7 Deadly Sins, minus Envy

Over the past two years of adjusting to and living a 'normal' life in Scotland, it is natural to develop some routines or patterns. Finding a local watering hole is certainly no exception to that. Despite the fact that the Coach and Horses was most like a Paynesville bar and the kids found the small 'old man's pub' of Masons to be the best hang out, we took to the equally as frequented by students (just on non-party nights!) Sam's as our most visited Dalkeith Pub. Over the months and pints, we've become quite fond of and close to the owner and manager, Cath and Sharon, and many of the other locals, Paul and Kim to name 2. It was these four along with Tim and I that made our way to 'Town' for a night out together.

We met at Sam's around 7pm - Sharon had to work all day and needed a chance to change and eat. We caught up with Paul and Kim and after some drinks, the 6 of us left by taxi around 830pm. We didn't really have a game plan and decided to start at Lloyds in the Omni Centre because there was so many different pubs, bars and entertainment in the area to choose from. It was overcast, but warm so we were able to sit outside. It was kind of nice to get dressed up (just a wee bit, nothing formal!) and laugh and party in Edinburgh with the four 'characters' we did. Sharp tongued and quick witted Cath serves as the matriarch; Sharon, fiesty and sarcastic are two words to describe her - a heart of gold is probably the best way though. Paul, native of Dalkeith, could be a stand up comedian. He is so outgoing and absolutely energetic that you can't help but be amused and enthralled when he speaks. His fiance Kim is from New Zealand and really keeps Paul grounded (not! ;-). She has such a friendly soul and a bottomless appetite (for food and she's still skinny as a rail - we hate this about her) and we look forward to attending their wedding - whenever that may be... 2007, or 2008... Don't worry Kim, I won't buy my hat too soon.

We moved on to Mood next door because I hadn't been. Cheesy music and dance floor was just what they said it would be and it was. One drink, a quit dance by Paul and Sharon (not before Paul insulted the entire row of girls who had been dancing by yelling 'get off' RIGHT when the music got low) and we moved on to the Taxi queue. We were headed for the Jam House.

We arrived to a nearly completely Jam House! Despite that fact that the Festival starts the very next weekend, the bar had no entertainment and was actually closing early. Such a shame. But, as we were in a new area, there were new bars to check out. Jeckyl and Hyde was the closest. I hadn't been there either so it was perfect for me. Adorned with the furniture and secret passage-way bathrooms and the like to match the novel itself, the 6 of us ordered the 7 Deadly Sins drinks, minus Envy. We thought they were shots, and so when the said they were closing in 10 minutes, we thought we had plenty of time to finish our regular drinks and the 'shots' before bar close. Six large sized uniquely named Sin-drinks arrived... so, we set out with our own straws and tried them out. If I'm not mistaken.... many of us were quite fond of sloth and lust or maybe I'm just editorializing now.

We made our way to the Opal Lounge - surely not closing anytime soon by the looks of it! Quite posh and therefore dear to drink in, we seemed to forget that none of us are millionaires and ordered round after round as we danced on the dance floor. Insert a few tearful comments while standing out having a cigarette and some ogling of the all male bar staff (all minus Paul) and lots of laughter and dancing, and out night on the town was complete.

It is JUST what I wanted in a night - a little bit of everything with some wonderful friends.