Edinbur-ah!

My eyes are closed. I am aware only of a cold autumnal breeze caressing my face. I take a long whiff of the crisp air and open my eyes, rejuvenated. In front of me, far away, I see a curtain of fog slowly revealing in its translucency, the unmistakable outlines of a fortress. As if hypnotised, the cloud of mist sways to the light filtering in from the street lamps in the distance. The moonlight waltzes in, making the ramparts of the fort suddenly shine out in splendour. It is mesmerising, this sensuous dance between the elements.

Such a magical welcome sparked my romance with Edinburgh almost immediately. Even the taxi ride felt dramatic. The moon was generous with her light and each cobblestone, smoothened with use, glistened its age. The dark, the empty streets, the narrow lanes, the high walls, higher church spires and those cobbles, all told tales many years old. It was as if I was in the 17th century, riding in my horse drawn carriage, as we rumbled through the city. Hiding every now and again around road bends and behind those impressive stone buildings, the fortress on the other side continued its company with us. Never could I ignore its magnificence. That evening I slept with a warm heart, waiting to hear more wonderful stories.

In a city with such a rich heritage, I didn’t really need a plan, the next day. Before I knew it, I was down the famous Royal Mile. If the place looked like a dream the evening before, in bright daylight it looked like a sunflower in full bloom. The market place was vibrant. People were dressed in all colours and wonder of wonders, they all wore a smile. It made sense really. Amid such beauty there couldn’t be room for much more than happiness and goodwill. To prove me right, the bagpipes broke out just then. Three men complete in tartan highland gear turned a regular shopping-spree into grand festivity. Though I was famished, lunch just had to be left for later.

The fort had already impressed upon me its timeless majesty. At 1 ‘o’ clock, it also imposed its power. A loud boom echoed in the mile, and I had to obey my stomach instantly. My little son was most wonderful throughout. It was as if even he was enjoying every moment of the day. Not for long though. And just until I had walked right up to the foot of the castle.

Away from the concrete and plasterboard reality of our automated lives, here was a legacy, treasured with love. In spite of a few modern restorations, the rustic, sophisticated charm and wizardry of an ancient architecture held their own supremacy. No number of tempered glass sheets or shining granite could fade the dignity of this fantastic structure. I would have carried on, had the rain gods remained clement.
The Edinburgh International Festival ’08 (8 August 2008- 31 August 2008), a brilliant spectrum of culture and festivity has the city under its spell. Check out what's going on. www.eif.co.uk