Usually I avoid foreign travel in July and August. It is school holiday season, and that is when many have to take their summer holiday. This year I have the added incentive of the well publicised (or over dramatised) chaos created by airlines and airports.
My nearest airport – Edinburgh – has been one of the worst managed.
I did find an excuse to escape this August, but only for two nights and only as far as New Pitsligo. The justification was the first annual New Pitsligo Spoken Word Festival, organised by a friend who lives in the village.
I chose to stay in Aberdeen for those two nights and drive out to New Pitsligo – 36 miles and 48 minutes to the north. I wanted the option of meeting up with Aberdeen based friends as well.
I was also attracted by the room rates available at the Marriott Residence where I had stayed twice in 2021. It cost me £105 per night for a studio, including their buffet breakfast. It is well located right in the city centre, but relatively quiet because it is in a pedestrianised precinct. Even on Saturday night in a 1st floor room I had an undisturbed sleep. Well done, guys!
Prices have gone up since the pandemic fire sales last year (I think I paid £70 one time, and was given an upgrade). But it is still great value.
I know that part of the city so well, and it has a wide variety of cafes, pubs and restaurants within a short walk. The first evening I opted for Dr Noodle’s noodle bar, and had a huge portion with tofu and veggies for £8.
The second evening I met an old friend at Tango Turtle for my 3rd dinner there in just over a year.
Just as before, the food was excellent and good value. I was on an alcohol free week after minor surgery to remove a wisdom tooth, so the lack of an alcohol licence there suited me just fine. Jean looked slightly put out, mind you.
ⓒ iain taylor, 2022
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