Bob Dylan Prints

Yesterday I went to visit the Bob Dylan Prints that are on display at the City Art Gallery, which sits directly across from Waverly Station on Market St. This was the first time I went to visit this gallery. I have always wanted to drop by, but I never seem to find the time.

I had actually been looking at purchasing a Wood Stove, when my husband and I noticed the gallery, and though we should drop in. I always note down the events for the gallery, but like I said, I never find the time to pop in. So, in we went!

We both really loved the Bob Dylan prints - I was really suprised at his art work, and how I definitely like that sort of art. I am not an art person - more on the mathie side of life, but over the last few years, I have found myself going to the art galleries, and building a strong interest in the subject. Possibly this is because my abilities in art are limited, so I really appreciate when someone can express themselves in paint in a way I know I could never do.

The Bob Dylan prints were simple designs that showed images of while he was on the road travelling from gig to gig. There were many prints that reminded me of mid town America, and his prints brought back some of my childhood memories. He takes his painting very seriously. I enjoyed one of his comments where he was viewing a Gaugin Painting, which he felt he could watch for hours, because there was so much happening. Years ago I would have not understood that quote. Although his prints may not take you hours to view, it is certainly worth a visit before the exhibition leaves at the end of the month.

Scotland wins!

Well, after a bit of nerves, especially in the first few opening minutes, I was soon able to relax when Scotland scored 3 points. 2 years ago when Italy played here, they had socred a whopping 21 points in the first 6 minutes, and the rest of the game was a blur. We all just wanted to go home before the second half even started. I was worried that today was bringing the same fate.. But I started to relax when I saw that after 6 minutes that Scotland were ahead by 3-0. At least it wasn't going to be a soul destroying a game as it was when these 2 teams last met up at Murrayfield.

Once the first score got out of the way, the rest of the first half was pretty much a blur as well. It seemed quite boring, mostly kicking back and forth up the park. I suppose that Scotland followed a pretty conservative strategy, and at least the errors were kept to a minimum. The first try of the game was towards the end of the first half - and it was exciting.

Towards the end of the middle of the second half, it looked like Italy has be worn down, and more mistakes were happening. I actually felt that Scotland were not going down tonight.

As we left the stadium, there was a buzz in the air, a spring in the step for most of the Scottish supporters, and a feeling of Bring on the English - we can do it this year again. After watching the game of Ireland vs England, you actually can believe that Scotland may have a chance with the wind blowing in the right direction.

Next game at Murrayfield on the 14 March - Ireland are now looking for the Grand Slam it is within their grasps. And Scotland are hoping to be winning the Wooden Spoon this year.

Italy Match This Week-end

The Scotland Rugby team are back playing at Murrayfield this week-end. All the nation's hopes are on this game, hoping that Scotland can take home a win, and restore back some of their confidence. Although their first game against Wales was not good, their next game in France was a cracker, and if some decisions had gone their way, they could have had the win.

This week-end, all expectations are for some good fun, and a good game. Last time the Italians came to Murrayfield, they scored 3 tries in 5 minutes - not the outcome that was expected. Hopes are high that there will be a thrashing win.

The city isn't as busy as it usually is with the rugby internationals - but there are still plenty of visitors coming into Edinburgh for a variety of reasons. I have just let a family into one of the city centre apartments. They are here visiting their son who is studying at Edinburgh University.

The weather has warmed a bit, and I am hoping that this brings in the spring weather. It has seemed to me to have been a long cold winter in the capital, and the spring will be made very welcome in the city.

Self Catering in February

It used to be that self catering was not very busy in Edinburgh during the winter months.  Well, even with the Credit Crunch gripping our world, the self-catering market is still going strong.  People realize that to enjoy a city it is much easier to do it in the city environment.  Self Catering apartments are like a home away from home - and you can leisurely get up and have your breakfast, instead of being confined to the hours the hotel or bed and breakfast set for you.

We are constantly meeting new landlords with Fabulous apartments that are available.  Look at self catering edinburgh apartments home page for are feature flats.  We have just added a new 2 bedroom apartment with fabulous views of the Castle from every room.  Here is a  link to this castle view self catering apartment .

Dining at the Tower Restaurant

Frequenty I am asked by many guests what restaurants I would recommend.  Although I have eaten in quite a few restaurants over the years, tastes do vary, and it seems a difficult question.  I try to describe the different restaurants, and do my best to differentiate one from another.

Two of the more popular restaurants for our guests are the Witchery, and The Tower Restaurant.  Until last Friday, I had eaten at neither, so I could only say that I had heard they were good restaurants - expensive but highly recommended (albeit by others).

Well Friday night past I was taken to the Tower Restaurant by a very kind friend.  We didn't sit in the restaurant bit, we had a private room.  The private room was big, and a bit bare, but that is the only negative thing I could say about the entire experience.  The service, food  (and company), were excellent, and a magical evening was had by all.  

We were greeted by very friendly staff with a glass of champagne - I suppose that got us all into a very good mood despite our economic doom and gloom.

Our starter was pear stuffed with Stilton Cheese, which I thought was excellent, both in presentation and taste.  The main course was a filet with potato croquets and vegetables.  Again, another outstanding presentation and flavour.  The desert was a fruit salad, which is a personal favourite of mine after having such a rich meal.

On our departure, we walked through the restaurant and the Balcony which holds spectacular views onto Edinburgh Castle.  The restaurant held more atmoshpere than our private room, so I would have to imagine, had I eaten there I would have struggled to find any problems.  I will be back, and I would most certainly recommend it to guests (if in future they ask).  I also noted that this restaurant was so close to many of our 

Self Catering Edinburgh Apartments.

 

Christmas time in Edinburgh

Tonight the Christmas Fun is about to begin in Edinburgh city centre.  The fair opens this evening, and it generally starts the Christmas Buzz in the city.  Will this happen tonight?  The mood of the city is grim - big financial centre, and the money squeeze is most certainly about.  Our self catering market still seems busy, but we do await the future and what it will bring.

Just yesterday I let in a visiting researcher from Oxford University into the self catering apartment on Rose Street.  They seemed excited to be in Edinburgh.  And I suppose the cost of the holiday break is quite inexpensive- train to Edinburgh, split the cost of sharing the self catering apartment - so maybe that is the way of the future for awhile.  Maybe people will stay more in the UK, and not fly abroad.  If only we had the nice weather we would never want to leave this country but that's another story.

Back tomorrow with some photos of the lights in the city centre - hopefully the weather will clear up a bit by this evening.

Col, windy and a good pub

Today was cold. My daughter loves snow and there were rumours of snow. So we went off to the Pentlands with the dog looking for snow. There was very little - but some on a walk up from Flotterstone. This walk is well recommended if you are well wrapped up and feeling fit - it is steep in parts. We found small patches of snow, much to the delight of my daughter and the dog.

The best bit was ending up at theFlotterstone Inn for steak and ale pie and chips. This is one of my fabourite pubs, because of it's position in this great area for walking, good food, good service, and they are happy to have well behaved dogs. Do try it.

Janet