Bollywood

This past week, from about Tuesday to Saturday, Edinburgh was host to a major Bollywood film production. Using the picturesque setting of New College (University of Edinburgh) and the surrounding Grassmarket area, film crews went about the business of filming scenes and shots for the upcoming Mausam.

Bollywood, for those who aren't familiar, is the largest film producer in India. They are known for over the top productions with lots of colors and big song and dance numbers. They are actually kind of fun to watch, but very unlike movies you are used to seeing come out of Hollywood.

This photo (from The Guardian) isn't from this movie, but is a good
picture to give you an idea of the final Bollywood product.

Anyway, this particular production is apparently quite the major picture as it is being directed by the Indian star, Pankai Kapoor, and stars his son, Shahid Kapoor. Based on a brief BBC news post, the movie is about an air force pilot (Shahid) who falls in love with a young woman. Incidentally, the female lead is played by Sanom Kapoor, but is evidently of no relation to the other two.

On Saturday, the filming happened at New College, so Rebecca, Scotty and I thought we'd try to get a look. They kept the filming pretty tightly contained making it hard, if not impossible, to see much from the streets. They also forbade photographs (not that that really stopped anyone). Fortunately, Scotty thought of a super secret viewing area and so the three of us camped out and watched the filming from a second story window over looking the entire courtyard.


New College stood in as the Royal Dance Academy, complete with new signs. We were actually really impressed with the signs--they looked like they had always been there. They installed a fountain in the middle of the court yard which had £8-10000 worth of flowers! I heard they gave the flowers away after the filming ended on Friday--disappointed to have missed that!). There was even a horse drawn flower cart.

In any case, we didn't see much action while we watched. The filmed one scene of two girls running down the stairs, which took about 19 takes. They did a "shot" of the back of Shahid's head, which took about 6 takes; a shot of Sonam walking into the courtyard (again, taking several tries); and flower market scene that involved about 20 extras walking about (this took forever). We were disappointed that they did not do a song and dance number while we were there (I don't think they did one at all). But it was really interesting to watch--very tedious process, it seems. Definitely de-glamorized the whole film production thing.

Despite the disappointment of no dancing, our afternoon was not without excitement--Robert, the school's conservator, happened to see our heads peaking out of the windows and came to investigate. After finding us and chatting for awhile (telling us all about the morning's filming), he took us down to the main courtyard and let us out on the set. So fun! Rebecca got some pictures and we got a close up look before walking out right through the middle of the action.

It was a fun afternoon and I'm thinking we'll have to see this movie when it comes out--just so we can see the final product! I wasn't able to get many pictures (or very good ones), but Rebecca did. I would definitely recommend checking out her blog to see them: just click here!

Alex's visit

Just a few days after my parents left, Joe's little brother, Alex, came for a visit. As I said before, this visit was a pretty big deal--not only was it our first Rivera family visit and Alex's first time out of the country, it was his first time on a plane! And, what a way to start! He had three flights in each direction and managed it perfectly. We were a little worried he'd end up in Hong Kong but were happy (and impressed) when he showed up in Edinburgh right on time.

Alex's visit was a pretty active one, and I think all three of us felt pretty exhausted at the end of every day. It was another long and packed visit, so here are a few of the highlights:

• Gymnastics in the Meadows: Yes, we are a little bit dorky. But, on a spontaneous stop in the Meadows, Joe proclaimed he had once taken gymnastics classes and such a declaration demanded some evidence. Once Joe wowed us, Alex and I gave it a try too. I think the biggest laugh was a result of my own cartwheel attempt(s). Maybe, if you are really nice I'll do a cartwheel for you too and you can laugh until you cry. Maybe, if you are really, really nice, I'll post the video!

• Hiking in the Pentland Hills: There are a range of hills just South of the city with some beautiful hiking trails. We enjoyed an afternoon of hiking here and were surprised to find a herd of sheep grazing on the side of one of the hills. Apparently, it is lambing season. More about Pentland Hills in a later post.

• Sunset hike of Arthur's Seat: Not once, but twice. We actually hiked nearly to the top, after sunset, one night with some friends. The views of the city at nighttime are breathtaking. We did it again a few nights later, just the three of us, making it all the way to the top an hour before sunset and watching the sun go down from the peak. Beautiful.

• Wiffle Ball on the Gallery Lawn/Catch at the Palace: Alex, with his one checked bag limit, somehow managed to bring along three baseball gloves, a baseball, a wiffle ball and a wiffle ball bat. (Wiffle ball is apparently a favored past time of the Schmitt and Rivera families). We solicited the participation of our friend, Scotty, and get up a game on the front lawn of the Dean Gallery (of Art). I'm sure that isn't a common sight and I noticed more than a few curious bystanders. For the record, Scotty and I won the game. Joe, Alex, and I also got in a little catch on the grounds of Holyrood Palace. I mean, why not?

• Bike ride to Cramond Island: The tide times weren't ideal during Alex's visit, so we didn't manage to make it out with time to cross to the island, but that didn't stop us from enjoying time at the shore, biking around the Almond River Walkway, and the grounds of the adjacent Dalmeny Estate. We even enjoyed an afternoon treat (amazing carrot cake) at a cute little riverside cafe.

• Biking around North Berwick: Sadly, I didn't get to join the guys for this fun day, but from the pictures it looks like they enjoyed it and saw a good bit of the island. And, I believe another stop at the famous Fish and Chips shop was made!

• Skittles: An evening of old time, European bowling. More on this in another post!

Alex, it was so much fun having you here! We loved trekking all over Edinburgh, and beyond, with you and all the adventures we had. You are missed already, and we are looking forward to another visit.

Mom and Dad visit Edinburgh, Part 2

[part 2 of my mom's post about my parents' trip to see us].

As the sun came up on Sunday morning, so we rose as well. No sleeping in this morning--we had a train to catch to North Berwick. The views from the train were wonderful. It is such a beautiful countryside, with farms, fields of flowers, and quaint villages.


North Berwick is a darling harbor town located on the Firth of Forth, near the North Sea. [editor's note: more about North Berwick in a later post].



While in North Berwick, we lunched a one of the best Chippies in Scotland. Although it was the only fish and chips meal we had, we would have to agree...they are very good! After a light supper at an Italian cafe, we went home and taught Amanda and Joe how to play Euchre--an old card game known to all midwesterners and one our family has played for years.

Monday, while I stayed home for a much needed rest, Howard, Joe and Amanda enjoyed a leisurely visit to the National History Museum where Howard endeavored to learn about the history of the Scottish monarchy.

Tuesday brought a visit to Edinburgh Castle, while Joe and Amanda worked. Later, we met Joe and took the double decker bus to visit Amanda's office and for a lovely dinner nearby. After running to catch our next bus, I was very pleased to attend Amanda's book club with her. What a lovely group of young women they are. And they really know how to discuss a book!

Howard and I enjoyed our train ride to North Berwick so much that we decided to use Wednesday for another trip--this time to Stirling. We had been told how beautiful Stiriling Castle is and we were not disappointed. And we loved visiting the wonderful and quaint town.

Our last day in Scotland, Amanda surprised us by arranging a high tea for us at a magnificent hotel in Edinburgh where she and Joe gave us a gift of the special tea we had enjoyed during our visit. It was certainly a highlight of our visit and we love them for planning this for us.



As with all trips, they do come to an end. We were sad to leave but what wonderful memories we made (and what fun reliving it while writing this post). As you may have guessed, they will not be able to get rid of us as we are already looking forward to a return trip.



Our love and thanks to Amanda and Joe for their gracious hospitality and for sharing so much of their time and knowledge with us.

Mom and Dad Visit Edinburgh, Part 1

[A post from my mom (this first of two) about her visit, with my dad, to Edinburgh].

After months of excitement and anticipation, we finally made it to Edinburgh to visit Amanda and Joe and their new home.


Following a flight delay, a detour due to volcanic ash (which resulted in a missed flight connection), we arrived excited and tired in the charming Dean Village at Joe and Amanda's delightful flat.

While Amanda and Joe worked on Wednesday, Howard and I ventured out on our own. Cobblestone roads and fast driving cars could not deter us! Armed with warnings about crossing-the-street safety, we made our first stop for lunch where had our first of many wonderful meals. After lunch, we walked down Princess Street, with all it's shops and stores. From here we could look just across the street to see the magnificent Edinburgh Castle--what a fortress it must have been!

Edinburgh Castle

Howard surmised that the enemy must have had to surround the castle--allowing no one in or out--and waited until the occupants gave up. After this first taste of Scotland, we ended the day at home with a wonderful supper and lovely visit before turning in early and falling soundly asleep.

Thursday and Friday our hosts gave us the royal tour of some sites of Edinburgh, beginning with a beautiful walk along the Water of Leith (a path Amanda follows to work).

From there it was on to Princess Street Gardens, an incredibly beautiful space right in the middle of the city. It is spring time in Edinburgh and the flowers were beginning to pop.




This is Amanda's dream cottage--and, who can blame her?


Just across from this adorable cottage is the flower clock they are planting.


Next, we stopped at New College (the Divinity School at the University of Edinburgh where Joe is studying) where Joe gave us a short tour.


The last stop on our Thursday tour ended with a stop at the National Gallery of Art which was quite special with its architectural style and beautiful collections.


An added treat was that we were able to watch an art class in motion. Using a ballet dancer as a model, anyone visiting the gallery could join in or feel free to observe. And, finally, we capped off the day with a concert by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra.

Friday brought a bit of rain and a visit to the Royal Botanic Gardens. Here we saw the Queen Mother's Memorial Garden which just opened in 2006. At the gardens, we took a fascinating tour of 10 different glasshouses, featuring flora found in temperate and tropical climates. It was spectatular.




On Saturday, we, along with friends of Amanda and Joe, enjoyed a delicious picnic lunch on the grounds of the Queen's Palace. It's a large and wonderful area for families and groups to gather for picnics and play. After visiting with new friends (Natalie, Chad and their adorable boys--Paul Michael and Luke), Howard and Joe went across the street to climb Arthur's Seat. A mere 820 foot climb! I think they made it nearly to the top where they were able to take in an amazing view of the city. [editor's note: My mom made it up quite a ways herself. We were all impressed!]



While the guys were climbing, Amanda and I experienced a bit more genteel afternoon, taking a nice walk and having tea at the Palace. Unfortunately, we could not actually take a tour of the Palace as there were visiting dignitaries occupying the residence.

It was an eventful 5 days, as I'm sure you can tell....check back tomorrow for the rest of our trip!

First Family Visit

As I've mentioned before, May was a busy month for visitors (and no, despite the title of this post the Obamas did not visit). My parents were our first family guests and came for a 10 day visit in the middle of the month. It was a great visit and we so enjoyed having them. My parents were troopers with all the walking and the hills. They even ventured out on the train on their own one day, with much success. The weather was fantastic while they were here which made it really easy to see some great places.



I don't think I realized how nice it would be to have family here until my parents arrived---but it was really great. While our adjustment has been smooth and we have felt right at home here, really since we arrived, there was something very special about welcoming parents to our flat and sharing our life with them that made us feel even more settled. It was great taking them to some of our favorite spots, discovering new places, and introducing them to some of our friends--and I think it probably helped my parents to feel a little less worried about us as they got to see that we really have made a home here. We were all definitely sad to see the visit end, but were really grateful for the time we had. We're looking forward to having you again, mom and dad!!

Anyway, I'm sure some of you are intereted in what we actually did. Since I'm so behind on blogging (and lacking motivation right now), my mom graciously agreed to write up a post (or two) detailing their trip which I'll be posting tomorrow. So, check back then for some pictures and to read her take on their time here in Scotland.

