Spent last weekend in Edinburgh, where Mrs H was singing with her gospel choir. It was a joyous and raucous weekend full of laughs and drinks, stairs and steps, and some fabulous shows. It goes without saying that the Gospel Choir smashed their sets both in venues and outside on the Mound, but the sheer variety and madness of the Fringe is a thing to behold, and if you have not been, then it should be added to any bucket list right now.
Getting around the city is easy, and public transport is brilliant. Sure, there are slopes and steps, so it is not the easiest place to navigate if you have a physical disability, but the people are lovely, and the vibe is wonderful. We caught shows by John Hegley, Freya Parker, Simon Munnery, and an outrageous one-man show called Damn Me about Hitler finding his true self in Hell – extraordinary and painfully funny. The sheer volume of performance is a tremendous thing to see. The Arts are alive and thriving, albeit a bit battered and hard up.
It’s easy these days to feel hemmed in by the news cycle and just the difficulties of day-to-day life, but to wander the streets of Edinburgh full as they were with people of all ages, colours and creeds, filled with an excitement and enthusiasm was a filip not to be denied.
However, it’s been a reflective week following Edinburgh as my father passed away just before our return. I have written about him in these pages, and his passing was peaceful, so the two songs this week go out to him. Dolly Parton a favourite of his and The Beatles from Rubber Soul the album I found in his record collection that at the age of eight lit something in me.The radio show was a pre-record, and every song is connected. See if you can follow the thread. As ever…
I always enjoy your SfbtS, and today’s one is joyous about Edinburgh, but also sad re your Dad. Condolences to you. I shall listen to Rubber Soul tomorrow when driving in France to Montpellier.