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Source: (consider it)
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Thread: Edinburgh, 7/8 November?
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LeRoc
Famous Dutch pirate
# 3216
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Posted
We were already talking a bit about it on the other thread, but from 7 November noon to 8 November end afternoon, I will be in Edinburgh (my Scottish colleague says that I pronounce the name of this city wrong, so this would be the first thing I should get right when I'm there ![[Smile]](smile.gif) )
I would like to see something nice in this city (in my case, this never means that I have a meticulously well-planned trajectory) and I would like it if it were possible to meet some Shipmates.
For me, all possibilities are open, afternoon, evening ... You know the city better than I, so you probably know what works best
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I know why God made the rhinoceros, it's because He couldn't see the rhinoceros, so He made the rhinoceros to be able to see it. (Clarice Lispector)
Posts: 9474 | From: Brazil / Africa | Registered: Aug 2002
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Firenze
Ordinary decent pagan
# 619
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Posted
That's not a long time, and at a time of year when it will be dark by early evening. Where are you staying?
Posts: 17302 | From: Edinburgh | Registered: Jun 2001
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LeRoc
Famous Dutch pirate
# 3216
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Posted
I need to save my leave days to go to Brazil, so I can only go in the weekend.
I booked a room at the Ritz. (Does that sound posh? It only cost £60).
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I know why God made the rhinoceros, it's because He couldn't see the rhinoceros, so He made the rhinoceros to be able to see it. (Clarice Lispector)
Posts: 9474 | From: Brazil / Africa | Registered: Aug 2002
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Firenze
Ordinary decent pagan
# 619
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Posted
Not the most historic bit - it used to be railway land and breweries before it was redeveloped into hotels and conference centres and offices of financial institutions.
Head east: it's all walkable, but a day ticket on Lothian buses is a good investment. Churches - St Giles and the Canongate Kirk. The Castle of course. Pubs - the Bow Bar on Victoria St. In general - the Royal Mile, from the Castle Esplanade to Holyrood. Take a northbound bus from George IV Bridge and sit on the top deck front seat for those moments when it goes down The Mound, over Princes St, up and over George St and down Dundas St and you're plunging through Georgian Edinburgh towards the Forth. Good museums - the National Portrait Gallery, then walk along Queen St.
Or be on Princes St as dusk falls and the spot lit Castle rises like some mad galleon and the Scott Monument like an unlaunched space rocket. I dunno: I've lived here 35 years and it still astonishes me.
Posts: 17302 | From: Edinburgh | Registered: Jun 2001
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LeRoc
Famous Dutch pirate
# 3216
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Posted
Some good ideas, thank you! I realise that it's silly to go to Edinburgh for such a short time, but it is what I can do at the moment, and well, I do silly things sometimes I'm looking forward to it, I've wanted to go there for a long time.
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I know why God made the rhinoceros, it's because He couldn't see the rhinoceros, so He made the rhinoceros to be able to see it. (Clarice Lispector)
Posts: 9474 | From: Brazil / Africa | Registered: Aug 2002
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Firenze
Ordinary decent pagan
# 619
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Posted
Yes, go with the flow - you can't possibly see everything. I recommend the Old Town because for me walking that volcanic spine of The Mile and looking down the Closes seems to give a feel for the history of the place. But I'm a Southsider - which is the studenty, immigranty quarter with the synagogue and the mosque and the Chinese True Jesus church (and surviving now in name only, Little France and Burdiehouse - aka 'Bordeaux House' - where the French entourage of Mary Queen of Scots settled).
Posts: 17302 | From: Edinburgh | Registered: Jun 2001
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North East Quine
Curious beastie
# 13049
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Posted
Don't go into the castle, because that will use up too great a chunk of your time. Enjoy looking up at it.
I'd second the suggestion to walk the Royal Mile, which will let you see the castle, St Giles, the statue of Hume, all the closes, the Holyrood parliament building, and Holyrood palace.
The National LIbrary, just off the Royal Mile, usually has small but interesting exhibitions just by the front door, the sort of thing you can nip into in passing.
One of my favourite Embra things is a pot of tea in Jenner's cafe, overlooking the Scott monument, the Castle etc. YMMV.
Posts: 6414 | From: North East Scotland | Registered: Oct 2007
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Piglet
Islander
# 11803
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Posted
D. and I are coming over the pond on 1st November, and we'll be in Edinburgh on the 6th, but the current plan is to head up the A9 to Orkney on Saturday 7th, so we'll just miss you.