2nd Anniversary

Yesterday, Joe and I celebrated our second wedding anniversary. I know it isn't that long to be married, but we were excited to celebrate the milestone and to think back over these quick two years of marriage. I think, technically, we are no longer newly-weds. Guess I'm going to have to change the blog description....

October 2007
Less than one month after meeting

Over a delicious French meal (at a restaurant, not home cooked), we thought back over how we met, our first dates (4 in the first week), meeting our families, our engagement, and wedding (all within 8 months!). We thought about the first and second years and all the ways we've already seen our relationship grow and blossom. We're grateful for each other and for the privilege of journeying through life's adventures together. We've had a lot of adventure so far, and are looking forward to what's to come.

June 7, 2008

Joe found a sweet poem written by Scotland's very own--much beloved--poet, Robert Burns. He wrote it out for me and it is such a sweet love song, I thought I would repost it here:

O, my love is like a red, red rose,
That is newly sprung in June.
O, my love is like the melody
That is sweetly played in June

As fair are you, my lovely lass,
So deep in love am I,
And I will love you still, my Dear,
Till all the seas go dry.

Till all the seas go dry my Dear
And the rock melt with the Sun!
O I will love you still, my Dear,
While the sands of life shall run.

And fare you well, my only Love,
And fare you well awhile!
And I will come again, my Love,
Although it were ten thousand mile!

March 2010

Update

May was a busy month (though obviously not on my blog) and seems to have just flown by. I have a list of posts I need to write, pictures to upload, and my mind is swirling with all sorts of stories to amuse you with. But, seeing as our flat needs a really good clean, there is no food in the fridge or freezer, and it is a beautiful day outside, I am not overly optimistic that I am going to make much headway on that front. So, in the meantime, here's a quick overview of what's been going on in our lives:

• We had our first, second, and third visitors!

• We had house guests for 28 of the past 35 days.

• We've visited some really great places--North Berwick being our favorite.

• Joe is going to be in Paris for one month this summer; I'll be with him for 2 weeks.

• I'm still riding my bike a lot, and loving it. I even had my first accident (and, yes, I'm fine).

• We learned to play Euchre with my parents and enjoyed nightly games while they were here.
  

• Joe has his board review this month--that means he'll be presenting his dissertation proposal to a panel of three and (hopefully) gaining approval to continue in the program.

• He's had several papers accepted at conferences for this summer and fall--so Copenhagen and Oxford are now on our list of places we'll be visiting soon.

• I had my 6 month review at work and am happy to say I passed my probationary period.

• We hiked the Pentland Hills, hiked Arthur's Seat twice, walked the city of Edinburgh several times over, and rode bikes to a nearby island.

• We've managed to watch season 4 of The West Wing.

• We got a second bike (this one for Joe) for free!!

• We are enjoying our second wedding anniversary this week--planning a trip to the Scottish West Coast for next weekend to celebrate.

• We've had our first, second, and third cook-outs.

• We played wiffle ball on the grounds of a beautiful art museum.

• We enjoyed an evening with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra.

• The UK had their national elections, which I found absolutely fascinating.

• We attended a (really fun) birthday party at a 14th century Scottish pub.

• We enjoyed the sunset atop Arthur's Seat.

• I somehow managed to read a 600 page book for book club in May (though I have no idea what book is for June or when we are even meeting).
  

• I attended a conference, for work, that featured a guided whiskey tasting as the evening's entertainment.

• We had our very first grocery delivery (pure bliss).

.....So, it's been a busy month. Hopefully that explains the blog absence, the bare cupboards, and the 14 loads of laundry covering my hallway!

As busy as it was, May was a really great month--I think I hit the highlights, though there were many, many more things that we did and enjoyed. What made May so special though was that we got to do and enjoy many of those things with family who were visiting. Thanks mom, dad, and Alex for making the trip all the way out here.

Please keep checking back. I am working on getting updated (if just for the sake of posterity) with expanded posts on all of the above events--and whatever else comes our way--in the next few days (well, maybe weeks).