The season seems to be slowly turning as we are down to our last few days. Leith Links is now full of football fields and much training on those fields in the afternoon and evening. The sun is also rising later and setting earlier suddenly. I almost put on fur-lined boots one day. Winter is coming as I un-originally say. Would be interesting in some ways to see the city turn into Winter but suspect I would struggle with the dark days for any length of time. Not sure I want to be walking to the gym at 7am in the dark and freezing cold.
We have been seeing a few more shows/exhibitions in the dying days of the Festivals. Decided am not too keen anymore on sitting in bad stand-up comedy pretending to laugh at young men and women in their 20's and early 30's attempting stand up. I am also sure they don't want me in their audiences staring at them trying to work out their jokes. Then again when you have an audience of 5, you probably can't be too picky. Saw some show called Green Bananas at the Counting House where comedians who perform very late at night are pitching their shows at 12 noon. Poor programming I fear. Aside from the poor comedians only having had about 2 hours sleep; the demographic for audiences attending stand up at 1 am is somewhat different from those attending at 12 noon. Quite funny actually and felt pretty sorry for the comedians.
Did see a fantastic Korean drumming group called Tago. Gigantic drums, martial arts, percussion, dance, singing and some humour. Delightful young men who were all very talented. Very high energy and upbeat show. We both loved it. Actually also sparked an interest in Korean culture although I fear given the situation with North Korea, South Korea may not be on our list of places to visit at present.
Spoilt ourselves and had lunch at one of the Michelin Star restaurants in Leith - Martin Wishart. Food and service were very very good. Probably my favourite restaurant meal of the trip. I had a lovely squid ink risotto and Stephen a pork terrine followed by sea bream for me and rabbit for Stephen. A cherry dessert and delicious coffee and petite forts ended the meal. Also a lovely light '"pre-entree"" including a beetroot macaroon infused with wasabi. Sounds bizarre but was delicious. Shared a bottle of some red wine (Sigh can't remember if was Italian or French - think French). Half a bottle for lunch is a lot for me so ""rested"" after lunch with book and TV on lounge. Ambitious plans to head into town after lunch came to nought. Stephen packed one bag - 2 whisky bottles and lots of soft clothing cradling both.
Made the most of sun shining one day and took lots of photos around Leith - especially the pubs as are definitely a significant part of Leith. Saw Sue Perkins - UK comedian, as well. She was delightful. Like a female Stephen Fry. Someone you would love to have over for dinner to hear her talk more. Very smart lady. Very wide demographic for her audience - from Bake Off to Game of Thrones. She handled it well. Interesting contrast with Hannah Gadsby. Sue Perkins is more comfortable in her skin. Suspect she had a much easier upbringing.
Cider and ale in our front courtyard on sunny day. Very Scottish - rush outside whenever sun is shining. Met local little black cat. Managed a head rub and she deigned to sit alongside us to join in the conversation. Gather from phone call with Will, our cat has been leaving ""presents"" in our room. Typical. Will like to see the look on her face when we walk in Tuesday night.
Saw AC Grayling at Book Festival. Talked about democracy and what is going wrong. Very interesting - talk ranged from Plato to Brexit to Trump. Audience middle aged to elderly. Hope demographic was just because was on a Friday morning and didn't reflect a lack of interest in the subject by younger people. Focus largely on Brexit (such a devisive issue here) and Trump and use of a group called Cambridge Analytica - big data group that apparently helped swing referendum and US election. Grayling seems to think Brexit won't happen and may be a second referendum. He is not a fan of referenda. Can imagine what he would think of our non-binding postal vote. Cambridge Analytica sounds like a scary bunch. Partly owned by US family that supports politically conservative causes. Just read about their role and impact on Brexit and the US election. Calls itself a ""global election management agent"". Yikes.
On a lighter note - saw International Photography Exhibition. Loved some of the wildlife photos in particular. Then went to St Cuthberts to hear the RAF Symphonic Brass Band. Two great pieces - Saint-Saens Symphony (with organ) - ""If I Had Words.."" symphony and a Spanish piece from the 1600's. Had to listen to 2 dirges from a modern composer before those but was worth the wait. He popped up and conducted both.
Dinner at favourite noodle restaurant and listened to some Irish music at Malones - pub on Princes Street. Good fun. More Fringe tomorrow and slowly starting to throw out various bits and pieces from flat that are not returning home with us.
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