The Scarlet Susan: August 2014

One thing I've learned while being here is that my recently repaired anterior cruciate ligament is not a fan of cobblestone streets. (Don't worry, mom I'm fine, I just may have a super cool limp when I get home.) Furthermore, that same knee is not a fan of being jolted about by hundreds of thousands of people bustling about High Street.

For those who don't know, I've been lucky enough to be in Edinburgh during Europe's largest arts festival-- The Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Every year for three weeks in August, performers from all over the world gather in Scotland's capital city to entertain and inspire all over the streets. There are magic shows, comedians, street performers, musicians, musicals, a cappella groups, etc. and the city's population more than doubles.

I'll have many more pictures to come from this alone, but here are a few I collected while walking (or trying to for that matter) down High Street, also known as the Royal Mile, just the other day.

Fringe 2014

All Images: ©KiraRemy

No, it's not what you're thinking... much to your surprise I did not get a tattoo of Edinburgh. Now, do not get me wrong, I'm in love with this place, but not enough to get it inked on my body forever.

As I'm sure I've said before, this city is magical. that's really the best way I can describe it, it's simply enchanting. And I'm fortunate enough to have been here during the largest arts festival in Europe (Fringe post coming soon) and also the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Tickets for the Tattoo usually sell for 80-160 pounds per ticket, that rounds out to about 160-320 US dollars, something my college-travelers budget just could not afford. Likewise, it generally sells out within the first few days, so getting a ticket is quite difficult. However, due to my exemplary social skills, and frequent appearance at a local pub, I was able to score two last minute tickets from the bartender for the rehearsal show for only 17 pounds! Just another example of the working magic in this city.

The Tattoo was probably one of the most exciting experiences I've had here. I have never seen anything like it, it was truly surreal.

Eight week old puppy sleeps on the train on the way to The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on Thursday, July 31, 2014.
©KiraRemy

Scotland's own national marching band performs at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on Thursday, July 31, 2014.
©KiraRemy

All countries in the Commonwealth are invited to perform in The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on Thursday, July 31, 2014. Here, the Ivory Coast's military tattoo performs.
©KiraRemy

Member of the Ivory Coast's military band does a hand-stand during their performance at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on Thursday, July 31, 2014.
©KiraRemy

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on Thursday, July 31, 2014.
©KiraRemy

Press

Monday, August 11, 2014

A Day in the Life of... FRINGE

Friday, August 8, 2014

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo