A few weeks ago after I’d finished my exams, one of my dear
friends Saskia came to visit me in Edinburgh after she’d finished her AS
Levels. Without wanting to sound like I’m gushing, Saskia is one of the most
incredible people I know. I’ve known her for about 5 or 6 years now and have
had the privilege of being alongside her and seeing her grow up in age and
maturity in her faith. I loved being her mentor and I am delighted to call her my
friend now.
Anyway, enough of that. Saskia was lucky enough to visit
Edinburgh during Scotland’s summer. It only lasts for a week, but when it comes
it’s a good one. So we had glorious sunshine all weekend. We drank juice in
Princes Street Gardens (Sunshine in a Cup
and Whirling Dervish) from Hula Juice Bar, (a recent discovery thanks to my friend Daisy). That evening we made a
delicious summer-y dinner and had a few friends over to enjoy it with a movie.
The next day we explored the National Museum of Scotland,
especially the roof terrace where a kind gentleman offered to take our photo.
We ambled down the Royal Mile as is customary for anyone visiting Edinburgh. We
stopped in at the High Kirk of St Giles and enjoyed their short service of
prayer. The lighting was gorgeous streaming through the stained glass window
behind the organ. We continued along our way to the bottom of the Royal Mile to
have a picnic outside the Scottish Parliament buildings.
Our next stop was an essential. I don’t think I can describe
how central tea-drinking is to mine and Saskia’s friendship. Whenever I visit her
we sit and drink copious amounts of tea, and I mean copious. I barely finish a
cup before the kettle is back on. We are serious tea drinkers. So as soon as I
knew Saskia was visiting I planned to take her to Eteaket. It’s a fairly small
tea boutique and café just off George Street. I love visiting there for the
mismatched tea cups and saucers, proper tea leaves and timers to ensure we brew
the perfect cup of tea. I had a pot of Life’s
a Peach, while Saskia embraced all things Scotland with the Scottish Breakfast Tea, claiming this
made her Scottish now! We enjoyed some of the scrummy fruit tea loaf alongside
it. I was so happy to take Saskia there!
That evening Saskia well and truly embraced Scotland in all
its glory and went to her first ever ceilidh at my church. We danced the
Dashing White Sergeant, the Eightsome Reel and Strip the Willow. Saskia was a
pro!
Her final day in Edinburgh was a trip to my church here and
a rest before she caught the train and I waved her goodbye. We had a brilliant
time and I loved every minute of it.
