Was back in Edinburgh 3 weeks ago for the first time since early last year (when Cui came to visit and we went around the UK). Strange, considering Edinburgh is only 3 hours away. Such a vibrant city, traditional yet bustling. Filled to the brim with foreigners. And it was worse when I was there this time - because of the annual Edinburgh Festival, which features international acts and attracts people from all over the world.
What a crowd! But we had lovely weather (lucky us, because we'd hardly had a summer all year. All we've had were wind and rain. Rubbish.), free accommodation (Chris' sister lives in Edinburgh) and went to a hilarious stand-up comedy performed by an irish guy. Jason Byrnes was sometimes a little too vulgar and crude for my taste (but the guys loved him of course *rolls eyes*) but overall, he was really funny. That said, the effect was somewhat diminished because (and I honestly think so) he was drunk! He couldn't stand still on stage, constantly fidgeting, and quite a few times, he started a joke... found it extremely funny before he even got to the punchline... started laughing until he was rolling on the floor... and never finished the joke! Genius, eh?
What I really loved about the festival though, was the atmosphere... and look at the photos below! Just setting up on the streets, the Royal Mile were filled with them. Walking along the streets, having such a great choice of street performers to watch... even seeing people promote and advertise their shows in such novel ways were a feast for the eyes.
Promotions/Advertisements
Some kindda theatre production...
No clue what they are promoting...
I'm guessing it's some kind of horror production...
As u can tell, most of the time, I don't know what these
people are promoting. Interesting all the same.
Street Performers
Apparently, this dude spent 10years learning,
practising and perfecting his performance.
No clue once again.
I'm guessing, he's showing off his strong stomach.
I actually know what this is about!
Italian opera...
Lovely girls, lovely costume and wonderful voices...
------------------------------
On our way home, we passed by this shop that smelled heavenly.. couldn't resist and had to go in. Turned out to be the "Fudge Kitchen" where they handmade fudge - mainly made of sugar and cream (heart attack, diabetes, obesity, tooth decay etc... disaster for the body, heaven for the soul) right in front of you.
Stirring the pot of fudge.
He was loving the attention!
Pouring the fudge onto a large marble table
The marble absorbs the heat to cool the fudge down.
Adding walnuts into the fudge and mixing it all up.
He was doing this for a good 10-15mins, to introduce air into the fudge
(to make it light and smooth)
Good arm muscles, I say.
Obviously, the woman has to wash the big pot.
Typical.
Finally!
Shaping it into a log.
This would make 70 slices of fudge
(each about the size of a swiss roll and would sell for about £3)
Absolutely delicious!
