Princess Adventures A little something-something to run around the world with....

After surviving the daylight robbery of the Gatwick Express, and the saga that was Gatwick Airport security, I arrived safely in Edinburgh in the early afternoon to mild but cool temperatures and crisp blue skies. The scenery was delightful, the airport and transport staff kind and helpful, and my hostel was easy to find and check into. The hostel was actually better than just easy. It is the best hostel I've stayed in yet and easily trumps all of the hostels I stayed at in England. With spacious rooms, wireless internet, ample powerpoints, laundry facilities, inviting common areas and a cheap but cheerful breakfast spread, I could easily stay for a week! I was also pleasantly surprised to find that I was placed in a supremely central location with the Royal Mile only a five minute walk away and the Grassmarket, where the Jazz Festival is currently running, practically on my doorstep. I didn't think it could get any better until I found out that all of the three other girls in my dorm were quiet and easy going travellers and without any of that horrid distrust and drunken late night noise I had feared and heard much about in London.

Knowing that my valuables were safely tucked away in my in-room locker and my gear safe by my bed, I donned my backpack and wandered out to do some exploring and generally get my bearings. On finding the Royal Mile and trying to dodge the tacky souvenir shops, I found the most gorgeous clothing boutique heralding an epic sale whereby I acquired an awesome and much-needed windproof and water resistant jacket to cut the chill that was slowly creeping into the air. I continued wandering along the Royal Mile, admiring the incredible architecture and ensuring that my camera remained firmly in my bag. The best of all the travel photographers will all forbid you for taking photos straight away! I scoped out my favourite spaces, silhouettes and structures and braced myself for the fact I'd need to be up very early to beat the crowds in the morning.

Tucked away in a side street I found the incredible baked potato shop I'd read about on Trip Advisor and had even written in my little red book! I simply stumbled across it! Completely excited and exhilarated I found myself queueing for twenty minutes to get a piping hot baked potato loaded up with vegetable curry in my hot little hands. Oh baby! I can taste the butter and the salt and all that vegetable goodness just thinking about how good it was. With a zillion vegetarian and vegan options, I'm racing back there as soon as possible to get my hands on another loaded potato to satisfy my need for more vegetables! I even wondered just a few hours later whether it was too soon to go back. Alas, that was about 11pm and they were sure to be closed.

For a Sunday coffee I was given directions to the infamous Elephant House by my Melbournian dorm-mate on a solo nine-week wander around Europe, and bunked down in anticipation of crawling out of bed before the rest of Edinburgh emerges. Outside, the sound of drunk hen and stag parties resonate from the pubs and clubs of the nearby Grassmarket strip. Men walk the streets in packs yelling and singing, and sirens wail throughout the darkness. Regardless of the 'whiskey' culture, it's still just another town with it's drunks and it's hooligans. Thankfully for me, all four in my dorm were tucked in and quietly sleeping before the carriages turn to pumpkins.