Check out was 11am so we left our bags in storage at our apartment and then began the walk across town to Sixt to pick up our car which was booked for collection at 12:30. On the way Michele was able to take advantage of the sales and purchased a new pair of winter boots.

The car that we were assigned is a red Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, nice and spacious with enough room for our luggage in the boot.

Scott had booked us in to do a tour of the Royal Yacht Britannia, so after picking up our luggage we drove a short way to Leith to view it. The whole experience is very well organised. After looking at a brief exhibition we were given personal speakers that would allow us to go on a self-led tour by pressing numbers and playing audio that corresponds with the different areas of the boat. We were able to see all areas of the yacht, including the sleeping quarters, grand dining hall and front deck. It was easy to imagine the royal family enjoying many a holiday aboard.

It was well after 2:30pm and due to the events of the morning we realised that we had not eaten, so we were rather hungry! Teresa had been recommended a restaurant called The Ship on the Shore, so we drove about 500 metres and found it. We were not disappointed. Teresa and Scott had an amazing hot shellfish platter and Michele had a delicious steak sandwich. We washed this down with some Pinot Grigio (Scott just with sparkling water). On our way out Teresa and Michele noticed that they were advertising “mulled wine to go”…..well if you insist! We ordered and received a takeaway cup with lid. Perfect for our journey to Glasgow.

The journey was rainy but pretty fuss-free. Before it got too dark we were able to see some of the outer skirts of Edinburgh. Our apartment in Glasgow was fairly easy to find. Teresa had chosen one in the city with parking underneath, so we wouldn’t have to stress about finding a spot. It is a two bedroom apartment with two bathrooms. This will be our home for the next two days.

A quick (and drizzly) walk to the nearest Sainsburys to get supplies and then we bunkered down for the night. Tomorrow we explore. Good nicht!

We awoke on New Years Day after a decent night’s sleep. Only Scott was awoken at midnight by fireworks (thank goodness for ear plugs!).

After a lazy start we made our way back into town to find somewhere to eat. We approached the Royal mile from Bread street and the Old town. There were quite a few people about, and still a fair amount of shops open.

We had read that the traditional Scottish food to eat on NY Day was steak pie. Michele wanted fish and chips as she had serious food envy of Scott and Teresa’s meals the day before. A traditional little tavern on a street corner on the Royal Mile called Deacon Brodies advertised both of these meals so we headed inside! It was very busy and got even busier after we were seated, but the staff were lovely and in good spirits (as had been our experience so far), even accommodating to our request to move to a window table after a couple left.

After lunch we walked around and looked in some shops. Scott found a lovely cashmere scarf (happy birthday from Irene!). Walking back along Princes street, it is still so amazing to be in the main shopping district and then just look up across the road and there is Edinburgh Castle sitting majestically on the hill (volcano actually).

A stroll through the Christmas markets, some hot gin (of course), and then a bit of culture walking through the Art Gallery of Scotland. Lots of paintings in here by famous artists such as Rubens and Rembrandt. You could easily spend a few hours admiring the amazing works.

On our way back to our apartment we stopped at Tescos to get some supplies for a light snack for dinner. Tomorrow we pick up our car and drive to Glasgow. Good Nicht!

The trip to Brandenburg Airport was in a comfortable Sharenow car, taking about 20 minutes from Scott’s place. Our flight To Edinburgh was with Easyjet and the checking and bag drop process was fuss free.

It was a 2 hour flight but we gained an hour flying back in time. Michele and Teresa were lucky again in a full plane with a spare seat between them.

The tram system from the airport is easy to navigate but was busy with lots of people going to a stadium on the way to Haymarket, our stop.

It was a short walk to our accommodation, Premier Suites on Grove Street where we settled into our 2 bedroom apartment.

We were keen for some food so we walked along and tried to find a pub that had local offerings. We were informed that Edinburgh was hosting 3 sporting events and that most pubs have their kitchens closed and were only catering to the drinking crowd. Such a contrast to Australian licensing laws. Eventually we found a nice warm place with food and enjoyed the warmth, hot meals and a wee dram.

Time to explore so we made our way to Princes street. It was dark, cold, windy & wet with lots of people out and about for the festivities. There was also much activity surrounding the preparations for Hogmanay – portable toilets, barriers and cordoned off streets. A short walk back to our apartment helped with familiarising ourselves with the area. Haymarket seems to be the university sector of Edinburgh and a handy Tescos ( food mart) is just down the road.

We welcomed sleep in the comfortable beds.

Good nicht!