DD,16, Going To UK...New Questions pg 3 #38

[Huggles]

By dorms, I presume you mean Halls of Residence, as they are called over here? Do you know if it will be Pollock Halls at Edinburgh University as, if it is, you can find out all about them at this web page.
http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/accommodation-services/new-prospective/types-guides/catered

http://www.edinburghfirst.accom.ed.ac.uk/for-accommodation/pollock-halls

It has been warm (by our standards) but wet over here but there is plenty to do and see in Edinburgh which is why comfortable shoes are a must.

If you find out exactly where she is staying then I can have a look and see what I can find for you. Certainly if she is at Pollock Halls there are 2 lovely parks nearby, Holyrood Park and The Meadows (cricket played at weekends). They are also in an area which has loads of shops , eating places and yet only 15 to 20 minute walk from the Royal Mile ( main tourist area).

Give me a shout if I can be of any help.

 

[NotUrsula]

And I'm going to come in & post the opposite. There's nothing more likely to raise the hackles of retail staff than to ask for BoE notes as change. They are unlikely to have any anyway unless someone has happened to give them some as payment. If it's that much of a concern she'd be best keeping as little cash on her at the end and spending it at the airport.

I've found it isn't a problem if you just make it clear why you're asking ("Sorry to be a bother, but I'm going back to the States tomorrow and they will only change English notes there, so if you have any I'd appreciate it.") Obviously if they don't have them it's a non-issue, but I've never had anyone get annoyed about it when I've asked politely. Most clerks are interested to know. Of course, you shouldn't demand it, or refuse to take the Scottish notes, and the airport option does work if you have time to see to it; it's just vastly more expensive.

Nationalism is a touchy issue in Scotland, I know, but IME people don't easily take offense at a American asking such a thing as they would an Englishman. (In this case an Englishman could go into any bank to change the notes if he wanted; it's a bit more of a hassle for a tourist; especially a kid in a school group.)

 

[Huggles]

Oh, and she needn't worry about looking like a tourist, at Festival and Fringe time in Edinburgh the locals are in the minority!

Oh, and if you want to see what is going on in the area whilst she is there, then look at this

http://haggishunt.scotsman.com/camera.cfm?camera=1

It shows the Royal Mile and what's going on . If she'd had a mobile phone you could have liaised and had her wave to you on camera! I'm not totally sure but I think it shows the side door of St Giles Cathedral.

 

[ugadog99]

Huggles, I'm pretty sure it's Edinburgh University where they will be staying. I'm going to try to find out for sure, though. Thank you so much for your information!

I know there has been a day seat aside to do laundry. I was thinking about getting those 3-in-1 sheets by Purex, I think. I thought it would be easy to use and easy to pack in her checked luggage.

 

[Huggles]

Ok, let's try this again as my last attempt to post disappeared into the ether!

Right, if it is Pollock Halls then the site is made up of numerous buildings as was mentioned in previous links. Meals are taken in the John MacIntrye Building which also houses a bar and TV area. It also has a shop for essentials.

I think each building has a laundry in it but I'm not sure if the laundry rooms have supplies if washing powder etc. They are coin operated , I believe.

The site itself is nice and open and is right next door to Holyrood Park and is a short walk away from Holyrood Palace where the Queen stays when she is in Edinburgh. Holyrood Park is closed to traffic on a Sunday which is great.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newington,_Edinburgh

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?rlz=1...code_result&ct=title&resnum=1&ved=0CBkQ8gEwAA

The above should tell you about the area. The Pollock Halls are where the 'space invader' like building is , next to the golf course ( Prestonfield) on the middle right hand side of the google map.

Walking ( up on the map) into the city takes about 15 to 20 minutes. If going up South Clerk Street/ Nicholson Street ( one 'block to the left) the road is packed with quirky wee shops, convenience stores and take away food shops ( Greggs bakers, Subway, KFC, Pizza shops). St Leonards Street has shops also but can't recall off the top of my head.

If walking down the way ( away from city) a short amble gets you to Cameron Toll shopping centre which has a food court and supermarket.

http://www.camerontoll.co.uk

Main thing is , don't worry about her; the Natives are friendly and we speak English ( albeit with a strange accent!)

Oh, and if she's not in Pollock Halls after all, then the above is redundant. In which case PM me and I'll find out what I can about where she is staying. Please feel free to ask whatever, even though it might sound silly.

 

[ugadog99]

Huggles, after I picked her up from rehearsal last night, I started questioning her about the dorms. She is pretty sure that it is Pollock Hall. Thank you so much for all of your wonderful information. I'm going to pass these links on to some of the other parents in the group!

 

[Huggles]

Huggles, after I picked her up from rehearsal last night, I started questioning her about the dorms. She is pretty sure that it is Pollock Hall. Thank you so much for all of your wonderful information. I'm going to pass these links on to some of the other parents in the group!

My pleasure. If I can be of any further help, please don't hesitate to ask.

If she gets a chance tell her to try Irn Bru soda. It is bright orange and no doubt abounds in e numbers but it out sells Coke in Scotland and is known as our 'Other National Drink'.

http://www.edinburghcavalcade.com/

If she has free time then she is staying just by the park where this is taking place.