Debra and Tony in Romania: Back from Britain

Just back from a visit to Great Britain. Birmingham (giving papers at the Narrative Conference), Edinburgh, then London. Birmingham and London were both (in different ways) demanding. Birmingham because of the Conference, and London because we arrived just in time for a 48 hour tube strike. And while we really enjoyed being in both cities, the highlight was Edinburgh. Actually, we LOVED Edinburgh. It stunned us with its combination of unexpected grandeur and alluring Scottish coziness. Grand vistas, perpindicular streetscapes, lovely little pubs. We had the best food of the trip there, both traditionally Scottish (Tony had "haggis, tatties, and neeps," which is haggis--don't ask--mashed potatoes and mashed turnips; it was a lot better than it sounds), and fresh-British classics (sweet pea soup with mint, lamb with new roast potatoes currant mint jelly, strawberries and cream). Yum. We loved it all so much, we have decided that our next vacation will be driving around Scotland. (We have visions of a tartan rug, a hamper, and picnics in the heather!) Here's a bit of why we loved Edinburgh so much.