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Fringe Festival in Edinburgh!

An August 2006 trip to Edinburgh by TaylorMM

Edinburgh CastleMore Photos

This is my journal from the first three days of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival: countless shows, some great, some good, some downright bad. Also, the Royal Mile, Holyrood House, Edinburgh Castle, and rain. Lots of rain!

  • 5 reviews
  • 8 photos

Edinburgh FirstBest of IgoUgo

Hotel

The dorms for the University of Edinburgh are a little far from central Edinburgh, but worth the walk, depending on your budget. The room was a little sparse (it is, after all, a dorm, no TV or phone, but a table and en-suite bathroom/shower). The setting is gorgeous, the breakfast is all-you-can-eat, and lots of theatre groups stay there. I enjoyed walking through their rehearsals to get to my room, and they help to bring the spirit of the Fringe festival all the way to your lodgings. My room was quiet during the night, however.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by TaylorMM on December 27, 2006

Edinburgh First
The University of Edinburgh Edinburgh, Scotland EH16 5AY
+44 (131) 651 2007

A British Guide to World ReligionsBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

A hilarious, incredibly politically incorrect history/description of religion. The production was laced with references to current events and stereotypes of religions. Toby Mitchell (the main act) knew when he was approaching the limit of conventional decency, and would almost apologize for the remark before he made it, if it were particularly outrageous. In all though, he as fantastic and the show well worth seeing - entertaining, and, dare I say educational.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by TaylorMM on December 27, 2006

Edinburgh CastleBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Edinburgh Castle
This is a breathtaking, dangling-off-the-precipice castle. A good walk around the castle (probably in the rain, for the full Scottish experience) is a must. However, I do not think your experience is much improved by actually paying and going inside the castle. It has spectacular grounds and views from the outside, but the inside feels similar to many other castles. I would spend the time and money at another castle, unless there is something special which draws you to Edinburgh Castle. The walk up the Royal Mile to the Castle is wonderfully 'Scottish' although it gets increasingly touristy. The castle itself seems to be the nucleus of camera-wielding tour groups.
  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by TaylorMM on December 27, 2006

Edinburgh Castle
Castlehill Edinburgh, Scotland EH1 2NG
+44 (131) 225 9846

Edinburgh Fringe FestivalBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Edinburgh Festival Fringe"

Look ma, no crowds!
The street performers were my very favorite part of Edinburgh. Some are hilarious, some are tragic, others are really really terrible... but I promise there is no other place or time quite like the High Street during the Fringe Fest. The performers will be in costume trying to hand you brochure/advertisements for their show in their hundreds - and often their gimmicks to get your attention in the street is better than their actual show. I was young and alone and loved the busy energy of the street, but if you cannot stand crowds or pesky salespeople, then steer clear.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by TaylorMM on December 27, 2006

Edinburgh Fringe Festival
Various venues throughout the city Edinburgh, Scotland EH1 1QS
+44 131 226 5257

Scottish ParliamentBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Betcha can't tell how eco-friendly this is...
I stumbled upon this building, but I was really surprised by the interest and enjoyment the Parliament brings (to toddlers to grannies and to hipsters)! It looks like the Gaudi playing with driftwood and sticky-tack, which is not too far off the mark-a Spanish architect created the very environmentally-aware building with sustainable materials. I think it works wonderfully, but if you're an architecture buff, you must go see for yourself. The Parliament directly faces Holyroodhouse Palace and Holyrood Park, and the front plaza offers very fun architectural adornments, water, and chairs in which kids (of all ages) can revel. www.scottish.parliament.uk.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by TaylorMM on December 27, 2006

Scottish Parliament
EH99 1SP Edinburgh, Scotland
+44 (131) 348 5000

About the Writer

TaylorMM
TaylorMM
Boise, Idaho

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