For two days I was lucky enough to have my parents visit and rescue me from: endless dinners of pesto pasta and frozen vegetables of sorts; and the mundanity of everyday university life… trudging to and from George Square.
Naturally, I first had to show them my top university spots. We got hot beverages from Uplands Roast (though sacrilegiously none of us got the hot chocolate) and we wondered around The Meadows, where my dad had multiple near misses with bikes and running groups. Then, I showed them the wonder of 50 George Square, where all my work gets done (somewhat).
After my great tour, we went on an expedition up Arthur’s Seat – note – do not attempt this on a rainy day where the potential to slip and fall is high! Also, make your ascent on a clear day… so the view at the top is actually worth it.
I knew I had a duty to expose my parents to quintessential Scottish cuisine, so after trudging around Princes Street with the sound of bagpipes following us, I took them to get a deep-fried mars bar. Learning from my mistake of mind over stomach, I suggested they share one to feast on. Naturally, it got sickly after around the fifth bite, but they did love the first couple!
I’d say the most successful moment of the trip was the pilgrimage to Chez Jules, with its outrageously valued food (second only to Potterrow’s Monday £6 Burger and fries). For £10.99 we got 2 courses – for me, French onion soup and a decadent steak with fries. However, do not make the mistake of trying to act Parisian and order the classic French drink called pastis, unless you like a burning sensation in your throat and stomach.
Unlike my second home of St James’s quarter, my parents loved both the National Museum of Scotland and the National Art Gallery. We said a quick hello to Dolly the Sheep and did a brief potter around all the floors, until the screams and chatters of the children (do not go on a Saturday) politely drove us out. The gallery was a lovely change of pace both for my busy parents and slightly less busy me. Next time, I think a trip to its café is necessary as the smells emanating from it were unnecessarily good.
My time with my parents was great, and I like to think I was an excellent tour guide! From this I hope you can learn what to do and what not to do, i.e. avoiding museums on a weekend and the climb up Arthur’s Seat on a day with typical Edinburgh weather! The Royal Botanical Gardens, Leith and Portobello Beach are saved for next time, when hopefully the sun is out!
Photo by Sid Saxena on Unsplash