Running to catch up

The day started with me sleeping in till 8.30, not good when I had a meeting in town at 10 a.m.  However, after a quick breakfast and rush around I would have made it had not S mislaid my front door key and I needed to be sure she had it before I left.

Next, I misjudged the arrival on the #47 which said it was past, but wasn't, and the X62 which said it would be later and was earlier. But I got to the meeting (with the new CEO) only 20 minutes late.  

A good initial meeting but given my late arrival and propensity to talk it was 1 before I left.  The chilly haar had lifted and it was warm sunshine so I bought an M&S sandwich in the station and sat in the Gardens watching people and trying to ignore the gusty solo piper. 

S had messaged to say she was in a show in Bunker3 so I had a slow walk up to Pleasance Courtyard and managed to grab a seat while I waited for her.  More people watching. After she arrived we got into a typical Festival chat with a couple, who were probably local.

Then it was time to go up the hill to the Royal Oak for our musical interlude.  Two women, one playing harmonium and one on the fiddle.  Lovely music, including Ashokan Farewell but a bit sad at times.  It was a small but appreciative audience. 

After some info about the harmonium it was almost 6 before we settled on Fettle for something to eat, huge salads which we did not finish.  Planned to get the #47 round to the Usher Hall but when I looked over my shoulder it was already at the bus stop. 

Took the #2 instead and got to the Hall after the doors had opened so no queuing. I bagged a bean bag in a good position and settled down.  The first piece was an amazing S African, cellist, singer accompanied by also amazing percussionist and the orchestra and at the end the audience singing African phrases and rhythms.  Absolutely incredible, a real experience and he got a deserved standing ovation.  Not easy from beanbags.  Of course there was an encore but that meant we were running late and I was on a deadline.

The mains piece, Shostakovich 5, was also brilliant.  The sound was wonderful (I am running out of superlatives) and the orchestra, who play from memory, also stunning. 

As it didn't finish till 9.45 instead of 9.10 I couldn't wait for the whole of the applause and any encore but hot footed it down the Cowgate to Holyrood 9A to meet B and M.  Turned out it was just as well I'd eaten as it was 2 minutes past 10 and the kitchen was closed.

Had a good catch up but the witching hour was approaching and I had to hot foot it up to Nicolson Street to get the last #7.  Luckily a disappeared #47 reappeared.  It wasn't busy and I got in, just before midnight.

Phew, a really busy day!