Adjusting to city life

After more than 8 years at Moyhill - in what was originally intended as a short term break - we finally decided that it was time to pack up and move on. While there are many things about life at Moyhill that we will miss - not least the Burren and all the friends we made - there are a few that we'll be happy to leave behind.

We moved into our flat in Newhaven - on the outskirts of Edinburgh on the Firth of Forth - about 4 weeks ago and after a bit of unpacking we are now beginning to settle into city life again. Being able to walk - or take public transport - to pretty much anywhere is a real attraction even though the whole of Edinburgh is currently busier than Croke Park on an All-Ireland final day because of the Fringe and the International Festival which started just after we arrived.

We have a selection of pubs, restaurants and food shops within a short walk and even a decent gym to substitute for all that outdoor life. Linda was particularly attracted to the heated outdoor pool  - although it may have to warm up a little before she tries out the sun-loungers.

I can happily sit at the window and watch the marine traffic on the Forth and the coming and goings in the port of Leith - including the Cruise vessels which are calling in regularly - particularly during the Tattoo. Haven't seen any of the giant 5000 passenger vessels yet but we regularly see 2-3000 passenger ships  - just to add to the traffic congestion in town. I know that Jimmy C would enjoy the chance to interact with so many elderly Americans.

We've managed a number of shows in the fringe with a few more to come - funnily enough the best stand-up so far was Tommy Tiernan - an Irishman of course - I laughed so much I was crying for most of the performance.

Just to get away from the Fringe madness in town, we are heading south this week - a few chores in London, a number of friends to catch up with, a double 60th birthday party and some family visits as well. Can't wait to see how busy the motorways will be - I think the M 8 seems bad judging by the morning traffic reports just imagine how we will cope with the M 25 and the M 11.

Assume there will be a few stories to tell by the time we get back