Trip to Edinburgh, Scotland - 10th to 14th January 2005

Went for a week in a very cold Edinburgh (which, in January, I suppose i would be really). Given the unhospitable time of year, we managed to get cheap first class travel up there, and a resonably-priced stay at the Scotsman Hotel - this only opened recently, and used to be the office of the flagship Scottish newspaper. It certainly enoys a great location and view in the centre of Edinburgh. And, Edinburgh is a beautiful city, even in dull, cold, windy and rainy January.

Apart from wandering around and seeing the sights, we could think of little better to do with a week off work than go out eating and drinking. The find of the stay was the Pivo Bar, basically as close to a bar in the Czech Republic as you can realistically get without going there. Well worth a visit, for the Czech memorabilia on the wall, but also for the sheer number of brands of fantastic Czech beer that are available.

A good stay in a lovely city - the gym in the Scotsman hotel was a distinct highlight, as was the whole city centre - a beautiful place which feels special whenever you are wandering around, even at the height of winter.