The last couple of days...
... went in a bit of a blur, but included a trip to the Botanics, one of my favourite places in the whole world, no exageration at all.
The botanic gardens in Inverleith are one of the few places in Edinburgh that are every bit as magic to me at 28 as they were to mini-mi when I was five. The lovely trees, the cool flowers, the absense of signs telling you not to do stuff, and best of all, I am still absolutely enchanted by the greenhouses. They're wonderful. I can't get past all teh big fish and the weirdness of having a statue of some frogs in the desert bit. Right now, there's an art installation that plays music based on how many people are looking at the palm trees and how moist the soil is, adn I spent ages watching the artist tune it up.
I also met up with my friend Fi, who I hadn't seen for ages, and her new puppy, went shopping with my friend Lisa, and went to John's housewarming party. But you don't know them, so telling you what Lisa wore, or about Fi's necklace, is probably of limited interest!
It was with the traditional heavy heart that I got on the train home, especially once I realised I'd have to cross London and that would mean getting black and blue trying to get a suitcase up the stairs.
The train broke. Twice.
I think next time I will just stay...
The botanics are in Inverleith, a short bus ride from the town centre. Admission is free, but you have to pay to go in the greenhouses. Last time I went it was about £3.50 for students, and I think it's well worth it.
The gardens are well laid out, and there are areas dedicated to the uses of Scottish Plants, an American bit, some pagodas, and lots of streams. It is very quiet even when full, and if you were feeling so inclined, probably quite a romantic place for a date. There are certainly enough flowers about!
there are often art displays in the buildings, especially Inverleith House. Last time I went there was an installation that played music depending on how moist the plantas were and how many visitors were walking past.
The greenhouses are full of palms, orchids, and an impressive patch of catii covered desert with - weirdly - a statue of two frogs. There is a place to buy good icecream adn the inevitable gift shop is actually quite interesting
Brilliant.
