Postscript for the 24th - there was a headless fish in our fridge on the 24th. Stephen returned from Perthshire bearing a good sized trout. It was caught from a boat in Perthshire on a loch the name of which Stephen is not sure, but seems to think it sounds like Glenn Shorrick from the Little River Band. That will do. He cooked it whole (minus head) for dinner a day later and it was delicious. So fresh. Thinking of equipping him with bow and arrow so he can catch some deer.
Stephen excelled himself another night by cooking another delicious game stew, this time with mushrooms. He has also been purchasing some interesting wine from local place called Majestic Wines. Both enjoyed a very nice Italian red with the game stew called Copertino - lightish Italian red and a French beaujolais/burgundy from Macon on another night. Not the same as having our cellar on hand but we are managing.
We also tried out a local seafood restaurant down at The Shore at Leith called Fishers. It's in some old watchtower where Charles II famously ate some haggis before fleeing to France (OK made the Charles II bit up but is in old watch tower). Place full of tourists (wait so are we) - Americans, Italians, French, English and Irish sitting near us. Food was very good. Enjoyed some oysters and local fish. Decided to be decadent as well and creme brulle for dessert. We shared a bottle of wine and Stephen also had an affogato, so were very mellow by the end.
While on the food theme, this morning (Saturday) we visited the local Leith markets. Bought some rye bread and Italian cheese. One was an aged riccota. Never heard of aged riccota. Had some for lunch and very nice. Walked through Leith Links to get to markets (stopping off at Printworks coffee shop first of course) and passed one of my favourite dogs - brown and white spaniel with red frisbee in his mouth, trotting home. Discussed how we now recognised many of the local dogs. Funny spaniel down at the markets walking around with a soft toy reindeer in his mouth. Would put down carefully every now and then.
As I am writing, the place smells a bit fishy. It's Saturday afternoon and Stephen is busily cleaning fishing gear. The car is returned tomorrow and that is the end of the fishing trips. Much washing of boots and fishing lines. Fortunately is a mild day and we have doors and windows open to air the place (and disperse fishy smell).
We have both been reading and I have joined the local library. Borrowed a couple of good books. One is by an Irish author - Emma Donoghue called The Wonder. Very Irish - about a young girl who has supposedly stopped eating and it is deemed to be a miracle by The Church. Also reading one by a UK writer - Janet Ellis. The book is The Butchers Hook. I borrowed it because it is set in Georgian London - mid 1700's and it is set around the time of the first inhabitants of The Georgian House I visited in Charlotte Square. Not very glamorous times even if you had money. No running water even if you lived in a Georgian mansion. Many smelly people. Leith Library (of course being in another old 1800's building) is not large and was interesting seeing the types of books. Unsurprisingly lots of UK authors. A number are Irish and I really enjoy a lot of Irish writers (although can be a bit bleak) so that is good. Couldn't see any Scandi crime novels though so at least in Leith doesn't seem to be popular. Between the library and the numerous bookshops I think we will not run out of books.
We made use of the car on Friday and visited South Queensferry. This used to be where the ferries crossed the Firth of Forth before the bridges were built. Reminded me of numerous villages we have visited in various parts of the UK from Cornwall to the Isle of Skye. Many buildings from the 1800's and some from the 1600's - very pretty place. Actually a bit like the village the TV series Doc Martin is set in. Stopped in local tea shop as felt should do something there - bought almond and pear tart and cappuccino and drove back home. Area has usual Scottish tales of witch burnings, haunted houses, a connection with Robert Louis Stevenson, a brewery and the battles with the English. Also a house called the Black Castle which is neither a castle and nor was it black originally (although now painted black to ensure the tourists don''t miss it I guess ). It was built in 1626 and one of its inhabitants was burnt as a witch - she was blamed for her husband's drowning at sea but it now seems that the local Reverend may have wanted the place, so accusing here of witchcraft after her husband died, was as good a method as any. Queensferry is located right underneath a crossing of the first bridge - the red train bridge - and it is impressive seeing the first bridge up close. There are now 3 bridges crossing the Firth of Forth (the last is yet to open) and all 3 are pretty impressive. Also drove through some lovely suburbs in Edinburgh, so the trip was worthwhile for that alone.
Been interesting comparing what is considered important news by the BBC compared to the ABC and SMH, both of which I can read online. Australian news place more emphasis on Asia - North Korea etc gets reported here but generally reported after the first ''ad break'' and focus is very euro-centric. Although in common, all media outlets are continually reporting on the Trump administration - I think more in horror than anything else now. Focus here still very much on Brexit. On-going confusion. Today I read the Lord Mayor of London thinks there may be no Brexit and he is being held out as a possible Labor leader.
Had funny experience at local shop this morning. A ''colourful'' local was being served before us and a young woman bumped into him, walking off without apologising. He turned to us and said in broad Scots that she was very rude and was no doubt a foreigner. Aside from his comment being stupid, I just looked at him and thought - if I open my mouth he is going to know I too am a foreigner. Interesting to think what he would have said if I had spoken to him with a broad Australian accent.
We have just started watching season 2 of the Top of the Lake. It is set in Sydney. Is interesting to see the uniquely Australian bits but also how the setting and characters play I think somewhat to Australian stereotypes. I guess a scene shot at Bondi Beach is going to be more interesting to Brits than a view of Willoughby Road. Enjoying it and are still watching a US show called Blacklist which has 4 seasons and 68 episodes. We are onto season 3 and are hooked. Can't leave until we get to the end. Will be a close run thing.
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