Goodbye laddy!

"And now, the end is here
And so I face the final curtain.
My friend, I'll say it clear
I'll state my case, of which I'm certain..."

Okay so it would be easy to write this entire blog through the words of Frank Sinatra, but I get the feeling this would be a slight cop out. Plus I would have to refer to myself as a man on several occasions, which at the age of twenty-five I'm pretty convinced I'm not.
The time has come though...I had to say goodbye to the wonderful Edinburgh and with it it's beautiful buildings, all-encompassing festival and ever generous coffee shops. (Generous in the sense that they put up with me.)
There have naturally been many gloriously independent coffee shops that have been left off my list, purposefully or accidentally, and this should in no way be considered a conclusive list. Black Medicine, for example, that came surrounded with recommendations, but was simply too busy, closed or didn't take my fancy at the time. Peter's Yard another with the masses of people enjoying their coffee in the sunshine as recommendation in itself. Captain Taylor's coffee, Fredericks, Wellington's, Eteaket and many more. Yes I feel I have let you down somewhat, but then working 48 hours a week and squeezing in 43 shows during the four week festival lessens my guilt somewhat.
So what have I learnt from my time in Edinburgh? Well many things to be honest, but most of them mushy and self-gratifying so I won't divulge. But what have I learnt from their coffee shops? That they have some fantastic independent business men and women securing their living in the city.
It's apparent of course across London that chains have ousted many of the independents. And its common to see a Starbucks within 200 metres of another, particularly in tourist spots and/or near stations. This chain revolution isn't limited though to the big cities. Even in my small home town with a population of about 11,000 a Costa has found its way onto our High Street. As shops closed and companies went bust that big maroon sign with bold white writing went up. A big fish in a little pond. You may have noticed I'm a fan of the little man. The under dog. Maybe being 5"4 I think I've got something to prove, who knows.
Don't get me me wrong, I'm not blind to the fact that Edinburgh also has its big names. During my explorations I counted three Starbucks, a few Costas and a Cafe Nero. I know they exist, but they are less in your face. You are not forced into one during a coffee emergency. (Yes there are such things as coffee emergencies. I experienced one this morning at Euston Station after an unexpected early start.) Your choices in Edinburgh are varied, which in my mind is beneficial. You are suddenly a person, rather than a number or sales figure.
Listen, I'm getting all sentimental here. Dangerous territory. Those of you reading this who know me as well are well aware of my ability to rant, so I will stop before I start ending my sentences in angry rhetorical questions like "Isn't it?!" or "Why? Just why?"
Edinburgh virgins I urge you to visit this great city and what's more take advantage of the mass of independent shops and sights available. If you're feeling particularly brave leave your phone in the hotel room, put on a backpack and explore the city in peace. It will be worth it!

"I've loved, I've laughed and cried
I've had my fill, my share of losing (money)"

Don't worry I'm not actually going to end the blog with more Sinatra lyrics. In a way I'm not ending it at all. I've kind of got into this whole blogging malarky and as a whole am a bit obsessed with writing. I truly appreciate you all reading this, which is why I'm passing the baton on to you. I'm looking for an idea for a new blog. More specifically I'm looking for your ideas. If you've enjoyed reading my blog and would like me to write about something specific let me know. It may be an idea for one post or maybe for a whole blog. Perhaps you want me to report back on a knitting class, whatever, but I'm interested in your thoughts.
To get in touch email me at lyviablogs@gmail.com! You suggest it (within reason) I'll write about it!
For now...signing off. Roger that. Over and out.