Have a great time - Edinburgh is one of my very favourite places on earth!
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I may not be on an island any more, but I'm still an islander.
alto n a soprano who can read music
Posts: 20272 | From: Fredericton, NB, on a rather larger piece of rock | Registered: Sep 2006
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North East Quine
Curious beastie
# 13049
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Posted
quote:
Originally posted by LeRoc:
Some good ideas, thank you! I realise that it's silly to go to Edinburgh for such a short time, but it is what I can do at the moment, and well, I do silly things sometimes I'm looking forward to it, I've wanted to go there for a long time.
It's not silly at all. The shortest trip to Edinburgh is worth it. Every time I walk out of Waverley Station and see the Castle, I get a "Wow!!" moment. The Scott monument - such a huge monument for a writer! is another thrill.
I don't think that will ever change.
If I'm in Edinburgh for a meeting, I can always fit in a couple of Edinburgh! moments, even if I only have 30 mins to spare. I've been working my way round Museums of Scotland in Chambers Street just a small section at a time. Or I'll check out the exhibition at the National Library. Or I'll pop into St Giles.
There's nowhere else quite like Edinburgh.
Posts: 6414 | From: North East Scotland | Registered: Oct 2007
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Ferijen
Shipmate
# 4719
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Posted
When I went a few years ago, I went on a guided walk - from somewhere near St Giles. Though 'touristy' it did get me into places I wouldn't otherwise have thought to explore, gave some history, and was about 90 minutes.
The castle is worth a visit, but will probably take too much of a chunk of your time.
Jennifer
Posts: 3259 | From: UK | Registered: Jul 2003
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Alan Cresswell
Mad Scientist 先生
# 31
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Posted
There are also ghost tours of the more spooky parts of town, which are best done at night after visibility to see other attractions has failed.
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Don't cling to a mistake just because you spent a lot of time making it.
Posts: 32413 | From: East Kilbride (Scotland) or 福島 | Registered: May 2001
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Wet Kipper
Circus Runaway
# 1654
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Posted
quote:
Originally posted by LeRoc:
(my Scottish colleague says that I pronounce the name of this city wrong, so this would be the first thing I should get right when I'm there )
I
imagine putting your head into a bra
head-in-bra
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- insert randomly chosen, potentially Deep and Meaningful™ song lyrics here -
Posts: 9841 | From: further up the Hill | Registered: Nov 2001
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Sarasa
Shipmate
# 12271
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Posted
We went to Edinburgh at this time last year, for not much longer than LeRoc.Walking the Royal Mile is a must, and just mooching round that are is great. We enjoyed the National Gallery of Scotland , worth going to if you like art and have the time. We also went to the David Bann vegetarian restaurnat, which was good, but not memorable.
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'I guess things didn't go so well tonight, but I'm trying. Lord, I'm trying.' Charlie (Harvey Keitel) in Mean Streets.
Posts: 2035 | From: London | Registered: Jan 2007
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Forthview
Shipmate
# 12376
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Posted
It normally costs £16 to get into Scotland's no.1 tourist attraction.
However, if you say : I want to see the Scottish National War memorial, then you will get into the Castle for nothing.
You may be accompanied by Castle staff to see that you don't go anywhere else ,but you do get a good view of the Castle inside the walls.
Free entrance is for anyone, not only for Scots,
who askes to see the Scottish National War memorial,built in the 1920s and paid for by the Scottish people.
Posts: 3444 | From: Edinburgh | Registered: Feb 2007
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Cottontail
Shipmate
# 12234
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Posted
I might struggle to be there. A Saturday afternoon/evening followed by Remembrance Sunday is not a good time for clergy types. I'll try, because I would like to meet you, Le Roc, but it isn't looking too good.
However, if you hang around the High Street and St Giles Cathedral on Sunday morning, you should see a fair amount of solemn pageantry.
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"I don't think you ought to read so much theology," said Lord Peter. "It has a brutalizing influence."
Posts: 2377 | From: Scotland | Registered: Jan 2007
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Dafyd
Shipmate
# 5549
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Posted
I might be able to make Saturday or Sunday afternoon. I can't do evenings because of children.
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we remain, thanks to original sin, much in love with talking about, rather than with, one another. Rowan Williams
Posts: 10567 | From: Edinburgh | Registered: Feb 2004
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Firenze
Ordinary decent pagan
# 619
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Posted
I'm sorry I can't come out for a drink, but circumstances keep me at home more than usual at the moment.
