The deep end of 2008

Happy New Year everyone!  It’s been some time since the last tome depicting our adventures, and I have no doubts as many will greet this e-mail with rolling eyes as those who greet it with hungry minds!  Read on at your own peril!So much has happened since last we wrote.  After the unexpected weekend that we spent in Poland (unexpected in execution, not in planning) the ball really started gathering moss (and other various sayings and clichés) towards the end of the year.  For those who missed it, the weekend in Poland was supposed to be spent in the Tatra Mountains on the Slovakian border, but alas our friend Slawek (who owned the hostel in Krakow where we stayed in the middle of the year) had to attend to his girlfriend who was due for some dental surgery.  Things didn’t go to plan, and we didn’t even actually get to meet up with Slawek, but we had a lovely time in Krakow – like a weekend away to relax than an adventure – much more to Lou’s liking than hours trekking through the snowy Tatras!

A few weeks later we had found a great deal to stay the weekend in Inverness.  We hired a car and hit the road on Friday afternoon to drive through the middle of Scotland and arrive at Inverness at around 6.00pm.  The package included 2 nights at the Ramada (run of the mill hotel chain… nothing to write home about, but can’t complain either), one nights’ dinner and breakfast included.  We opted to take the dinner on the Friday soon after we arrived, only to find that a special function was taking place – probably fund raising for something or just a chance for various P&C groups to get drunk and talk really loudly – but we felt very out of place dressed in our travelling jeans and hoodies next to the formalwear of Invernesses middle-aged function-goers.  We managed to grab a drink and sat in the bar to enjoy our meal.  Who knows what we had (so long ago now!) but it was nice. 

We spent the weekend taking a sticky beak at Loch Ness and drove down to a beautiful spot not far from Inverness called Glen Affric – quite remote (only a one-way road leading to it) harbouring a gorgeous Caledonian Pine forest and various lovely little walks to enjoy.  We had a great day driving around and enjoying the Scottish scenery.

We left around midday on Sunday to return home and get ready for the week ahead – only two weeks until Mum, Andy & Bec descended to spend a lovely Christmas with us! But what an eventful two weeks!!!

Louise and I had discussed when we would get engaged, and I had insisted on some sort of air of secrecy about the whole thing… the best I could tell her was that it would be during 2007.  Seeing we went to Inverness on the 7 December, it didn’t leave me a lot of breathing time. Surprisingly little actually – Mum, Andy & Bec were arriving on the 22 December, so that left me ONE WEEKEND to get my act together… months ago we had visited a beautiful wee jeweller in the old town called Clarksons – a lovely family business – and had chosen the ring, so that was fine.  Lou didn’t know if I’d bought it yet or not, but seeing as we’d now been to Italy, Poland and Inverness with no proposal, I think she had SOME sort of idea…

The weekend in question already had events pencilled in – our friend Brian was coming for a visit on the Saturday, so that basically left me with one day to make it as special as I could.  Well, this is what I came up with…

I sowed the seeds in Lou’s mind on Friday night – we went to find a bar in Canonmills, not too far from our neighbourhood.  We had found this bar, The Orchard Bar, owned by the same people who own one of our locals, Avoca.  They had a function room so we were checking it out to see if it would suit our needs for an engagement party! (Lou thinking ahead as always – not even engaged and she’s planning the party….) Whilst having a drink there, I mentioned to Lou that an old friend of hers from Australia had contacted me and wanted my help in organising a special present for her – a kind of birthday/Christmas combo – and she had to keep Sunday afternoon free.  Luckily, Lou fell for it (phew) and was very excited to see what was in store for Sunday.  

Sunday morning eventually came, and she awoke to find an envelope on the coffee table that read ‘Open at 2.45pm’.  Eventually, it was time. This is what was inside: (reproduced by popular demand…)

Greetings there! My dear, dear friend

And salutations too!

It has been far too long a time

Since I have been in your sublime

Company. I miss you!

I write to you and bear a gift,

(As friends are wont to do).

But these days gifts are often sent

Without a thought: so I present

A different point of view:

To make this gift one of a kind

A journey lies ahead

A riddle or two you’ll have to solve

But fear not! It will not involve

TOO much thought: just use your head!

Each riddle will ask you to seek

A different special place.

Once there, you’ll need to hunt around

To find a word: then write it down

In it’s special space.

