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Meet ups/where are you?

Edinburgh mid-December meet 2017

(294 Posts)
Elegran Sun 10-Sept-17 12:20:11

I shan't mention the dreaded C**-word yet, as September is only partway through, but we do need to start planning and booking if we want to meet up in December. The sooner we book the more likely we are to get a table.

Possible dates - 11th to 20th December, with the 14th or 15th mentioned.
Possible venue - ROSL, Princes Street.
Likely format - lunchtime eating and drinking, and talking. It is just possible that a splinter group may also go to see a show in the afternoon, if there is one that appeals.
Numbers - So far six people are interested. ( Katek Elizabeth1 Jane10 EllenT Marelli Me )

Please add your name if you are interested, and say which date(s) you would prefer.

storynanny Tue 12-Sept-17 11:34:45

Sorry to hijack the thread but...... Flying to Glasgow tonight , hiring a car and driving in a circle via Fort William, Skye, Cairngorms, Edinburgh. What sort of clothing, coat etc will I need in your lovely part of the world for the next week?!
Many thanks!

GeminiJen Tue 12-Sept-17 11:51:26

Thanks for doing that, Elegran....Looking forward to it

GeminiJen Tue 12-Sept-17 11:54:52

Storynanny...Do check the forecast. But I tend to be prepared for the four seasons in one day scenario. Enjoy!

storynanny Tue 12-Sept-17 11:56:24

Thought so! But will I need a thick waterproof coat or jumper and a thinner one? Only taking hand luggage so every little bit has to be essential!

Elegran Tue 12-Sept-17 12:13:16

One thinnish jumper on and another in the luggage to add if needed, and more of the same with T-shirts - a long-sleeved T-shirt doubles as yet another jumper . If your waterproof coat is also windproof it could keep you warm as well as dry. If you plan to go up the Cairngorm lift and venture outside (fabulous views) , you might need all of the above - it can be breezy up there. Take a woolly hat.
But don't worry - there are plenty of shops ready to sell you any extra clothes!

Elegran Tue 12-Sept-17 14:26:58

When will you be in Edinburgh, storynanny? Perhaps a meetup for a cup of coffee can be arranged?

storynanny Tue 12-Sept-17 14:31:28

What a lovely idea! All day Monday and Tuesday , 18th and 19th, then back to Glasgow airport early weds morning. Staying in a city centre Travelodge

storynanny Tue 12-Sept-17 14:33:14

Where shall I find a lovely wool/fabric shop to visit in Edinburgh? Hope my circular wooden pins are not confiscated on Flybe!

Elegran Tue 12-Sept-17 14:35:48

I could meet you either of those days. wonder whether anyone else will be around? I would have suggested the Art Gallery cafe, as it is very Central in the middle of Princes Street, but the last time we were there they couldn't wait to get shot of us.

Elegran Tue 12-Sept-17 14:40:54

There is a distinct shortage of them, storynanny but your best bet is the Edinburgh Fabric Shop at St Patrick Square (any bus going South from North Bridge)

John Lewis used to be good but their fabric dept has shrunk considerably. They still have quite a lot of wool but I am not a knitter so can't tell you how good it is. But the area round JL is being renovated, so finding the way in is worse than Hampton court maze.

Elegran Tue 12-Sept-17 14:49:03

PS, bus fares are a flat £1.60 a trip, no change given, so you need the right money in your hand. If you will be taking more than 3 bus journeys you are more efficient getting a day ticket for £4 from the driver of the first. This gets you on all Edinburgh buses and trams all day (Otherwise tram tickets available from machines at tram stop, and you can use a smart phone. If you get on a tram without a ticket, the penalty is £10!!! ) lothianbuses.co.uk/tickets/ticket-options

storynanny Tue 12-Sept-17 14:58:00

Thanks for the ticket tips. I'll log in when we get to Edinburgh to see if the cafe trip is possible.
Bearing in mind my travelling companion Mr storynanny does not follow any plans ! I insisted on booking all of our overnight stops in advance as otherwise he was quite happy to just drive around and see where we ended up.
I'm too old for all of that malarkey!

storynanny Tue 12-Sept-17 15:00:56

We get to Edinburgh Sunday night, travelling time permitting!
Just waiting for taxi to Southampton airport.
I have tidied the house, done a load of washing, sorted out the cat food/litter, emptied the fridge and sorted out toiletries for hand luggage.
Mr Storynanny has been playing about on google maps finding a route from the airport to hotel a few miles away.
Good job I love him.

Marelli Tue 12-Sept-17 18:42:21

There is a very good wool shop which I've been told about, but I've forgotten what it's called! I have contacted my friend (on holiday in France) to ask if she knows! I'll let you know as soon as I find out, storynanny.

Elegran Tue 12-Sept-17 21:01:36

Was it David Drummond's knitting machine shop in Haymarket Terrace?

Marelli Tue 12-Sept-17 21:53:58

I don't think so, Elegran. I should be able to find out tomorrow, though. I've a feeling it's towards the New Town.

Elizabeth1 Tue 12-Sept-17 23:36:24

It's in the diary thank you Elegran

storynanny Wed 13-Sept-17 00:22:57

Ooh thank you!
It's been a nightmare to get here so far
Flight delayed, hire car let go, had to have what they had left at extra £300,,,, got lost in Glasgow city centre in the dark, hotel all locked up, scrabbled around in the dark for the hidden key, parked illegally so have to jump out of bed early to put coins in the meter. Have paid twice ( my mistake) for car insurance and neither the car hire firm or the agent will refund.
Now have to change the car details on the ferry crossing to Skye.
It can only get better.

Marelli Thu 14-Sept-17 09:10:14

The wool shop I was talking about is McAree Brothers, 19 Howe Street, Edinburgh. ☺️

Elegran Thu 14-Sept-17 09:25:18

Wel done, Marelli. I wouldn't have known where to go for wool.

What a nightmare, storynannie but it has to improve from now on! The sun is out this morning, that'll help.

I woke up this morning with a sore throat. Hope it only lasts a couple of days. Actually, I woke up at 3.50 and couldn't get back to sleep - whenever I was almost over the edge, my throat gave a kind of croak and woke me up again. Not a snore, a sort of dry rasp.

Have just taken delivery of a Tesco online order - no need to trek to the shops!

storynanny Thu 14-Sept-17 09:25:54

Ah thank you I have heard of them, I think I have bought online from there.

storynanny Thu 14-Sept-17 09:26:57

Car ferry to Skye cancelled due to high winds so driving round from fort willuam

Elegran Thu 14-Sept-17 09:34:10

In years to come you will look back nostalgically on this holiday, storynannie

storynanny Thu 14-Sept-17 09:53:36

Haha! Yes I will.

Marelli Fri 15-Sept-17 18:39:24

Elegran, please could you add a 'wee stranger', (you will remember her by her nickname of 'Lurkio' ?).