Blackie House

After a short but welcome tutorial on aperture and focal length with david77, it was off into town. I walked my legs off touring the city centre and can't remember seeing it so busy. There were hordes of tourists clicking cameras and looking at maps. Some looked tanned enough to have come from Argentina for the rugby match at Murrayfield - they must be very happy after their late winning goal kick!

I was interested to see the progress being made in clearing Princes Street for the return of the buses tomorrow. After all the pessimism, it might just happen. A lot of barricades have already come down and they still have another 16 hours.

The winter festival in Princes Street Gardens is up and running, and the German market was doing a roaring trade when I passed. The skaters were slithering about to music on the ice rink. I did blip them but they seemed to be unsure on their skates and were largely glued round the edges which didn't make a very interesting photo!

The sun which had been out and had chased away the overnight frost, suddenly disappeared and was replaced by a cold haar. The castle and other landmarks were hidden from tourists' view- no wonder the maps were out!
So it was home via Parliament Square where the expected parade of eccentric
illuminated cars were assembling.

The city has suddenly come alive and has started the Festive season with a flourish. I am unexpectedly quite excited. His Lordship and I haven't spent a Christmas at home for a few years as we usually travel to Oman to see family. However we decided that two visits to Oman this year (Christmas and a wedding) were enough and we would stay put. I hope it's a wise decision.

My blip is of this leafless tree outside Blackie House just off the High Street