When all the words are pencilled in

The final clue will say

Where to find the gift I’ve sent

And hopefully, you will have spent

Your time in a worthwhile way.

Before the questions start to flow

Before you start to doubt,

Let me try to set the scene

(And throw some rules there in-between)

So you know what I’m about:

This is no trick, no double cross,

All of this is real!

But how did this poem find you here?

Without a stamp or any clear

Address, mark or seal?

Some assistance I have had:

A contact in your town!

He shares your house and workplace too

(And sometimes even cooks for you!)

A handy guy to have around!

He’s sworn to secrecy, I’m afraid,

He promised and he vowed!

You’re on your own on this one Lou!

But I’ve made the riddles easy for you

So help is NOT allowed!

Another question must remain:

You’re probably wondering why - 

Why send this now? Well, do friends need a reason?

Besides, is there a better season

Than jolly Christmas time?

You’ll need a pen, some walking shoes

Some water for a drink.

Umbrella if it starts to rain

You shouldn’t need a bus or train,

And now, you’re on the brink.

Your iPod should accompany you –  

When you’re ready to depart

Put it on and start Track 1

Get ready for a day of fun!

OK? Let’s make a start…

First stop lies not too far from home

Down upon the creek

A village that is called the Dean,

A bridge that lies right in-between

Right near a sign – take a peek!

The sign describes the older place:

Now scaffold you can see

And one thing I have no doubt - 

You’ll have no trouble finding out

What the name of this building used to be!

Write the name in the box marked ‘3′

And there! We’re on our way!

With six more places yet to see

As easy as this! I’m sure you’ll agree

This should be an interesting day!

The second venue to be found

You are a member of!

With Scott you’ve seen some double bills

Some drama, and some action thrills

And even an opera buff!

As you make your way inside

DON’T go in the door!

Turn to your left: you’ll see a plaque

Which bears a frankly boring remark

About the theatre’s lore

The second name you’ll need to write

Is a far too simple one:

What, indeed, does this plaque claim

Was the theatre’s original name?

Write it in box number ‘1′

I do believe at venue three

You’ve dined, once or twice

It’s really rather close to here

(You’ve been with Scott and Cynth this year!)

Good food at a great price!

Your favourite restaurant, I think,

Go stand outside the door

And face the street: turn left a bit

Do you see the sign? You must admit

It’s difficult to ignore!

Is it just me, or does that sign

Ring a little bell?

To their market stall you often go

To purchase lovely sourdough

And multigrain as well

Write the name at number ‘2′

And give a little smile!

You’re nearly halfway through the tour!

BUT to get to venue four

You’ll need to go a mile…

Next stop upon our merry trip

Is not far from your place

In fact, your sister pulls beers here!

So head on in and have a beer!

Well, sheesh, it’s not a race!

As you make your way back out

Turn to Hector’s bar

When it is right ahead of you,

Just lift your eyes a metre or two

Then left, but not too far!

An old, decrepit sign appears

Painted on the wall.

Above the arch it proudly lies

Once hoping to advertise

Write it down at number ‘4′

Lucky for you, place number five

Is just across the street!

Known for their pistachios

And Belgian beer – well, Scott sure knows!

Go see what they have to eat!

The ‘New Menu’ should be there:

Cast your eye upon it

In the section marked ‘large plates’

A grilled burger there awaits

What kind of beef is on it?

This is the word that you should write

In number ‘7’s space

Now, on to the next verse we head

It is not very far to tread

To get to the next place

When first you got to Edinburgh

This was your watering hole

I’ve heard the internet was free

(And they had cricket on TV?)

Best of all, the beer was cold!

Again, no need to go inside

Unless you need an ale

Then stand outside and look around

It bears a sign that’s quite profound

How many whiskies are for sale?

That’s the word for number five

Yes, write it down

That leaves one space – but I’ll be kind

For this one you won’t have to find

The other side of town

The final clue you’ll get right here

It’s sure to make you smile

The tourist hub in this fine town

The place that people mingle ’round

Is called the Royal __ __ __ __ !

So, now the words have all been found

But what do they all mean?

An unrelated list it seems

Are there any hidden themes

Any lines to read between?

Of course! And one last challenge stands:

How to work it out?