However, I'd second Cottontail's suggestion for Sunday morning.
Posts: 17302 | From: Edinburgh | Registered: Jun 2001
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LeRoc
Famous Dutch pirate
# 3216
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Posted
Thanks for all the suggestions! I'm thinking of just sitting somewhere to have a drink around, say 3:30pm on Saturday, and see if any Shipmates show up? (If none can make it, I'll have a pint for myself ) What would be a good place for that?
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I know why God made the rhinoceros, it's because He couldn't see the rhinoceros, so He made the rhinoceros to be able to see it. (Clarice Lispector)
Posts: 9474 | From: Brazil / Africa | Registered: Aug 2002
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Firenze
Ordinary decent pagan
# 619
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Posted
3.30 might be doable.. If you are in the Old Town, I always recommend The Bow Bar in Victoria St. Particularly if you like a good beer on draught.
Posts: 17302 | From: Edinburgh | Registered: Jun 2001
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LeRoc
Famous Dutch pirate
# 3216
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Posted
I do like a good beer on draught. And the Bow Bar looks excellent.
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I know why God made the rhinoceros, it's because He couldn't see the rhinoceros, so He made the rhinoceros to be able to see it. (Clarice Lispector)
Posts: 9474 | From: Brazil / Africa | Registered: Aug 2002
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Firenze
Ordinary decent pagan
# 619
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Posted
OK, let's pencil that in. I will try and make it if at all possible.
Posts: 17302 | From: Edinburgh | Registered: Jun 2001
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LeRoc
Famous Dutch pirate
# 3216
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Posted
So, I'll be travelling to Edinburgh on Saturday, and I'll be having what is hopefully a good ale at 3.30pm at the Bow Bar. Anyone who wants to join me is welcome.
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I know why God made the rhinoceros, it's because He couldn't see the rhinoceros, so He made the rhinoceros to be able to see it. (Clarice Lispector)
Posts: 9474 | From: Brazil / Africa | Registered: Aug 2002
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LeRoc
Famous Dutch pirate
# 3216
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Posted
I will probably be wearing a blue-yellow jacket with "Brazil" in big letters. That should be recognisable
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I know why God made the rhinoceros, it's because He couldn't see the rhinoceros, so He made the rhinoceros to be able to see it. (Clarice Lispector)
Posts: 9474 | From: Brazil / Africa | Registered: Aug 2002
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Jack the Lass
Ship's airhead
# 3415
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Posted
Unfortunately I don't think we will be able to make this ![[Frown]](frown.gif)
I hope you enjoy your brief jaunt north of the border, and that you see enough to want to come back
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"My body is a temple - it's big and doesn't move." (Jo Brand)
wiblog blipfoto blog
Posts: 5767 | From: the land of the deep-fried Mars Bar | Registered: Oct 2002
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LeRoc
Famous Dutch pirate
# 3216
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Posted
I just had a pleasant conversation with Dafyd at the Bow Bar (I may have been a bit, err ... cheerful after three pints of Scottish Ale, I hope he'll forgive me that ) Edinburgh is beautiful, and even the sun made an appearance this afternoon!
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I know why God made the rhinoceros, it's because He couldn't see the rhinoceros, so He made the rhinoceros to be able to see it. (Clarice Lispector)
Posts: 9474 | From: Brazil / Africa | Registered: Aug 2002
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Firenze
Ordinary decent pagan
# 619
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Posted
I would much rather been there with both of you than where I was. Good beer there, isn't there?
Hope you enjoy the rest of your fleeting stay.
Posts: 17302 | From: Edinburgh | Registered: Jun 2001
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LeRoc
Famous Dutch pirate
# 3216
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Posted
Yes, definitely! Spending this time in the UK really has rekindled my taste for a good ale.
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I know why God made the rhinoceros, it's because He couldn't see the rhinoceros, so He made the rhinoceros to be able to see it. (Clarice Lispector)
Posts: 9474 | From: Brazil / Africa | Registered: Aug 2002
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Wesley J
Silly Shipmate
# 6075
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Posted
quote:
Originally posted by Wet Kipper:
quote:
Originally posted by LeRoc:
(my Scottish colleague says that I pronounce the name of this city wrong, so this would be the first thing I should get right when I'm there )
I
imagine putting your head into a bra
head-in-bra
What a wonderful thought! Especially if a lovely lady's attached to it.
