To the East Neuk

Up and a busy before breaking off to leave for Scotland by train. Seaford to Lewes. Lewes to East Croydon. East Croydon to St Pancras. King's Cross to Leuchars in Fife. The train to Scotland was uncomfortable, with hard narrow seats. I was sat behind a two year old, who after wetting herself on the seat, lay on the floor and screamed until purple in the face in an epic tantrum. Writing and reading a bit hard under these circumstances. Crossing the Forth Railway bridge an experience, as if the train suddenly became a plane with views over the Firth of Forth. 

Lovely to be in Scotland again. Jade all smiles as she collected us in her little red car at Leuchars station. Drove back through St Andrews, which looked very grand, with a ruined castle and ruined Medieval cathedral. It revolves around two things: the prestigious university, and the world-renowned golf course.

Then we followed Jade's normal drive home back to Kilrenny, a little village just outside Anstruther, which is itself a former fishing town on the coast. We are in the East Neuk, a peninsular over the water from Edinburgh, and very picturesque and lovely. Soon we arrived at Kilrenny Hill House. There was Sam on arrival. Looking very well and trim. We were staying in what had once been guest house, owned by Mog and Jerome, pals of Sam and Jade, who kindly let us stay on one of their rooms while they were away. Sam and Jade live in the attached little cottage, and it is an absolutely excellent place to live. 

Although we'd eaten a fair amount on the train, we happily sat down to eat an excellent pasta and sauce that Sam had made and slurped some wine. Jade happier than I have seen her for years, assured of full time lectureship at the university, doing work she loves, and living in an excellent place. Sam on good form too, and looking healthy and happy. Eventually, being tired, Lorraine and I sloped into the house next door, which is on several floors, into room 1, which has a little self contained toilet and shower, and a comfortable bed. The night very quiet.