A Walk in the Park

28/02/2026

Last year we witnessed the iconic and world famous Edinburgh Military Tattoo. 2025 was a special year as this global attraction celebrated its 75 years. A bit more about what the tattoo is all about -

🎖️ Celebrations of 75 Years of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo (1950–2025)

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2025, marking more than seven decades of one of the world’s most iconic live spectacles. Here’s a clear guide to its history, significance, and the special milestone.

It's Origins and how is all began was it was first held in 1950 on the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade.
The event featured just 8 items and around 6,000 spectators. This created as part of the wider Edinburgh International Festival celebrations.

The word “Tattoo” comes from a Dutch phrase meaning “turn off the taps”, a signal for soldiers to return to barracks.

It quickly became an annual tradition and worth a visit during the month of August.

27/02/2026

Andhra Pradesh prepares ground for translocation of two female tigers from Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh (India) - The Hindu https://share.google/nhxgzzRNAiJZ7sJzz

Andhra Pradesh will translocate two female tigers from Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh to boost Papikonda National Park's tiger population.

24/02/2026

Passing through villages in India as my train approaches Punjab. The day the sun sets, my journey carries on.

🇮🇳

24/02/2026

A Flight is getting ready for my journey to India. Will be travelling between Delhi, Gurgaon, Punjab and Himachal.

If around, it will be nice to catch up. WhatsApp is very much active.

Cheers
Abhishek

24/12/2025

“From wintery cold Edinburgh to your heart — may this season bring rest, kindness, and moments of joy.

Warm Wishes from Katherine, Abhishek, Anya & Neil Behl xx ❄️🎄

🎄

15/12/2025

West Princes Street Gardens becomes one of the most festive hubs of Edinburgh’s Christmas, transforming into a family‑friendly wonderland with funfair rides, warming zones, food stalls, and live performances beneath the shadow of Edinburgh Castle.

The fountain has four female figures representing Science, Arts, Poetry, and Industry
Danceration includes mermaids, walrus heads, lions, and cherubs.

At the top, a lone figure holds a Cornucopia, symbolising abundance and nourishment.

Style: Beaux Arts, ornate and richly symbolic, making it one of the most photogenic landmarks in Edinburgh.

2001: Initial restoration to preserve its structure.

2017–2018: A major £1.9 million restoration by the Ross Development Trust.

Re‑inauguration: July 2018, with a new turquoise, brown, and gold paint scheme designed to last at least 20 years.

Modern Features: Updated pumps ensure continuous water flow, making it a vibrant centrepiece again.

Location: West Princes Street Gardens, offering spectacular views of Edinburgh Castle towering above.

Photography Spot: One of the city’s most iconic photo locations, especially with the castle backdrop.

Seasonal Charm: During Christmas, the fountain area is transformed into a festive wonderland, surrounded by twinkling lights and celebrations that blend heritage with holiday magic.

09/12/2025

It certainly is "A Boulevard of Broken Dreams" where a fox just wanders about outside our house. These Edinburgh foxes are so attuned to human settlement that we now see them crossing our paths in daylight.

# Edinburgh

08/12/2025

A winter morning sunrise. Views from our bathroom window. It's actually not that bad 😊, deserves a sweet like!

29/11/2025

Edinburgh City Chambers is a historic landmark on the Royal Mile, initially built in 1760 as the Royal Exchange. Today, it serves as the headquarters of the City of Edinburgh Council and hosts weddings, conferences, and civic events.

It is a Category A listed building, meaning it is of national architectural and historical importance.
The quadrangle features the striking bronze statue of Alexander Taming Bucephalus by John Steell (cast in 1883).
Inside, ornate rooms are decorated with paintings, historical furniture, and civic regalia, reflecting Edinburgh’s heritage

29/11/2025

Rainbow shows its presence after some crazy rains in Edinburgh.

26/11/2025

It's a winter -1°C here in

22/10/2025

Edinburgh Zoo , operated by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) , plays a pivotal role in global efforts to conserve Pallas’s cats:

The Pallas’s cat (Otocolobus manul), often nicknamed the “world’s grumpiest cat” due to its expressive face and round pupils, is a small wild feline native to the montane grasslands and steppes of Central Asia. Despite its domestic-cat size, its dense fur gives it a larger appearance, helping it survive harsh climates".

Species overview: -

Habitat: Rocky grasslands and shrublands across 16 countries, including Mongolia, Iran, and parts of the Himalayas.

Adaptations: Short legs and dense fur for insulation Flat-set ears and mottled coat for camouflage

Diet: Primarily small rodents and lagomorphs like pikas.

Threats: Habitat loss due to agriculture and infrastructure
Decline in prey populations
Predation by domestic dogs
Difficulty in study due to their elusive nature.

Edinburgh Zoo’s Role in Conservation:-

Breeding Programme:
- Recently welcomed a male Pallas’s cat named Akiko, with plans to introduce a female for breeding.
- RZSS manages the European breeding programme and studbook for the species.

Global Conservation Leadership:
- Co-founder of the Pallas’s Cat International Conservation Alliance (PICA) alongside Nordens Ark and Snow Leopard Trust.
- Supports field research and local capacity building in range countries like Mongolia, Kazakhstan, and India.
- Advocated for the species’ inclusion under the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), enhancing international protection. .

Funding and Awareness:
- Through the PICA Small Grant Programme, RZSS has funded over 18 conservation projects in 9 countries.
- Uses zoo-based education and outreach to raise awareness about this elusive species.