Now THIS is a festival of chimes and light's!

If you are looking for suggestions to put on your bucket list, going to Edinburgh Scotland during the holidays, heck, ANYTIME, should be at the top of the list!

From Christmas time to the first of the year, the whole city celebrates what is called 'Hogmanay' It is festivals, carnivals, live music ect. They fence the city off and you must pay to get in unless you already live inside the city or staying there. Unfortunately they charge 3 times the going rates, but when 80 thousand people descend into your city you can. Their goal this year was to get the largest assembled group to sing 'Ol lang syne' and they did it! Good on you!

So we arrived Jan 3rd cause you know I am a cheap bastard, but the carnival was in full swing, and there is nothing like Princes Garden (which is situated below the castle and High Street) all lit up with the multitude of colors and music. From vendors booth's, ferris wheels, bungie balls, this carnival had you covered for entertainment. I am old now so we only did the ferris wheel (I think I am too old for even that, if you remember my success on the 'eye of manchester', I didn't learn my lesson)

The apartment Tim found was called 'Apartment By Castle' and it was jaw dropping amazing. The castle was literally a stones throw from it and right there in view from our window! With 20 foot high ceilings and real ornate crown molding, comfy leather couches and flat screen tv, I was in heaven, the wonderful owner Moira even had real Edinburgh crystal to have our drinks in. From the 2 HUGE bedrooms we could see the boy's school that inspired J.K. Rowling to create Harry Potter, and boys school turned into Hogwarts! More on THAT later! The apartment even had a full kitchen with washer and dryer and dishwasher! Upon arrival she took the time to explain how everything worked, what restaurants had received great reviews from past guests and which tour companies to use. (remember the Timberbush tours in the last post to Loch Ness, her suggestion!) Moira even had a welcome basket that contained coffee, fresh baked bread, tea's, cookies to dunk, and the BEST jelly I ever had! It is called Roses, and its a lime marmalade and I could have mainlined it. She even stocked the fridge with butter, water and other goodies. Only in Scotland I swear to God! We all think we even had a ghost who really liked Destini. (pillows thrown, picture crashing to the floor, nothing scaring, just a 'what's up' from the other side, but what can you expect from buildings 300 years plus old?)

The people of Edinburgh and Scotland in general are hands down the nicest people I have ever met, they even try to get out of your way when walking. I can still feel the 1000 year old cobblestone on my feet where we walked. The history of that stone in imprinted with the bazzilion people who have walked it before you and I swear retains that energy.

The food was amazing, but I think I will post separately on that, it was that note worthy. Anthony Bourdain would be proud, we made quite a dent.

If you have ever valued my opinion and word, then believe this, Edinburgh hands down is the BEST place to vacation (or move to..........) From butch guys with tattoo's in kilts yet no 'alpha' retentiveness, a language spoken in beautiful brogue, food that warms the gullet and NOT depletes the wallet, visual grandeur at every turn, quality shopping for the most discerning diva and smiles and friendliness abounding, Edinburgh, you are my home!

Here is the info for Apartment By Castle if you take our advise and stay there

abc@ednet.co.uk http://www.abc-edinburgh.co.uk Tell Moira we sent ya!

*wink* Julia "diva" Brink