Wine reception

Something I really love about Scotland: all academic events hosted by the different study groups in the University finish in a wine reception!

The main reason why I like it is that if there is an academic event, there should also be a moment to discuss ideas in a more informal setting. These ideas may or may not be related to the topic of the event. Sometimes it may merely be a time to relax and get together. All in all, these wine events make the academic community a real community, not just a theory...

Oh yes, and I also like the wine!

Lunch Concert

It's not common to have a concert during lunch time. At least it's not common for me, as I had never had such experience before this Tuesday at the Reid Concert Hall of the University of Edinburgh. I went to a very good performance by the Edinburgh String Quartet playing F. J. Haydn and Frank Bridge. The name of the event was, in fact, Lunchtime concert and that's how long it lasted: a lunchtime.
As such, I left the office and one sandwich and one concert later I was back at the same time as I usually had been. Very practical and a very good investment of a lunchtime. Certainly something to be repeated. (And specially in such good company)

I know, the photo is crap! But I wanted to be discreet and do it quickly 

while they were speaking and not during the concert.

Old College

Old College is one of the many buildings of the University of Edinburgh and, as its name indicates, the oldest one. It's a Classical style building designed by Architect Playfair, from whom the beautiful library of the building takes its name. It's a very elegantly styled library but it's not in use anymore. Nowadays is used for ceremonies and events. Now that I think about it, it wouldn't be a bad place for a graduation ball...
It houses the School of Law, an art gallery - the Talbot Rice gallery - and other services of the University. People say that until recently this central patio was a car park, which, useful as it might have been, was a pitty! Apparently when I arrived in Edinburgh they had just finished renovations and that's the way it should be: everything ready to receive me in style!
Located between the National Museum of Scotland and South Street Street, it really is worth a visit.