Wednesday, December 15, 2010

jedi, elf or Klansman?



The hostel that we stayed at in Glasgow was small and more focused on fun than it was cleanliness. Which was fine because the guys that work there are nice and it was really relaxed atmosphere. One of the guys that works there, called James who is quite possibly the geekiest person I have ever met and would be happy to here that and is proud to out geek anyone that crosses his path.

One night after many tiny french tesco beers, or biere speciale while talking about his LARPing adventures James announced that he ad one of his elf costumes upstairs, which he then quickly retrieved for me to try on.

Complete with elf ears I started my exploration of this geeky world. It was great fun and I loved wearing the robe; but something about it seemed a little off. This white robe which I had come to love with its pointed hood reminded me of another social group (not LARPers) that are outside of society norms.

Everyone had to try on the ears, but only I would wear the robe and I found myself not wanting to take it off. I even kept it on when I made the last minute beer run before closing time. Everyone warned me not to go wearing it in case I ran into some NEDs who would likely beat the shit out of me and/or knife me. Ignoring their concerns off I went with little trouble as I made my purchase. I was however over come by laughter on the way back when I heard from a passing car "YOU FUCKING WANK!!!!!!!"






Friday, December 3, 2010

The Engine Shed




Although Edinburgh maybe one of the most boring cities in the world (Everything Closes at 7!) there are some gems that make this place worth it. The Engine Shed is definitely one of them. Located next to picturesque Arthurs Seat it is a delicious alternative to deepfried.........Everything else.

The Cafe is its self is located on the second floor of a beautifully restored, historic (you guessed it) engine shed that dates back to the 1830's and was used for british rail. They serve up well-prepared vegan and vegetarian dishes at an affordable price. Although its open from 10 to 4 there is only a 3 hour window to get a hot meal so get there from 12 to 3.

You may be asking yourself why should I go out of my "way to go eat some vegan hippy bullshit?" and I would say to that, "get over yourself asshole." Not only is the food worth it but The Engine Shed has an amazing mandate. The staff is made up of people with disabilities that work there to gain skill and confidence to enter the work force and they have been doing it for 21 years and counting. The first time someone rang in my order and gave me my change (with a little assistance) she actually said "this is fun, I love doing the till" I dont think you would hear that anywhere else. This place is magic

Thursday, December 2, 2010

It Does Exist



It is great that museums and Art Galleries in the UK have free entry, something that maybe Canada should look into. I was afraid however that because they we not those entrance pounds that they were really suffering with content. All of the museums that we went to see in Glasgow and Edinburgh didn’t seem to make much sense. They just threw some objects that they were able to get their hands on into a room with no purpose or logic. I was afraid this was all that I had to look forward to until we finally found what we wanted

The fruitmarket gallery is a contemporary art center in Edinburgh that it’s I nice intimate but lofty space that had one of the better shows Ive seen in quite a while. Its called Childish Things curated by David Hopkins with artists Louise Bourgeois, Susan Hiller, Jeff Koons and Paul McCarthy.

Its a dark view of childhood toys and films that just swell to look at.

If your here before January go there, Im talking to you Michael Jamie and AJ.

http://fruitmarket.co.uk/




Wednesday, December 1, 2010

The Philosopher's Stone



So I did it, I got a job and a flat I officially have some sort of live in the UK, Im no longer a vegabond drifting from place to place looking for towels, flip flops and a place to sleep for at least one night.

Today I started work where Literature BEGAN. The very place where J.K. Rowling wrote the epic tale of the little wizard that could (or couldn’t I have no fucking clue I didn't read the books). The story goes; back when she was a well fair mom she used to go to this Cafe the has a view of Edinburgh Castle and fantasize about a little boy that could do amazing things and then became a multi-millionaire.

It is full of up tight WASPS who will order a cut of coffee and sit there all day and bark at you if you try to take the dirty cup away that they MAY get a refill, and tourists from Canada who ask you where she used to sit, and if she ever still comes, and where exactly was Harry birthed and by our staff T-shirts for £15 to give to some brat.

Its funny but it's a job so I guess something is working.