ves and I arrived in Scotland in April 2000. We found our first flat in Moat Terrace and moved in on April 11th, 2000.

The flat was fully furnished and equipped. The view from our lounge room window was great! On winter afternoons, the sun set in our flat, which kept us warm(er). We were on the top floor of our building, and the only way up and down is via the stairs. We had to move out because our landlord got married and wanted to sell. He was a really great landlord and we were disappointed we couldn't stay on.

We moved to our new flat on Bryson Road in October 2001 where we are still living at the moment. Most of the things we use at the new place we had to buy ourselves - we even had to get the carpet done before moving in because it was so bad. Another strange thing is where in Australia tenants have to do a Condition Report before moving in, the UK doesn't seem to do anything like that.

Anyway, if our stories don't put you off and you're looking to rent a flat in Edinburgh my best advice would be that you go to a local supermarket (Tesco is our favourite), or a paper shop like Waterstones, WHSmith and the like. Real Estate Agents around town have some vacancies, but you tend to get a better deal through the papers.

If you're looking for employment in the UK, I recommend you check out the temping agency that I registered with: Kelly Services. They cover temporary and permanent work placements in office related jobs such as Data Entry, Reception and Secretarial. They will fix up your National Insurance number and everything else you need to get started (you will need a visa of some sort though. I got a working holiday visa before I left Australia. Visit the British Consulate for more info.) I got a job through them the day after registering and have not had any trouble since.

At the moment I am working for the Scottish Prison Services, which Kelly Services placed me in. I worked there as Data Protection Manager for 14 months, finished up in December 2002 and on my last day got a new contract within another department, designing a database and doing desktop publishing.

Living in Edinburgh, we have plenty to do in the city, and to get away from the hustle and bustle the beautiful Scottish countryside is just a short drive away. We take regular weekend trips around and about Scotland, staying in Bed and Breakfasts and exploring the lochs and hills and little country towns.

A great guide to restaurants in Edinburgh and Glasgow can be found on the online version of The List. But we would heartily recommend: Guru Balti Restaurant for Indian Cuisine, or for some hot Italian in a cosy setting you can't go wrong with Piatto Verde, both next to each other on Dundee Terrace in Fountainbridge. (Make sure you book if going on a Friday or Saturday night though!!)

Summer in Scotland is jokingly described as a weekend in July. This isn't too far from the truth, though we have seen some really pretty sunny days. It makes you really appreciate the sunshine when it finally does come out.

In June, when the summer is on its way and the days get longer, the Caledonian Brewery on Slateford Road (5 minutes walk from our flat) holds a Beer Festival. This is not to be missed! Sipping one of the many different beers, in the afternoon sunshine, with live bands in the background and lots of happy people with funny accents.

We went to the Beer Festival again in 2002, and scooped up some free special Caledonian pint glasses, from people who had bought them on entry (it's in the cost of admission) and gotten so drunk, they left without them... we have countless sets in our collection now!

Something else not to be missed in Edinburgh's calendar is the Royal Highland Agricultural Show which is on in the first week of June every year. (Pictures coming soon!) We went in 2000 and 2002, but not 2001 because it was canceled due to a Foot and Mouth outbreak. Our favourite part of the show is the "Food from Scotland" pavilion. There's everything from organic Venison from the Scottish Highlands to Whisky liqueurs from the Isle of Lewis, and the best thing is, just about everything is available for free sampling. Yum!

The biggest festival in Edinburgh, renowned the world over, is the Edinburgh International Festival and Fringe Festival, held in August each year. Part of the festival is the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. We went to see this in August 2001 and it was fantastic! It's held at the Edinburgh Castle, and features pipers and drummers not only from Scotland but countries from all four corners of the globe.

August is the most expensive time of year to visit Scotland, especially Edinburgh. If you're planning to visit then, I advise that you book your accommodation by June at the latest. It's a time when most of the locals go off on holiday to popular British Island Resorts such as Ibiza for some guaranteed sunshine in Summer. (So far this year we haven't seen much sun and it's already July) so most of the people you'll meet will be from anywhere else!. Nevertheless, the city really comes alive in August and there are things happening constantly for just over a month.

When winter comes to town in November, so too does Edinburgh's Winter Wonderland. The dark wintry days are lit up by row upon row of fairy lights, German Markets line Princes Street with hand crafted goods and amazing chocolate covered gingerbread and to warm you up make sure you grab a steaming hot mug of Gluhwein. (Hot mulled wine, that smells of cinnamon and fruit). There is a giant Ferris Wheel just next to the Markets for those daring enough to brave the icy winds, and at foot of the Edinburgh Castle you'll find an outdoor Ice-Skating rink and fun-fair stalls. Truly a magical place to spend Christmas. (Don't forget to wear about 10 layers of thermal underwear though!)