Walking by the water

After a sociable breakfast (the owner of the B&B we're staying in likes a good chat with his guests in the morning), we met Fred's dad and walked up the Water of Leith. I'd like to return to do the walk in a year or so when the wider walkway is completed - there's a lot of work going on by the river to create a path. As it was, the path was fine, with a few detours to avoid areas where the path was being maintained. We stopped for a delicious cake and tea at Circle Cafe on Brandon Place, then headed through Stockbridge to meet the Water of Leith by Dean Bridge. The architecture and trees around there are wonderful!

We walked right up to the Modern Art Gallery where we had lunch and met a friend of mine who I've known since primary school. I hadn't seen her for five years, but we just slipped straight back into easy chat. I met her two boys, one of whom had just had his 5th birthday party and was full of beans. It was fantastic to catch up and I definitely won't leave it so long next time.

Heath, Fred and I walked up to my old stomping ground around Tollcross to see Contagion at the Cameo. It was far more interesting than I thought it would be and I was glad that it wasn't the typical Hollywood disaster movie. I recommend it.

I should mention that before seeing the film, we had a pint at the pub I used to work in. It's still a sports bar, but the jukebox and games machines are gone, as are the grimy posters from the ceiling. The barmaids no longer have to wear short skirts! I was very pleased to see that the Concorde fish bar was still selling chips 'n' sauce and we all had a bag of chips before seeing the film. I also bought a bottle of chippy sauce. Yum!

Once back in Leith, we had some late dinner at Tapas, where the portions were larger than we could manage, but it was all delicious.