Now, it has to be admitted that it’s very rare for Lorraine and me to find ourselves both with a free Saturday and no plans. I’ve heard people mention this work/life balance thing—I never signed up for that, really, as I’m lucky enough to have always had a job that I enjoy. I mean, being on the radio for 40 years wasn’t work; it was fun!
I get asked a lot if I miss being on the radio, and the honest answer is yes—more so now when there is so much to talk about. Oh, how Scotland’s Talk In is missed.
Anyway, I digress. Back to Saturday off (both of us): no car to road test, no grass needing cut, but hey, the Fringe is on in Edinburgh, and I’ve never been (I’m a scheme boy from Buckhynd), so that’s it—let’s go.
We both agreed (unusual) that public transport would be the way to go. We like the train, BUT a few weeks ago, we attended the Scottish Open Golf and got stranded at Waverley when the trains were all cancelled six minutes before our departure time. When I say all trains, I mean all—London, Aberdeen, Glasgow. I felt so sorry for the 20 or so young girls who arrived at the station to board a train to Glasgow for a music festival. They were so disappointed… all dressed up and nowhere to go! So come on, John Swinney—you bought the train set with a pledge to sort out ScotRail; time to extract the finger.
So, we went by bus and joined in the crowds, experiencing the fantastic atmosphere in Scotland’s capital city. It was never really in our plans to take in shows, more to soak up the vibe and maybe a few gins. Plus, there were lots of street entertainers.
One pub we went into had a lady entertaining the drinkers, and to be honest, I don’t think she left her house that morning planning to be a street entertainer, but well done, Mary from Kirkcaldy (just don’t give up your day job).
We had a great day, so if you are thinking of visiting the Fringe… don’t think—do it!
On Sunday, we had another day off… to recover. 😀
