One of my shock and horror moments was when I asked a
fellow travel blogger whether he is interested in doing something together
against racism. I naively assumed that we as frequent travellers can tell
stories that show the world that love is so much better than hate. The reaction
was as sobering as it was sad “Sounds good, but I don’t want to lose out on
assignments. I would rather not be involved …”.
Speechless. I have strong moral principles and no
freebie, be it in form of a glass of sparkling wine or even a massive piece of
cream-cake, can change that.
In Steven, the face behind the blog Finding a Neish, I found someone who shares my views. I
admire in him that he obviously hasn't sold his soul and isn't afraid to speak
out. I knew Steven from talking about travelling but my interest in him grew as
I heard his opinion about Brexit.
He voted remain. I asked him and have permission to quote.
He voted remain. I asked him and have permission to quote.
“I have always had an inherent distrust of nationalism —
whether patriotic or xenophobic in spirit I cannot abide people who indulge in
ethnocentrism — and have always thought the very concept of independence to be
nationalistic in the extreme. It’s certainly isolationist, and in this day and
age it seems counter-intuitive and backward-thinking to erect new borders or
reinforce old ones when, given the inevitably global effects of globalisation,
the boundaries that already exist are appearing more arbitrary by the day.
Nationalism too is beginning to look risible and grotesque — just look at
Donald Trump or Nigel Farage — but all it takes is one small about-turn and
public perception could change.”
Read Steven’s full article Brexit. 5 Reasons I’m Votingto Remain.
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| Steven at the Edinburgh International Film Festival |
The Touristin: Three words that characterise Edinburgh?
Steven: Historic, handsome, hilly.
The Touristin: How do you get around Edinburgh?
Steven: I prefer to explore Edinburgh on foot; striding
up its cobbled streets and down its sequestered closes; strolling over its
seven hills and under its ghostly bridges.
The Touristin: What is the best kept secret about
Edinburgh?
Steven: Arthur's Seat may loom large over Edinburgh's Old
Town, but it's by no means the city's only hill-walking destination. Further to
the south-east but still accessible via local bus links lies the Pentland
Hills, a sprawling range of hills that run all the way to Biggar and Upper Clydesdale
twenty miles to the south. The highest peak, Scald Law, makes for a beguiling
if rather bracing climb.
The Touristin: What is your favourite borough/suburb/area
in Edinburgh and why?
Steven: For visitors keen to get off the beaten track
Edinburgh is full of interesting and inspiring suburbs just begging to be
explored -- from Stockbridge to Morningside; Haymarket to Holyrood - but the
Old Town draws the crowds for good reason. The Royal Mile is one of the most
storied streets in the world, and while Edinburgh Castle is for many the final
destination there is always plenty to see and do en route - especially during
the Edinburgh Fringe.
The Touristin: The best place for a hot chocolate or
coffee in Edinburgh?
Steven: Let's face it: as Scotland's capital city
Edinburgh can often be bitterly cold. For those in need of respite, the best
hot chocolate, coffee, or indeed mocha in town can be found at 5 Howard Street.
At CORO you can choose between white, milk and dark hot chocolate, and - if the
numbness persists - eek out some extra warmth by experimenting with various
spices.
The Touristin: What is one restaurant we must try out
while in Edinburgh?
Steven: Edinburgh is full of excellent bars, bistros and
gastro pubs, from the best national and international chains to independent
restaurants and iconic cafés; but for my money the most memorable dining
experience is to be found at Ghillie Dhu. Deftly walking the line between
authenticity and commerciality, this Scottish-themed restaurant offers patrons
the opportunity to eat haggis, neeps and tatties in the attractive and
atmospheric surrounds of a grand Georgian hall - with the option of ceilidhs
and cranachan for afters!
The Touristin: Where would we meet you on weekends?
Steven: A walker at heart I can often be found wandering
aimlessly through the city's streets, from Union Canal to Calton Hill to the
Royal Botanic Garden. I will always, however, wind up at The Filmhouse on
Lothian Road. I have been attending Edinburgh International Film Festival there
for five summers now, but always enjoy whiling away a rainy day or dark evening
in any of its three screens or over a plate of nachos in its lively bar.
The Touristin: Do you have a favourite museum/gallery we
all have to visit when in Edinburgh?
Steven: Edinburgh is full of fascinating museums and
fabulous galleries, but few compare to the grandeur and spectacle of the
National Museum of Scotland. Housed within its collection is Dolly the sheep,
of cloning fame, and The Maiden, an early form of guillotine; but just as
impressive as the exhibitions are the halls in which they are exhibited.
Inspired by The Crystal Palace of 1851, the cast-iron Grand Gallery is as
stunning a setting as you could reasonably conceive. With ten new galleries having
recently opened in celebration of the museum's 150th year, there is now more to
see than ever before.
The Touristin: What are some of your favourite places to
shop for A) groceries and B) clothes?
Steven: Although well stocked with supermarkets, there
are plenty of alternative places in Edinburgh to buy your groceries - or
messages, as they are colloquially known in Scotland. Edinburgh Farmer's Market and the Grassmarket Weekly Market both run on weekends throughout the year,
while the Christmas market is always a hub of activity almost from the moment
it launches in late November. As for clothes, Ocean Terminal offers a markedly
quieter shopping experience away from the crowds and congestion of Princes
Street - with the option of a tour of The Royal Yacht Britannia between sprees.
The Touristin: What souvenir shall we bring back from
Edinburgh?
Steven: In Edinburgh, as in any souvenir shop in
Scotland, visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to plush Nessies and
tartan trews. One word of warning, however: when it comes to Scottish foodstuffs
a stick of Edinburgh rock travels a lot better than a deep-fried Mars bar.
The Touristin: Thank you so very much Steven, can’t wait
to visit all these places you mentioned. Talk to you soon.
Visit Steven on Finding a Neish or meet him on Twitter @findinganeish. Meet more eyewitnesses from all over the world.
Should you be looking for more restaurants and cafes in
Edinburgh, read Travel Scotland. Where to Eat Vegetarian
in Style in Edinburgh and Travel Scotland: 7 Coffee Places in
Edinburgh Tested by a True Coffee Snob.
From Berlin with love