. It's almost as if they have moved on from the patience that Australian journalists (well better quality ones) still show. Although I guess the UK journalists have always been a bit more aggressive than ours. Makes interesting viewing if the journalists are good quality.
Caught up with visiting cousin - Eddy and went to dinner at local cafe/restaurant called Nobles. Good fish and chips dinner. Weather turned cold and rainy - around 11/12 degrees so jumpers back on. Can't believe I worried that I would not be wearing fur lined boots. Visited Holyrood. Very well maintained and saw a lock of Mary Queen of Scots hair. Mmmm not sure if similar to some of those authentic religious icons one sees in churches. Also took Eddy to Cadenheads - authentic whisky shop and got her to taste full strength whisky. Her face was priceless - she is not a convert and will stick to gin and tonics we believe. Also took in fudge shop - very good fudge. Finished with half pint at The Standing Order - old pub in George Street - used to be a bank in 1800's. Very grand old building. Bought summer dress (for Madrid where is around 35 degrees). Not anticipating much use will be made of it in Edinburgh.
Took Eddy for drive in countryside to Perthshire and in particular a giant shopping complex called the "Harrods of the North"(House of Bruar). She loved it. Much trying on of clothes and checking out the food on sale. Some items of clothing may have been bought. Even Stephen bought a jumper (and showed us the fishing section, including fishing flies).
Had another meal at local restaurant called Cafe Tartine. Won some best restaurant award in 2016. Goodness knows what that means. Was very nice though and we caught up with our Scottish friends, Barbara and David. Barbara has a very strong west coast accent. Was pretty funny seeing Eddy trying to follow Barbara's conversation (and vice versa I imagine). David - who has a softer accent - found it all pretty funny and said he was enjoying the general confusion. He has a similar sense of humour to SA.
Going back to The Bad Tempered Baker for coffee this morning. Taking Eddy there and then off to the Grassmarket to show her some of the old city. Meeting Barbara for lunch at the Grassmarket. No doubt general confusion will continue to prevail.
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