On my first day of sightseeing in Edinburgh, I serendipitously ended up having afternoon tea here: https://www.thesignetlibrary.co.uk/colonnades/.
It was one of the best tea experiences I’ve enjoyed worldwide.
It was beautifully decorated for Christmas and they played holiday instrumentals. The food was delicious and I lingered over three pots of tea, because they didn’t rush you.
Second tray of treats, following the savories. All delicious!
@Maggie8K looks delicious! 
Absolutely love chai! This looks awesome, and I love the pink lighting!
The Castro is San Francisco isn’t it? I’m sure I read about it as a location in the Tales of the City books by Armistead Maupin!
OK @Maggie8K Now I am really salivating!!! And you got enjoy that delicious looking indulgence all by yourself??!! 
The surroundings are not too bad either!!!
Yes the Castro 
@Lokstar, yes, happily, all for me!
Loved his books. Gobbled up the first video series. Enjoyed the second series as well, but it didn’t have the same spark.
@Shannon, I took this photo for you. I think it’s the Jenners you mentioned. I saw it from a hop on, hop off bus. I didn’t go inside.
Thank you, 
happy memories. I believe it is being turned into a hotel now. Nice to see the signage is still up.
I’m feeling a bit brrrr seeing you sightseeing on the open top bus, hope you had your thermals on! 
I didn’t have time this trip to get into the city, but we have a regular sit in the south of England for a couple that are moving back to Edinburgh so really excited about that.
Now on the way back south via Durham (that is a place to add to your list for the UK - lovely small city) and Doncaster to see family (new great neice of 3 weeks old). Then onto Kent for a sit for a few weeks. Out wonderful hosts therr are taking care of our dog for a day so we can take a trip into London to see Hamilton!
How much longer do you have in Edinburgh?
Thanks, @Shannon. Hope you have a great time, regardless of where you stay or visit.
I’m leaving for Glasgow tomorrow. Plenty of things unseen in Edinburgh, so many reasons to return down the line. 
❤
The weather has been milder than I’d expected. I’ve sat comfortably atop open buses, because I packed fleece-lined pants, gloves and liners, good socks, scarf, earmuffs and my puffy coat is ridiculously cozy, like walking around in a sleeping bag, LOL. I even sat atop the open bus last evening while it drizzled and the coat kept me warm and dry, surprisingly. There was plenty of room on the buses, so I could always move under cover if I’d wanted. No need, though.
I’ve previously frozen my keister off atop an open tour bus elsewhere, so I now know how to prepare. I even have a little bottle of whisky with me, if needed, LOL.
I’m also wearing a cozy hat my late mother-in-law gave me years ago. I loved her so much and she’s still keeping me warm in my heart and on my head.
@Maggie8K I was so excited to see that he’s written a book about Mona’s time at the Manor! I’m eagerly awaiting that one!
Thank you for posting a photo of Jenners. I was so sad when I heard that it had shut down. I have so many fond memories of visiting as a child at Christmas time, and very specifically buying linen handkerchiefs for my Grandfather! I felt very fancy and grown up.
I used to love wandering around there as a student as well, dreaming of being able to afford the lovely clothes, perfume and makeup. Very occasionally I’d treat myself to some imported Pop Tarts from the food hall. Back in 2002 I’d never really tried any sweet treats from the USA before!
I hope that you have a wonderful time in Glasgow. Keep us up to date!
Jenny
Will do, @Jenny! Thanks to you and @Shannon for sharing your childhood memories. I love them. It helps humanize any city when you hear from those who’ve lived it.
My Glasgow host has invited me to stay about 1.5 days before she leaves. She seems great, as does her sweet doggo.
Staying at a hotel in Edinburgh is convenient for sightseeing, but I’m looking forward to settling into my sit. They’re very conveniently located in Glasgow, so I’m lucky.
Anyhow, I’m off for my last full day of seeing Edinburgh. I got a hard-to-get reservation at a place that’s supposed to serve great breakfasts and brunches, so I’m looking forward to that.
Have a wonderful day and bon appetit! (and share more about your day when you can!)
Ooh I like this question :3
I used to like in the morning to do a little coffee ( decaf ) treat, either a cortado or oat shaken brown sugar latte
Now that the weather is colder, I like a nice cup of herbal tea, maybe I should try to drink tea in the morning, we have plenty in the pantry that I’ve never tried especially Chai, smells delicious
YES! Oat shaken brown sugar latte team unite! My friends and I always buy one before leaving for a road trip.
I’m trying to wean myself off having coffee every morning, but it’s so hard! Chai is lovely and very warming when it’s cold too. Where did you get your chai from?
I purchased it at my grocery store, the brand is from Clipper, I really like their infusions before sleeping hehe
Clipper make really great tea! What is your favourite infusion before sleeping?
Coffee drinker - During an 18-month RTW trip my partner and I went to great and sometimes hilarious lengths to ensure we could make a cup of coffee at “home”, wherever that was. I also had to learn different ways to order coffee around the world to get what I wanted (I do not go to Starbucks and try to avoid other western chain shops, so I have to figure out the way to order locally).
I also love getting the local versions of cafe drinks. I drink tea in locations where that is the cultural norm. In southern Vietnam, I LOVE that coffee often comes with a little glass of tea!
No need to avoid coffee. It’s good for you!
Have you had this: Vietnamese iced coffee - Wikipedia?
So good!
My husband bought the metal filter contraption and we’ve had it at home sometimes.
My family is from Hong Kong, where this is popular among some folks: Yuenyeung - Wikipedia(Chinese%3A%20鴛鴦%2C%20often,Kong%2C%20where%20it%20remains%20popular…
^ No need to choose between coffee or tea, LOL.
