Off to Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland: Five festivals; U.S. dollar value up; weather, mild; people, exceptional; accommodations, plentiful.

Edinburgh this time of the year is THE place to be for book lovers; the Edinburgh International Book Festival is the largest in the world. More than 900 authors and thinkers gather to present thought-provoking experiences to the 225,000 festivalgoers, including this correspondent from Sisters, Oregon.

"The Book Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland is an unbeatable place for meeting inspiring people and sharing big ideas," said Nick Barley, director of the

festival.

Scotland's Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs Fiona Hyslop said, "... this year's program with it's focus on freedom and it's wide range of compelling talks and events is sure to stimulate debate and intrigue audiences, raising Scotlands cultural profile on the international stage."

The interaction between the presenters and audience is an exceptional experience for both. Having attended the Festival previously, the stimulating atmosphere is something I look forward to all year. The authors are always available to chat either at their book signing, on the Festival grounds or at the nearest pub. Check out the Festival website for specific information on the theme, authors, timetables for the event which runs from August 11-27 this year (www.edbookfest.co.uk).

The Book Festival has a children's component for young adults as well as the artistic side of print literature. The Fringe Festival (www.edfringe.com), Edinburgh Art Festival (www.edinburghartfestival.com), The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (www.edintattoo.co.uk) and the Edinburgh International Festival (www.elf.co.uk) are all ongoing during August as well.

In and around Edinburgh you will find golf courses, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Place and the Royal Mile to name a few. Day tours are plentiful, via train or bus - Inverness, Stirling, St. Andrews, the Highlands, and an extensive local bus system easily gets you around town.

Edinburgh is a major tourist city, and it's ready for your visit. Treat yourself to a stimulating and educational vacation. Fly into either London, England, or Edinburgh, Scotland, both serviced by numerous airlines. Too expensive? For this trip I used, for the first time, my accumulated miles; the total cost to London Heathrow from Redmond, Oregon was $190! Train service to Edinburgh from London is a 4-1/2-hour ride through beautiful countryside, and a chance to overcome jet lag in

comfort.

Hopefully you are encouraged and curious enough to consider, plan, and book a trip to Scotland for the festivals. I will be covering the events for The Nugget and you can see the Festival City 2018 through my eyes - and plan your own visit in 2019!

Slainte!