The Week of Fortunate Events

Birthdays, UnBirthdays, and Random Celebration

Turns out an Edinburgh birthday is a good one! Matt baked a mascarpone berry cheesecake, the group picked out a wonderful present (replete with loose leaf teas), we dined on dim sum and played cards into the morning. The next night Venue 13 came out to party in the city, and after a crazy slur of conversation and dancing, I thought it was best to run home at 4:45am. 

With one night, I ended up winning over most of Venue 13. We arrived at the annual Venue 13 Barbecue the next day to Ethan saying, "Sally! We were just saying that we should create you a fb fanpage, because everyone likes you!" Meeting all these people has been an eye opener:  within one night you can gain strong friends; moreover, listening gets you very, very far. Be okay with putting yourself out there, everyone! And join me on this bench; you'll find it on Leith Walk.

The Yellow Bench Cafe - Where I Will Meet Someone Special

Sunday Morning

The first Sunday I was here, I went to the Ukrainian Catholic Church conveniently located across the street from our apartment. Surprise! The whole service was in Ukrainian, although the priest did try and add some English for the evident newbie in the congregation (me). Exciting as that experience was, I found an English service in the city, where they were having a parade - Bagpipin' Sunday!

Shows

Getting over my cold, I stayed home to sleep and eat. Now that I'm nearly 100%, I'm finally getting out to performances I'm eager to see. I saw "Snakes! The Musical!" which did really well in last year's Fringe, but did poorly in my opinion. The karaoke-esque backing tracks and obvious jokes didn't sooth my appetite for quality theatre. Yesterday's "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" satisfied as a feel-good performance with outstanding vocals and characters, not to mention a very dashing main actor. Today's "The Outback Games" was equally entertaining, and I was swept up in their representation of Aussie accents, their talented singers, and their cultural jokes. To any Aussies out there, keep an eye open for this title! 

Second Row and Live Band - How to Succeed....

Versatile Set for The Outback Games - In Da Front Roe!

Meeting Marliese

Back in 2007, I traveled to Musselburgh for a two-week dance programme with the Russian Ballet Society. Now I'm back in Scotland, I met up with Marliese for the first time since! She and I chatted into the evening, and came to a "Que Sera, Sera" conclusion about our lives: Whatever will be,will be! Accept. No, embrace, and move forward, knowing that those around you are there to spice life up.

Still as Gorgeous as Always - and on her way to be a corporate lawyer!

I Said to Matt, I Said, "I'm Going This Way."

Unfortunately for us, "this way" meant "I'm going to get us lost so we miss the 10am show of Pomegranate Jam". Fortunately for us, we got lost on Canongate Hill and came across the beautiful sights of Edinburgh. Here! The Nelson Monument!

Oh, and I also met a man who gave me a dessert and a crystal necklace. Weird story. Will give more details upon request. Tata for Now, Lads and Ladies.