Keep the sun in your hand

1. Running a bit late means running for the bus, running for the train, running for seats, running to get off ahead of the (massive) crowds and running very fast to get to the Traverse minutes before the show is about to start. Got to love the Edinburgh Festival.

2. The Traverse is heaving. The show is ok, pretty cool (it's Belgian so no matter what it is, it's already ahead on the cool stakes). We go above ground, pick up a burger in the Farmers Market and start the walk across town. THE SUN IS SHINING. The ACTUAL sun. There's blue skies and it's warm, the gardens are packed with happy people enjoying themselves. This is what summer is like for people that live in countries with seasons other that 'tupperware sky' and winter.

3. We're early for the next show which makes me very happy. You are either someone who needs to be early or you aren't. We get the pick of the seats and pick the one with this view. Karen comes in a minute later and then the show begins.

4. This is Palmstar Poppy by DPJ in the Barony Bar. It's DPJ on the piano, telling a story about a voyage in search of lost love. Nine songs, about an hour, red roses on the table and tears dripping down my face. Heart soaring, romantic, wonderful. After we sit at the pavement tables in the sunshine and have a chance to share a drink and tell the man himself how much we enjoyed it.

5. As the Har descends we nip into a brilliant wee pub tucked behind a Mews then walk on to the Blue Parrot Cantina and an excellent meal. The streets are mobbed, George street is buzzing and the sun is back. On the train on the way home I catch up on the days action in London and well up.