Stephen found out that his fishing expedition near Edinburgh was at the beginning of the Water of Leith - a place called Harperrig Reservoir. Very pretty anyway and he did manage to catch 8 trout all up. After speaking to one of his fishing buddies, apparently fishing at twilight is the thing to do so he is planning a return visit.
Stephen has excelled himself with his culinary skills even if no trout has yet appeared on our dinner plates. He cooked a game stew with potatoes and a delicious mushroom risotto the last few days. Been very spoilt. Loved the game stew and been making the most of eating mushrooms as it is something that Will refuses to eat.
We drove to Glasgow on Friday as is only about an hours drive and visited the west end which is a very buzzy area - lots of cafes, restaurants and shops. Also lots of students as near Glasgow University. Reminded me of the different buildings to Edinburgh - the stones used in the housing are much lighter or a deep red. Different quarries I guess. Also a ''cheekier'' place overall than Edinburgh I think. We had lunch at a place Stephen knows well called the "Ubiquitous Chip" - the name is to poke fun at Scotland's culinary reputation. Funny signage out the front with variations on its name - ''Exigious sip'', ''Ubi ubi dubh'', ''Wee chippy'' etc. Lovely meal -pork belly and not a chip in sight. Both been to Glasgow before so decided could not be bothered trying to move the car and find another carpark so headed back after lunch and a short walk around the west side.
Spent the weekend in Edinburgh. Attempted to hand in VAT refund documents at tourist info place but gave up after finding out that we would be charged another 3% on top of the usual admin charge plus the exchange rate charges if we wanted a credit on our credit cards. In fact after all the charges it appears that we will be paying the UK Govt and/or banks for shopping in the UK (well it felt that way). Wandered down to Canongate on Saturday (on the Royal Mile) and found little whiskey shop selling whisky, cigars and some gin. Got to sample a lovely 8 year old cask strength whisky from around the Isle of Mull (can't believe I just wrote that). Tasted very nice. May go back to purchase a bottle to take home. Also revisited Cadenheads - iconic whisky shop - and put name down for some bottle coming in the end of July. New shipments talked about in whispered tones and only those in the know get to put name down in special book for reserving a bottle. Also sampled another oak strength whisky - quite sweet with honey undertones (there I go again). Stephen also been waxing lyrical about wine can buy at Tesco - is pretty impressive and quite a novelty for us to be able to buy French wine and Guinness in the same shop as our milk and yoghurt.
Were going to do some sightseeing after visiting whisky shops but decided Nah we'd head back and watch women's finals at Wimbledon. Saw Venus Williams soundly beaten. I'm not a great fan of the Williams family so not unhappy but did agree was sad watching her total collapse in the second set.
Slept in Sunday morning and skyped Will. Can't believe how well he looks. He ran through the food he had just cooked ready for the week. Very impressive. Definitely not relying on 2 min. noodles and take away pizza. Then coffee at favourite place - the Printworks. They now recognise us and we have been handed a coffee card. Almost feels like home.
Sent Will a picture of some tartan trousers and told him that was planning on buying him and girlfriend a matching pair. Disturbingly he said Em would like the trousers. Told him was not going to try and squeeze matching tartan trousers into our bags. Glad did not show him matching tartan ''onesies'' that had also seen. They were hideous.
Weather looks to be good at the beginning of the week so Stephen planning another foray off fishing on Monday. I will probably go and see a Caravaggio exhibition that he is not so interested in. Also just happy pottering around the city centre. Lots of buskers and people around. The Jazz and Blues Festival has started and there is a general air of anticipation about the Fringe starting in a few weeks time.
Weather definitely slowly warming up. Wore fur-lined boots, jumper and gortex coat on Saturday into town and was too hot. Given it is mid-summer, would be pleased if could at least put the fur-lined boots away.
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