Hogmanay 2013 - Happy New Year!

Hogmanay is the Scottish New Years celebration, which begins on New Years Eve and ends sometime later, usually on New Years Day. The city of Edinburgh kick off the festivities with a grand fireworks display above the castle and from Calton Hill. I was on Calton Hill at midnight December 31st, and took some photos as well as celebrating.

The National Monument of Scotland, with the Saltire Cross projected above it.

Fireworks by the Castle

The fireworks over the National Monument

After the fireworks...the smoke clears

Samhuinn Fire Festival 2013

After a rather hectic few days in Venice for the Biennale (check my other blog if you're interested), I came home for the Samhuinn Fire Festival, put on by the Beltane Fire Society. Held on the Royal Mile after dark, it was difficult for me to get good photos, so I apologise in advance for the dubious quality. It was all quite exciting, and immensely crowded.

Winter stands ready

Summer frolics

Winter approaches from the left

Winter triumphs for another season

The poster I designed for the Festival

More Edinburgh Wanderings

Views from around the town

The Royal Mile

A North Castle Street at sunset. 

29 Dundas Street, the Trout Angler's Club.

The Castle from Castle Terrace 

The Grassmarket from Victoria Street Terrace

View from the Scott Monument 

View from the Scott Monument towards Waverley Station

The Castle and Royal Mile from the Scott Monument 

A visit to the Royal Botanical Gardens

Yesterday a dear friend and I went to the Botanical Gardens in Edinburgh. We spent the day wandering through the gardens, visiting the glass houses and admiring the views. Since I am not a botanist and was more interested in taking photos than notes, the images below are not titled. I do not know what I was taking pictures of, save that it was pretty or interesting, so please don't ask.

Now, without further ado, the photos:

The view from the Botanics

Inverleith House, where they have art exhibits and such

The Tropical Palm House, a Victorian Hothouse built in 1834

Inside the Palm House

A bridge over the Water of Leith, not in the Botanics but nearby