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Be it as it may: Wesley J will stay. --- Euthanasia, that sounds good. An alpine neutral neighbourhood. Then back to Britain, all dressed in wood. Things were gonna get worse. (John Cooper Clarke)
Posts: 7354 | From: The Isles of Silly | Registered: May 2004
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LeRoc
Famous Dutch pirate
# 3216
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Posted
It was very good. I walked the Royal Mile, visited St. Giles, had a good pint with Dafyd, went to the Remembrance Day Ceremony, climbed Arthur's Seat, visited Holyrood House and had a quick look at the Scott monument. A beautiful and interesting city, which left a deep impression on me. Thank you all for your tips.
Ah, and in between I may have drank something that Scotland is famous for brewing
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I know why God made the rhinoceros, it's because He couldn't see the rhinoceros, so He made the rhinoceros to be able to see it. (Clarice Lispector)
Posts: 9474 | From: Brazil / Africa | Registered: Aug 2002
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Pigwidgeon
Ship's Owl
# 10192
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Posted
quote:
Originally posted by LeRoc:
Ah, and in between I may have drank something that Scotland is famous for brewing
Tea?
![[Biased]](wink.gif)
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"...that is generally a matter for Pigwidgeon, several other consenting adults, a bottle of cheap Gin and the odd giraffe."
~Tortuf
Posts: 9835 | From: Hogwarts | Registered: Aug 2005
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Alan Cresswell
Mad Scientist 先生
# 31
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Posted
If it was McEwans Export, my sincere apologies. I hope you found somethign to wash the taste from your mouth, a super-hot vindaloo sometimes helps.
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Don't cling to a mistake just because you spent a lot of time making it.
Posts: 32413 | From: East Kilbride (Scotland) or 福島 | Registered: May 2001
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Firenze
Ordinary decent pagan
# 619
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Posted
Alan, this is the Bow. They wouldn't use McEwen's to flush the cludgie.
Posts: 17302 | From: Edinburgh | Registered: Jun 2001
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Alan Cresswell
Mad Scientist 先生
# 31
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Posted
Yes, but he wandered around a fair bit of the town. He may have found a drinking establishment that serves it.
I was once at a conference in Edinburgh where there was a session for various companies to try and convince the academics present to part with research budgets. The exhibitors tried to sweeten things by providing beer. Unfortunately the aforementioned swill, at the end of the day there were crates of the stuff left that they couldn't even encourage the students to take. Students turning down free "beer", rather a definite statement on the quality of the stuff.
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Don't cling to a mistake just because you spent a lot of time making it.
Posts: 32413 | From: East Kilbride (Scotland) or 福島 | Registered: May 2001
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LeRoc
Famous Dutch pirate
# 3216
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Posted
I'd never heard of McEwen's, but I managed to steer well away from it. I remember having Deuchars and Edinburgh Castle, I liked both of them.
I had tasted Irn Bru before, some Scottish friends let me try it in Milton Keynes. Sweet stuff isn't really my thing
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I know why God made the rhinoceros, it's because He couldn't see the rhinoceros, so He made the rhinoceros to be able to see it. (Clarice Lispector)
Posts: 9474 | From: Brazil / Africa | Registered: Aug 2002
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Stercus Tauri
Shipmate
# 16668
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Posted
quote:
Originally posted by LeRoc:
I'd never heard of McEwen's, but I managed to steer well away from it. I remember having Deuchars and Edinburgh Castle, I liked both of them.
I had tasted Irn Bru before, some Scottish friends let me try it in Milton Keynes. Sweet stuff isn't really my thing
A good (and there are others) pint of McEwen's 80/- (eighty shilling) ale can still be a not unreasonable beer provided you can find a bar where they take good care of it. I haven't had one for a while, so I don't even know if it's still available. It was the drink of the more discerning in my student days. Never let anyone persuade you to try Tennent's lager. The devil serves it in hell.
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Thay haif said. Quhat say thay, Lat thame say (George Keith, 5th Earl Marischal)
Posts: 905 | From: On the traditional lands of the Six Nations. | Registered: Sep 2011
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Alan Cresswell
Mad Scientist 先生
# 31
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Posted
quote:
Originally posted by LeRoc:
I remember having Deuchars and Edinburgh Castle, I liked both of them.
Deuchars is good. *Adds Edinburgh Castle to list of beers to try*
So many good beers, so little time. And, that's just sticking with things brewed. If we move onto things distilled ... well, there's lots of very fine options there.
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Don't cling to a mistake just because you spent a lot of time making it.
Posts: 32413 | From: East Kilbride (Scotland) or 福島 | Registered: May 2001
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