More of the Same

Seeds for the Soul was first on the list on Tuesday, and I indulged in a full vegan Scottish breakfast. A little heavy on the fry up, as expected, but delicious all the same. The real treat was their cake though: a forest berry, and an Oreo mint gateau. The cream layers were light and fluffy, and I'd visit for the cake alone.

We grabbed a doughnut from Considerit to take home, and in true Scottish style, the rain came down. Dry inside a warm flat, I'm sorry to say that I ate that doughnut for lunch. It was a creme egg doughnut in reverse: white icing on the outside and stuffed full of chocolate mousse on the inside. I can't believe I have a degree in health at this point, but my soul is happy, even if my stomach is not.

The rain had eased by the time we got to The Wee Pub that evening, where the open mic calibre was mind-blowing. So much talent!!! Lovely to see some familiar faces, and to be pleasantly surprised by the variety of music and skill. We had banjos, ukes, guitars, and some of the most versatile voices I've heard at an open mic night.

We walked home, always a treat on a clear night. The moon is waxing, and the light along the Royal Mile was quite special. Another successful night of music, friends, food, and pretty places.

The sunshine returned on Wednesday morning, so Annika and I paid a visit to the Botanic Gardens. Annika came prepared with some birdseed and peanuts, and we made friends with some wood pigeons, a couple of squirrels, and an oversized seagull. Seriously, this thing was the size of a small cat. No photos for proof but the empty birdseed packet will back up these claims.

We lunched in Holy Cow, where I had potato and leek soup to defrost me. Don't let the sunshine fool you, that Edinburgh wind has bite!
Dessert is virtually a duty here, and we shared a chocolate and peanut butter cake. A little on the runny side, but still a welcome combination.

I visited Amy up at the shop, which was a lovely surprise as her phone has been broken and she didn't realise I was even here. Being back in the shop is quite pleasant - lots of fun memories. Blair has taken over as manager and between the two of them, the place is looking so much better. Might join them for a drink tonight - it's well overdue!

After a race down to the other end of town to pick up some camping food, I met Helen at last. I got all the way to her front building door before I realised I couldn't remember which flat number she was. For Almost four months I'd used the key and gone up to level three on autopilot, never stopping to remember what number the flat was. I'm quite proud of that though - as all of you who know my sense of direction should be too! I can still find my way around Edinburgh quite easily, and have only stopped for directions to places I've not been before.

Helen and I walked down to Harmonium, and in between our three course meal, caught up on all the life that's happened in my absence. It was so lovely to spend some quality time with her, especially with such delicious food!

The menu was entirely vegan, and we had "scallops" made from mushroom, rigatoni with coconut "bacon" and kale, mac and cheese, and cajun flavoured chips with an aioli style sauce. Dessert was the most incredible chocolate and sea buckthorn cheesecake, and a rhubarb cobbler with ice cream. We demolished almost the lot.
The texture and taste of everything was ten out of ten, I'd most definitely recommend a visit!

Every second week at the Outhouse is an open mic called "Live at the Loft". It's a room above a pub where everyone plays their original sets. I arrived a little late to be able to sing, but got to hear some very talented artists, not least Sarah and Scott and their goosebump-inducing harmonies. Look up Scott Candlish and Sarah Owens. You're welcome.