Europe 2016 Sept 6th Day 9 London to Edinburgh

Up at 7 this morning as we are leaving the Grand and catching the train to Edinburgh. All packed and a nice continental breakfast downstairs and it was checkout and off to Paddington station to catch the tube to Kings Cross station. As I had booked first class seats on the Virgin Trains East Coast line we were able to spend time in the Virgin lounge before boarding. We did of course have a quick look at the entrance to platform 9 3/4. All good and on time so on we get and Window seats, can't go wrong. Oops did I forget to mention it is Janes birthday today, what better gift ;-) .
Lovely seats for trip and no one sat next to us the whole way. Left at 10.30am and due in to Edinburgh Bat 3.14; a lovely relaxing journey. The views were great and Durham and York looked like great places to visit. North of Newcastle we followed the coast for most of the way which was extremely scenic. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone. As your probably aware we both like train travel but this is a good one and first class was only $100 each ( yes $ not £ ).
On Time until about 2 mile out from Edinburgh station when we were halted due to a signal failure. Took us another 45 minutes to go those last few miles and arived at 4pm. The conductor kept announcing that if we arrive more than 30 minutes past the due arrival time you can apply for 50% of your fare refunded. Will give it a go.
This was going to be our first Airbnb of the trip and I had notified Ross that we were running late, but after a short 10 minute walk we arrived at 25b Thistle Street to meet him and be let in and shown our lodgings. Great !! A large one bedroom flat on the second floor with heaps of room, large living room, kitchen and fast internet right in the centre of all the restaurant's and bars. Could not have wanted more and such a relief after the "Deluxe".
Dropped all the belongings and then went out for a walk around the area and to grab some necessities, before returning to the flat for some cheese and bikkies with obligatory wine. Afterwards it was off to find a suitable establishment in which to imbibe the local refreshment and ensure adequate sustenance; 30 m round the corner to the Hanover Tap for beer and grub of course.
Then back to the flat and goodnight.