For this you’ll need a helping hand

Someone who will understand

What it’s all about…

I’ve organised for my inside man

To give you the final clue

Near the monument he’ll be

The one that bears his name, you see

At five o’clock he’ll wait for you

Louise, I hope you’ve had good fun

Seeking out this gift

And when it finally comes to you

I know that you will treasure it too

(And then you’ll get my drift…)

I met Lou at the Sir Walter Scott monument, overlooking the Princes Street Gardens and Edinburgh Castle – all the lights were on as Christmas drew near.  Lou had to fill in the blanks on a page, and at the monument I gave her another sheet with holes cut out of it.  Placing one on the other, the cut out holes spelt out ‘marry me’.  Cue bended knee, previously chosen ring, waterworks and lots of smiles, hugs and kisses.  We made our way back home to find champagne, tsar fillet smoked salmon (think smoked salmon, but an inch thick!) and then went out for a lovely meal at ‘The Apartment’, our favourite restaurant in Edinburgh.

Well, hopefully it was memorable and original for Lou – it certainly had the desired effect!  

A week later, Mum, Andy & Bec arrived after far too many hours in the air.  They were to spend the next ten days with us before heading off on tours of the UK and Italy.  It was absolutely joyous to be able to spend Christmas with family – very special that they made the effort to come over and visit us, so we put in the big ones and tried to make it as memorable as we could. After meeting them at the airport and bussing it back to our place, we talked and ate and generally tried to help stave off their jetlag as long as was possible.  We served a mean scotch broth for lunch, and an even meaner haggis neeps and tatties for dinner (although Bec and Andy didn’t quite make it that far…)

The next ten days are better told by Mum, Andy or Bec – we had a ball.  Christmas featured the BIGGEST turkey we’ve ever had the challenge of cooking – and Lou was more than up to the task.  Although we ordered a 4 kilo clucker (free range from the farmers’ market) but ended up being given a 15 pound BEAST.  Huge.  Enormous.  Six hours in the oven, and tasted amazing – followed up with Lou’s scrummy Chrissie cake…

Even after Cynthia took a container full of turkey breast home, we had enough leftovers in the freezer to last us both a week of sandwiches! YUMMM!

Everyone did wonderfully well at Christmas.  It was a beautiful day with family, not too much eating (although Andy tried) and lots of catching up and making merry.  The way it should be.

The days after Christmas were originally going to be taken up with a trip to the highlands – you can’t come to Scotland and simply see Edinburgh.  We’d scored an amazing deal on a hire car – a big people mover (Zafira?) for a week at £140 – more than a bargain – but decided that rather than ask people to spend more money on accommodation around the country, we’d do a series of day trips and see how far we got. Highlights of our wee adventures included Loch Lomond and the Trossachs NP, a lovely trip through the Cairngorm Mountains, including a stop at Edradour Distillery (the smallest in Scotland!), a brief glimpse of Balmoral Castle, a lovely winding drive through the glens and mountains of the Grampians and finally brief stops at Glamis Castle and Edzell Castle – original home of the Lindsay clan! (Alas, ’twas closed for the season, so Lou and I will return soon…).  Other trips included a massive haul through Glen Coe, Fort William, Glenfinnan and up Loch Ness before driving home with some sleepy travellers in the car, and a beautiful afternoon in St Andrews. Oops, nearly forgot a day in Stirling and Rosslyn Chapel!

One of the highlights was definitely our Hogmanay celebrations – we organised to attend a traditional Scottish ceilidh – folk dance – complete with haggis, neeps & tatties (can’t get enough of it!) and had an absolute ball!  Although the four youngsters were very much towards the younger end of the crowd, the dancing was a lot of fun (yes, Scott danced!) and far cheaper than heading up town for the larger ceilidhs.  Best of all, Andy and myself hired kilts – a very liberating experience (and nowhere near as cold as I thought it would be!)

We had promised snow for the fam, and although it wasn’t until moments after the three amigos had checked in for their flight to London that we had some, I didn’t exactly promise WHEN the snow would come – and it kept coming, all afternoon!  I know there was a bit of snow in the lowlands during the trip back up to Edinburgh for M, A & B, but just in case they missed it…

Winters have been very mild in Scotland lately – all the baby boomers talk of how only five years ago there were weeks of snow in Edinburgh, snowmen in the front yards and some days off school ‘cos the roads were too slippery.  None of that anymore.  We’ve barely had a snowfall since, and certainly nothing has layered on the ground.

