Category

Scotland

Category

The Orkney Islands had teased me for a long time. They aren’t as popular or well known as others in Scotland, but looking at the cluster of dots at the top of the map, I was intrigued.

Deep, murky and surrounded by mountains, Loch Ness is the perfect hiding place for a mythical monster. I spent a weekend camping on its banks and while I won’t be adding my name to the number of sightings of “Nessie”, I had a great few days exploring the Scottish Highlands.

I’ve attended Fringe gigs in pubs, theatres, a circus tent, the top level of a double-decker bus, a football club, an inflatable up-side-down cow udder and a yurt nicknamed The Yurt Locker. And a dormant volcano. On Monday I climbed Arthur’s Seat to see the view of Edinburgh. On Tuesday I climbed it again for a comedy gig.

Every August Edinburgh hosts the Edinburgh International Festival. The Royal Mile, usually a peaceful tourist strip lined with kilt shops and overpriced restaurants, is mayhem. It’s closed to cars and full of buskers and performers promoting their shows, either by doing small skits in the street or handing out flyers. It’s crazy and I love it.

Europe has a fabulous cafe culture. Just think of Paris where sitting at small table, sipping an espresso and watching the world go by is a thing! I love discovering great cafes when I travel. Here are some of my favourite finds.