Haggis, whiskey and other things Scottish

I spent a few days exploring Edinburgh and Glasgow with my fabulous and very hospitable Wellington flatmate Gavin. Much to some people's surprise the nine-hour bus trip was a delight after similar distances vis bus in South East Asia. I had two seats to myself which allowed me to stretch out and relax. It smelt like a bus should smell and the only annoying thing was the woman sitting behind me who ate her never-ending bag of chips with her mouth open.

Gavin's flat was located within walking distance of the city which was a treat and reminded me very much of Wellington. By day I was a geeky, snap-happy tourist (Edinburgh was dead and I felt like the only tourist which was kind of nice) and by night I was a beer-guzzling, haggis-eating local. Below is photo evidence of the highlights:

The old and the new. The narrow, cobblestoned streets in Edinburgh are lined with incredible buildings dating back hundreds and hundreds of years. The city has over 4,500 listed buildings and is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Blanket of crocuses in St. Andrew's Square park, Edinburgh

National Gallery of Scotland

Gavin and Jane at a loverly restaurant called Urban Angel - we decided this was a ridiculous name for a restaurant.

Edinburgh from half way up Arthur's Seat

Arthur's Seat

Some crazies busking (terribly). The sign said 'Pay us to stop singing'. 

National Museum of Scotland. Spent an afternoon here learning Scotland - it's a fabulous museum.

Some of Gavin's very smoky-tasting whiskey contributed to the excitement of the next photo. I moved onto Port soon after the second sip.

Gavin and I with Australian friend Kieran at The Liquid Room where friend Cori was DJing

It was in here somewhere that I tried deep-fried Haggis. I'll add here that usually I don't eat stuffing from roast chicken. I loved Haggis. We also got a deep-fried Snickers Bar, but I won't go into that.

Gavin putting on a brave face on the open-air bus tour in Glasgow. It was freezing.

At the Crabshack. Gavin's trying to look like a crab in this shot.  Was served the best seafood chowder ever. Listening to the Scottish people here we decided to use the works 'splendid' and 'super' more often.

Inside Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow

Some guerilla knitting inside the museum

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow

Clearly a student city ... 

We also went to the Gallery of Modern Art in Glasgow which had some great examples of David Shrigley. I bought all the postcards, but now can't bear to send them. Check out his work here.

The next installment will entail more 'splendid' delights of London with a taste of Oxford and Cambridge.