Today the weather was poor.  Drizzle some of the days. Had to provide the bank with some estimates for the work I am doing.  I believe they thought the work would take several weeks, but I will easily have it written and tested by the end of next week.  By the end of the day I feel well on target.

Back to the hotel, hoped to log on to the free Internet access from the Thai Restaurant.  Could see the router, but got no where beyond that.  So over to the bar with laptop.  Apparently they had unplugged the wireless LAN because they needed the link downstairs, and the wireless LAN does not reach through the concrete floor.

Had a couple of pints while surfing, and then a Thai meal.  Went for non spicy hot vegetarian in the hope there would be no dire results.  Writing this the next day I can say so far so good.

When requesting a hotel, I will look favorably on the Holyrood hotel, but only if I can get a room on the West side, preferably room numbers near the Thai Restaurant (209, 211, 213, 215, 217), and similar rooms on the third floor.

Mixed day, started sunny, then pissed with rain.  What am I to wear, shirtsleeves, my artic weather gear, my Summer wear.  After work, gave up on guessing the rain showers.  Figured out I was inside most of the time, and it didn’t really take long to dry out.

Started of badly in the evening with Neil, some sob story about leaving his keys in the wife’s handbag, Wednesday being the day she was out at some meeting.  First time he had heard of this.  I admit this all does sound rather familiar, why do wife’s do this to us.  So a few pints with him at the down at  ????????

Then on to Grassmarket and the Petit Paris.  Hey, they remembered me, the French waiter was there and the spiky haired waitress.  Where had I been, it was over six months since I had been there.  I was given a Pernod and some nuts as an aperitif.

So what did I eat,  the Goats Cheese wrapped in filo pastry, followed with salmon and fresh water crawfish.

Then it was back to the hotel.  Quick visit through Whistle Binkies to see what was happening, but no drinks.

I have started back at my favourite customer.  Yes they wanted me back and I am here back in Edinburgh as the Festival starts.

Caught the Easyjet up to Edinburgh from Luton on a bright sunny morning, arriving well ahead of schedule.  I managed to wake up in time to see Arthur’s Seat and the Castle as we prepared to land.  I even spied the runway as we turned over the Forth.

On the way in from the airport, I see the RBS buildings are complete, and seem to be occupied. 

Didn’t get out to supper till late, the Petit Paris was full so I tried a new restaurant called the Mussel & Steak, the place was in Grassmarket and I took a fancy to it as I walked by.  They too were full but could accommodate me later. 

Went back and was ushered to a table upstairs.  They do a mixture of seafood, shellfish and meat.  I asked the man ushering me, if the place was related to the Mussel inn on Rose Street.  No relation at all, except he had managed the Mussel inn for over 6 years.  This was his venture.

Started off with some fresh oysters, followed by the fish of the day, blackened bream.  The meal was very nice, and the waitresses were very chatty and amusing.  Responding to my gasping words on being asked how dinner was with, “ we only ask when your mouth is full”.

The downstairs restaurant has full view of the kitchen, while those upstairs are able to see what is happening through video screens and several webcams.

After eating a quick visit to Whistle Binkies,.  Monday is open mike night.  The singing from the audience far exceeded the poor hapless minstrel on the stage.

Web address https://www.musselandsteakbar.com