Edinburgh

The moment I got off the bus in Edinburgh, I knew that my decision to stay here long term was a decision well made. The former capital is absolutely loaded with historic churches, lanes, fortifications and street names. In some areas, I actually have trouble finding buildings that aren't at least a couple of hundred years old.

When I first arrived here, my primary concern was to avoid paying 30 bucks Australian for a nights accomodation in a dorm room. Luckily I managed to get this sorted by the second day when I was casually hired as a cleaner for one of the hostels here. I clean showers and toilets and even change bed sheets for a couple of hours every morning for the next night's board. I'm not earning any money from it at the moment but at least now my only expenses are food and drink. It actually works pretty well.

After I had secured a hostel job, I continued to attend gigs held by my new mate Mike who was in Edinburgh for the weekend. I was also fortunate enough to be invited by him to check out a couple of his favourite bars and pubs in the city. One of these is known for these three men and women who simply belt out countless Celtic folk tunes using whatever they have there on the night. It's amazing how many songs they know. I never thought I'd say this but thanks to the quality Guinness on tap at this place, my top three favourite beers have experienced a shift.

During the day I've been exploring the city by means of free tours and self-directed adventures. By self-directed adventures I mean anything from getting lost in a network of old town lanes or even climbing random mountains on the city's fringe (which I did yesterday with some girls from the hostel). This was another reason for why I love the city so much. From the town centre, it literally takes 15 minutes to walk to the base of a highland-style mountain. Quaint walking tracks made it possible for us to hike all the way to the plateau at the top where we were rewarded for our hard work. The view was nothing short of stunning. I lost it. As the girls collapsed in a heap at the top, I couldn't help but frollick around like a little boy, running up and down the different crests outstretching my arms over my head at every peak like I was KING OF THE WORLD!! The cold crisp air did something for my lungs and as I ran around these hills with the ocean to one side and the city to the other, I felt so alive!

Up to the highlands soon where I can do this all day every day, naked.