Moments from "the Festival"

I'm glad to report that I have survived my first Fringe Festival in Edinburgh!

While Hunley and I are glad that the tourists are making their mass exodus, we very much enjoyed the energy and shows during this famous month of August. 


My mom was able to visit for a few days, which was a wonderful end to the festival! We spent some quality "grandmother-mother-daughter" time, ate wonderful food, and enjoyed this festival city to no end.  The comedians who left me craving more were: Hannibal Buress (writer from 30-rock) and The Boy With Tape On His Face (The lad treated to this silent comedy that had my mom and me in stitches!).


Below are images from the festival and fun!

Mom and I went to see the amazing Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Wonderful "piping" and international military bands, with a lit castle on-the-hill backdrop gave everyone in the stands goosebumps. There is an undeniable history and pride here!

I had the most amazing dessert (on the right) at Restaurant Mark Greenaway. Bramley Apple Plated Six Ways: Pie, sorbet, crisps, jelly, foam, and toffee sauce -- DEEEEEELICIOUS!

Gilded Garden = favorite beer garden with "the festival vibes." A few long nights (early mornings) were spent gathered around the wood benches and barrels!

The lanterns in another beer garden in Bristol Square - in the background is the building where I'll be heading to classes in less than a month!

FRINGE: Performance meets international summit meets lllllllate nights!

The Fringe Festival has descended upon Edinburgh, and the city is constantly "a-buzz" !! This 60 year old tradition brings thousands of comic, theatre, dance, music, etc., shows to the city - along with PEOPLE, from all places and in great numbers! Never again can I say that there are too many tourists in Charleston during Spoleto... It is a really neat time here, and I'm enjoying the energy. The Festival has taken over everywhere. The squares around the University and other venues have turned into bars and beergardens. Lecture halls have turned into comedy clubs. And city buses have turned into enigmas that tourists will continue, unsuccessfully, to unravel!!

Last week we saw a London comedian (Nathan Caton) with friends and enjoyed the atmosphere all around. There are already other shows and performances booked, so stay tuned for reviews!

On Friday, we spent the evening (and early morning!) with the Lad's cousins and crew. Some were visiting from Philadelphia, some just back from LA, some in town from the organic farm, and so on, so it was a great occasion and gathering!! We visited Coburg House Art Studios (for Charleston folks, this is Redux on steroids!), which had an opening with pieces and sales from the over 60 artists for whom they represent and provide studio space. What an amazing place! There was everything from paintings to sculpture to ceramics to jewelry to a multitude of funky artists. It was a great treat!

The Lad and me at the Roseleaf for grub.

We headed on to the Festival madness in town. In the nice weather, we enjoyed good company and good beverages only 10 yards from where I will soon be a student again. It was quite a scene, and we didn't head home until 3:30 am - oh my!! This is what the University of Edinburgh currently looks like at night --

Thank you underbelly.co.uk for the photo.

Fun, new experiences continued on Saturday. The Lad and I met Molly and Andrew (Furman friends) at Murrayfield for the Scotland vs. Ireland Rugby match!!! Though it was a "friendly" game that didn't count for international competition, I'm sure you can understand that pride was on the line... Those guys meant business, and it was so much fun to see a professional/international match - I loved it! Scotland won 10-6 (low-scoring match) - 'Hip, hip, hooray!'

The piping band on "the pitch" before the match. The Scottish National Anthem sure is easier than the Star Spangled Banner... Maybe so they have to be able to sing it after some whiskies?!

Almost a Scottish "try" (~touchdown)! Luckily, there was a game-winning try with only 2 minutes remaining!!

Happy Monday all!!