It was just wonderful to see the family – no doubt many of you will get the updates from the horse’s mouths upon their return from the UK and Italia – we did have the pleasure of M, A and B’s company for two more evenings during their UK trip, and enjoyed another lovely meal at The Apartment.

Back at school now – week three coming up and it feels like month three.  Wow.  So much more has happened!  Scott has endured the week from hell – not only is the third music teacher in the department STILL on long term stress/sick leave (has been since August last year), but Fiona, the head of department, had a serious virus and was at home for the week, so Scott was suddenly running the show and organising classes for three teachers, two of whom were a different face every day and had zero experience as music teachers.  All good fun.

Lou had to prepare (just last week) for an interview at Craigmount – basically a position was created to ensure that Louise didn’t jump ship to another school for a more permanent job. (Late 07 she actually did apply – successfully – for another job where Scott used to work at Boroughmuir HS, but turned it down when Craigmount magically ‘created’ this position).  Good news is that Lou is now a full-time member of the faculty at Craigmount HS!  Job security is a relief!  

We’re both planning our engagement party, and slowly getting ideas together for the wedding, which will be in October.  The only other definite at this stage is that it will be in Italy, probably somewhere in Tuscany, but details are as hazy as the rest of our life!  The engagement party is coincidentally on Australia Day – we’re having a cruisy get together with some of our friends and colleagues from Edinburgh at a place called The Orchard Bar not too far from our neighbourhood – should be a ball! 

More big news – don’t go yet (or get a coffee and come back).  We’ve been asked to quit our flat as the owner (living in Switzerland) has a terminal cancer and the family needs to sell the property to help with the last few months care.  The circumstances are unfortunate, and for a few fleeting moments we were toying with the idea of buying the place – it is such a buy – needs a fair bit of work and maybe even a few walls knocked down, but looked liked a great opportunity as we might have had the chance to get in under the nose of the rest of the world with an offer before it went to market – however, the owner understandably wants the best price for it, so we have been forced to go flat hunting.  Only upon doing this did we remember what an amazing deal we’ve had at Comely Bank Avenue.  After looking at a few properties, one of the agents who works for the agency we are currently with showed us a property that was a little out of our price range – just on a whim so we could compare.  Well, it was perfect – better than perfect – immaculately furnished, great appliances, lots of space and only two blocks away.  Well, when Lou gets an idea in her head… next thing we know we’d made a verbal agreement to a 12 month lease and had talked the owner down to a more manageable price.  Happy days! We move sometime in the next few weeks – hopefully not too close to our trip to Florence in early February.

So, a 12 month lease – yes, that implies we’ll be over here for a little while yet.  With Lou’s permanency and the lease, we’re now looking at return home from our adventures in wonderland at the end of 2009.  However, having the family over here has made us both a little homesick, so Lou whimsically suggested (last week) that maybe we could find a way to get enough money together to pop home for a visit during the Easter break.  Initially, the financial situation looked ominous – needed a deposit and first month for the new flat, paying of credit cards and not having been paid since before Christmas made things tricky.  We’d looked into heading home not too long ago – in particular for Eddie and Lisa’s wedding – but with the engagement and our own wedding coming up…

BUT it has since come to light that Scott is owed a decent chunk of dosh by Edinburgh Council (having been underpaid all year!) and with Lou’s permanency, we’ve managed to scrape together enough to come back to Oz for two weeks in March/April!  We’ll be landing in Melbourne on the 23 March, then up to Sydney and leaving again on Sat 5 April – of course, in Sydney that will mean the obligatory Copeman Boxing Day BBQ (cancelled in 07 due to lack of host) will have to be shifted to around Friday 4 April and become a quasi engagement party/Easter feaster!  We’ve been buzzing since we booked the tickets and can’t wait to give some enormous hugs to family and friends! 

Hopefully some sort of normality returns to our life once we’ve moved to Learmonth Grove and all has settled at school.  There is so much to look forward to this year, and we are still absolutely loving every second in Edinburgh.  Apart from a wedding to plan, we’re looking at having a honeymoon BEFORE the wedding and heading to Morocco in July.  Scott will probably then either head for Kilimanjaro or take three weeks to mosey slowly back from Morocco through Spain and France before school kicks in again in August.  There are rumours that Louise will visit Oz again for Christmas in 08, but Scott has booked a trip to Mali and the Festival in the Desert in December 08/January 09 which will be PHENOMENAL!!!! 

Lets just get this engagement party out of the way first…