Arriving in Prague

In February, one of my closest and most treasured friends in Edinburgh fled the city and escaped to Prague to study and explore for one whole term.
As sorry as I was to be losing such a trusted ear (and loving heart), it didn't take either of us long to start plotting my own adventure over there.
I hadn't flown anywhere for almost two years due to a dire combination of my inability to save, the fact my passport had expired and my laziness to renew it.
And so I finally attended to my poor little passport and shortly after her departure, I sorted out my own.
4 months, multiple deadlines and a severe flood warning later I landed in the magnificent place that is Prague!

Welcomed with open arms just after 6pm, I was whisked away to Pizza Coloseum for our first meal and a well overdue catch up!
It was quite late when we were finally satisfied and with a full night ahead we hurried home - by tram! - to change into more comfortable clothes.
Another tram ride later (the tram quickly became my preferred mode of transport), and Becky introduced me to her room mate Amy and ''Popo'', her favourite pre-drinking spot in the whole of Prague.

By the look on our faces I think we were all in agreement of Popo's brilliance.
An outstanding equation of cheap drinks, good music and great company!
Once we were more than merry, we tried and tested a selection of clubs and eventually settled on 'James Dean', a 1950's American inspired club complete with retro decor...

A little while into the night we bumped into Phil, another friend from Edinburgh who also decided to swap bonny Scotland for beautiful Prague!

I couldn't help but feel that I too should have considered such an opportunity.
If not to explore a little part of our planet, then at least so these two wouldn't forget me.
However, it seems that I was there in spirit.. and ink, so I couldn't be out of mind for long!

Hours passed in what felt like minutes and we eventually danced out into the morning light.
It was so amazing to see the city so quiet and peaceful.
Hard to imagine that the place would soon be swarmed by all walks of life.

Here I am in front of Franz Kafka's house at ridiculous o'clock AM. 

A Literature student, it would have been rude not to. 

Post night out snack or a hearty breakfast? 

A Breakfast Burrito has a ring to it. 

Setting us up nicely for the day ahead...

 

Branching Out

I've lived in Edinburgh for almost 2 years now and it has been so amazing.
After all this time, isn't it ridiculous that I have never ventured further than a couple of miles in each direction?
With a busy uni life and a part time job, it's always difficult to make time to explore more of the city but I just don't think that excuse is good enough anymore. In any scenario.
However, last week I was free from work and although I was a little groggy from the night before, the sun was shining and I was not going to waste the day inside!
I rounded some friends together and we headed to The Royal Botanic Gardens to enjoy the best of nature on one of her loveliest days.

When we arrived we got the cameras out straight away and were in tourist mode for the rest of the day.
It's so nice to see Edinburgh from this perspective and really indulge in what it has to offer.

And we weren't the only ones making friends with Mother Nature...

It must be some task to keep this place in shape, so it isn't surprising that the gardeners need a little rest every now and then.

Helen stepped in to lend a hand.

..But it didn't take long for her to cave and relax with us on the green, green grass.

I was hesitant about slipping into my sandals for the day, but we don't get many of these days so sometimes you've just got to take a chance!
Unfortunately we were victim to a little shower, but the leafy trees were shelter enough for us!

It didn't take long for the rain to subside, so once again we strolled along the winding path and admired the beautiful gardens.

This has to be one of my favourite photos of all time.
Sadly its not the whole family (by a long shot), but a great snap shot of at least part of our group!

It's hard to tell which the genuine scarecrow is...

Such a colourful day!

I have fallen for Mother Nature's charm without a doubt. 

Cafe Andaluz

In celebration of the lovely Faye's 19th birthday, we were all in for a tapas treat!
My one previous experience of tapas was a little disappointing and although I was a little hesitant, it was about time I gave it another chance. And aren't I glad I did?!
So Thursday night arrived and at around 6pm, we piled into Edinburgh's Cafe Andaluz on George Street to take advantage of their pre-theatre menu.

The walls were filled with displays of authentic Spanish artisan ceramics, tiles and pottery and gave the place a real rustic feel. A feast for our eyes as well as our stomachs!
There was a strong sense of personality and tradition here - a welcome change from the chain restaurants (albeit just as tasty), that dominate George Street.
The atmosphere was relaxed and friendly, yet there was a certain air of pride and prestige. And once you taste the food you'll know exactly why.

As I've said before, I don't cope well with choice and the stately selection that is on offer here is something to be reckoned with. See for yourself here!
Now you try and choose three!

In the end I went for the stuffed aubergine shell, the roast sweet potato, parsnip and chickpea dish, and the paprika chicken with a chilli yoghurt! I'm usually more of a meat eater but the veggie dishes just sounded too good to pass on.

We swapped mouthfuls for mouthfuls from each end of the table and across, so we didn't really miss out on the rest of the menu, just bonded over our love of food.
Tapas is so sociable and oh so filling!

Just as I thought I couldn't go on, we were presented with the dessert menu.
Having already done my research and browsed their sweet stuff earlier that morning (eager, I know), I couldn't resist their raspberry pavlova. 

It was light and just right to finish with, although I was eyeing up the caramel cheesecake too...

An amazing feast, I can't wait until the next birthday boy or girl announces our next visit to Cafe Andaluz!
Or I might just go solo...

Piece Box

Over the past year my friend Becky and I have evolved a sort of tradition, wherein we share any (or all) pieces of confectionery that happens to catch our eye and tempts our taste buds.
Personally, I feel this is the perfect recipe; half the calories, half the guilt, with a shower of good company sprinkled on top!
So, as Becky is leaving us for Prague this term, it is only fitting that we made time for one more cake date before she flees.
We headed to Edinburgh's Piece Box to see to our needs.

We are both very much food fans, and as it's only natural that savoury should come before sweet, we had the soup and a sandwich combo to begin with.

Then came the sugar rush! 

And a big pot of tea to help the medicine (for we all know that cake can be medicinal), go down.

When faced with the luxury of choice, we seem to lose all capability of decision making.

In the end we halved a lemon and lime scone, served with butter and jam and a generous slice of their hazelnut  cake.
Dreamy.

We made a good decision.
I will definitely be revisiting to indulge in more tasty treats!
Until then...