EFOG members vist the 2011 Edinburgh Festival

Train-wise Efoggies met at Kings Cross Station for our trip to Edinburgh to sample the delights of the annual festival. Canny Ken Kennedy had arranged 1st Class tickets to Edinburgh with breakfast included both ways for £50 each; to say we all enjoyed this level of service was an understatement...

Upon arrival we made our way to university student accommodation which included a kitchen and common room. We spent Friday exploring the city and checking out what was on offer. There was a great deal as it turned out - the choice of shows comedy, theatre, and music was bewildering. The city was packed with revellers and our evening meal - a curry - took some finding: all restaurants were full.

A bright sunny Saturday saw the gang delving into the National Museum of Scotland, followed by an impressive Shakespeare (sort of) production which we all enjoyed. More comedy shows followed, both on the free fringe - which were a trifle bizarre - and paid-for shows which were on a professional level.

Lovely day on Sunday and we climbed to Arthurs' Seat and listened to a flute-player at the summit. After an excellent brunch we hit the free fringe again for more comedy followed by “NewsRevue”, a show depicting the news from this year in the form of comic sketch's, dancing, and amusing songs. My favourite was the “World of One”, with the Queen giving dearest Kate a bit of a drubbing! Din-dins was a Weatherspoon pub with the rudest waitress on the planet (ask Ken, who had the temerity to ask her to order some food!) Nevertheless, we enjoyed some tasty pub-grub before we became night owls and proceeded to a nearby comedy club to be entertained by Paul Sinha, an ex-junior doctor and lately – a stand-up comedian. His material was drawn heavily on his sexuality, ethnicity, and much-bullied school days. Ho hum.

Another fine day on Monday (I couldn't believe it was Scotland!) saw us boarding the train back to London to be plied with endless refreshments including wine for a restful return home.

As Arnie would say, "I'll be back".

Dave T.  25th August 2011