Actually, I didn’t really get a chance to appreciate the hostel that we had settled in the night before because I was overly upset at some preparation details. But anyway, problem solved so it was all good. This super chillax hostel called Caledonian Backpackers had it all: a lounge area with ample power plugs for all electrical needs, multiple laptops and computers for people to share, many entertainments including a pool table, various board games, and last but not least, a beanie movie theatre! How cool is that?! I do regret not making time to go down and just enjoy whatever was playing, but we didn’t have all the time in the world here in Edinburgh, so we made the most of our trip out wandering. In terms of rate and security, according to my sister, it was definitely leaning more towards expensive in price per bed, but facility and security were up to par. You couldn’t simply just waltz in, and the reception- though looking as if they could care less- was very polite and friendly. For example, this one night about 1am, I had suddenly remembered I left my camera in the charging station in the lounge area, but everything was closed. So I headed to the reception and they organized someone to help me retrieve my camera. My ratings for this hostel:
Bed: 3* (not exactly the most comfortable bed, but for a hostel, doable)
Shower & Washroom: 3* (didn’t really expect the shower and the washroom to be in such close proximity, but it was okay clean and hosted hot showers)
Facilities: 5* (I could stay in all day with all the things they had for entertainment; extra stars for the charging station made available for everyone to safely lock up their electronics for charging while out or sleeping. Totally impressed)
Convenience: 4* (the location was central enough for us to walk out and find food within a short time, yet not too clustered among busy streets; public transit was about a 10minute walk, though we didn’t really need to use it as everything was close by)
Convenience: 4* (the location was central enough for us to walk out and find food within a short time, yet not too clustered among busy streets; public transit was about a 10minute walk, though we didn’t really need to use it as everything was close by)
(sure makes Edinburgh feel like a place for creative souls)
(storage in the kitchen. quite impressed with their system of labeling and sharing of kitchen appliances, though, people really need to start cleaning up after themselves)
(what a cool service, eh?)
(I'd love a bowl right now...)
(Cemetery with familiar names...spook!)
The root of the phrase “shitfaced drunk” was also briefly explained during the tour. Suppose back then, these old buildings didn’t have the plumbing system to dispose of waste. What the city decided to do was set a time for people to just chuck their waste out of their windows. After a couple of changes, they had finally decided that 10pm would be the best time as most people would already have returned home from work, except for the drunk. Too bad for them, the bar also closed around 10pm. So if anyone decided to go drinking, they’d have to brave the rain of waste to get home. Of course, those who were really drunk would have no way of avoiding the bombs. Hence the saying, “shitfaced drunk”. Sounds like a good plan to keep people from drinking, eh?
The tour ended at a restaurant with the best haggis- according to our tour guide Eoin- in the city. I wish I remember the name of the restaurant, but I don’t, and yes I regret not having taken a picture of the store front! In any case, haggis is a must-try and even after hearing all about what’s in a haggis, I was still able to enjoy it…stuffed in chicken. Apparently, the flavor is quite strong and not many people can finish a whole serving of haggis themselves. I mean, at least it tasted great with chicken breast. Bordering sweet and savory at the same time, the minced meat had a smooth texture. Though, I do agree, at first bite, the flavor was a bit daunting. Then, it was enjoyable. On the other hand, Ivy decided to order pure haggis. You should have seen Ivy’s face when she stuffed the final bite into her mouth. I so wanted to burst out laughing but what a challenge. Well done!
(my haggis-stuffed chicken served with fries, yum)
(Ivy's full serving of haggis: one bite at a time!)
The rest of the day was spent wandering around streets exploring the Fringe Festival. The things people do in the name of art…no comment. But, certainly entertaining to walk the Royal Mile observing groups after groups of performers try out-weirding their neighbors. Let’s just say, it was good fun. Judging from the day tour, we decided to sign ourselves up for the Ghost Tour at 9:30pm. So we shopped our way back to the hostel, recharged all gadgets and grabbed necessary clothing for the temperature drop later on.
(I mean, she had painted her teeth gold...@@")
(what a beautiful day for some serious strolling)
The Ghost Tour was anything but scary, but that’s probably because I’ve grown up listening to Ivy’s, so I didn’t expect anything too out of the ordinary. Even so, it was interesting to hear all the local tales of witch burnings and mysterious murders. With a touch of graveyard visit, it sure set me on a goosebump ride. Mind you, even though I don’t become scared, I’ve always been sensitive to these types of experiences. Let’s just say, I have a heightened sense of my surroundings. But yes, the night view from the hilltop was definitely worth the climb, and at the same time, all the more Edinburgh to soak up the homegrown tales.
(just the end of the sunset)
(he said there was a face and I doubted him. why?!)
The tour ended at a pub called The Bank Hotel where we all received a free drink with our tour ticket. Really, I didn’t expect a pub to be so populated on a Thursday night, but meh. By then, I was too tired to care about the over-crowdedness of the place and hoped to grab a seat soon. As we chatted with fellow tour members, I found my phone vibrating. How is it possible that I’m receiving a call in Edinburgh? I took it out from my bag to find le BF’s number flashing on the screen. “EH?” So apparently, an epic fail for a birthday surprise. He had flown in from Paris earlier this morning, with plans to sneak into the pub without me knowing. Except, my lovely sister never picks up her phone. Seeing how midnight was approaching, he had to call me instead. No worries though. I was definitely surprised to see this number calling as it was the number I had given him during his visit while I was in London.
(What a sweet surprise! Thanks bun~)
(Thanks for the cake! I want the rest when I get to Paris)
As I didn't have a decent picture of me & le sister, I shall just leave it at that. Better to avoid putting up horrendous photos than getting a nag later :P HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME~