Another city, another little home, this time in Edinburgh to study for a Certificate in Botanical Illustration at the Royal Botanic Gardens. After the stress of late notification, I really can't believe all has come together so seamlessly! My little home is a mews house called Just for Two, an apt name with very compact accommodation and just right to give me both privacy and flexibility. I have a lounge/bedroom/dining area upstairs, and downstairs a kitchen/shower room/ dressing room. So no chance of misplacing my belongings!
Yesterday I arrived by Easyjet, bus and taxi, at lunchtime, which gave me time to explore the local shops. I have two cheese mongers very close and visited one for some tasting and purchase of plum bread and Manchego and Lanarkshire Blue- blow dropping out carbohydrates. Tomorrow I plan to visit the smoked salmon shop. There are some rather lovely butchers and I think a breakfast treat will be in order at the weekend. So having stocked the fridge I first did a reccie of the botanic gardens, then headed to the National Portait Gallery, which I immediately recognised from my previous visit. As well as the spectacular building I saw portraits of the great and the good from Scottish history.
I returned to peruse the various maps and books, to get a better idea of my location then headed to the Raeburn Hotel for dinner. There I found very helpful waiters who chatted about my visit and were full of advice. But they couldn't provide the chocolate pot for dessert as it hadn't set- glad I'm not the only one who has such disasters!
This morning I was ready far too early but wasn't absolutely sure where I was going so had plenty of time. I found the appropriate entrance, the Balfour building and was one of the first to arrive. It's an exciting place to be with many activities going on. There is a symposium about Malaysian plants at the moment. We had a great day, going back to basics and just doing pencil work today, but I learnt a lot and consolidated stuff I had done before. All goes in our portfolio which is submitted for assessment. The staff canteen offers great food at rock bottom prices, so I don't need to do lots of cooking. And tonight I walked back home via the gardens, taking in the views and perfume- what a privilege! I think I might save a visit to the glasshouses for a weekend treat. I called in at the nearest swimming pool and found they have Pilates too, but despite a look round the local charity shops, couldn't find any stretchy pants. I must add those on my suitcase list. But a swim on the way back tomorrow will be most welcome. It's one of those old fashioned Victorian buildings with a balcony all around the top. Everyone was very helpful and welcoming. Next I went in search of the Art shop, just yards from where I live, and as I peered one way and the other down the street, I was helped by another friendly local which saved me heading in the wrong direction.
Now for a relaxed evening, a spot of supper and perhaps a bit more drawing practice.
