Victory is sweet

Inevitably, after signing off my last post like that (see Friday July 25 below), I did end up watching the rugby - A. got us up bright and early on Saturday morning, and we headed to the only pub we were sure would be open and screening the rugby at 10am. Unfortunately, it was Bar Oz. But fortunately there were more than a few kiwis there. And even more fortunately, as you will all know by now, the game was a cracker. By the end of the match, you wouldn't know that there were any Australians in the place at all, they were that quiet. Which is indeed an unusual phenomenon.

In good cheer (because of the result, not the Lion Red available at Bar Oz - at 10am, Irn Bru was a much better option), and glorious Edinburgh sunshine, we made our way through the cobbled streets of the Old Town, passed by a Mardi Gras parade of New Orlean's-style jazz bands - it's Festival time in Edinburgh and the Jazz & Blues Festival kicks off the fun. Coming up we also have the Fringe, Film Fest, the Festival proper, the Tattoo and the Book fest. Phew! There's always something to do in this town. We were on our way to see an exhibition of rare Marilyn Monroe pics, which was only in town for three days. A spot of shopping (it's sale season) and a wee jaunt to Bellshill rounded off Saturday.

Today, more jazz. Jazz on a Summer's Day in Princes St Gardens. Inevitably, it rained (I've learned never to go anywhere in Edinburgh without a brolly), but it was hot and sunny in between, and the music was good. On the way home, A. had the chance to indulge in some nostalgic tastes at Ndebele, an African cafe here in Edinburgh. The coffee was strong and the melktart, lekker.

Tomorrow we're looking forward to the arrival of the round-the-world doctors, Ingrid & Nick.