The Forest Café is namely run by volunteers as a charitable, not for profit social and art space. As you can see from the sign, many free events are held here including workshops, film screenings, poetry readings and band music. For those of you know Edinburgh a little, the Forest is not far from the National Museum of Scotland. Also because of its close proximity to the red doors of the Bedlam Theatre and Edinburgh University, it should not be a surprise to note that the characters that frequent here border on arty - hip-grungy - hippy -Bohemian - shabby chic - punk - Goth - Anarchic types. For some this will be a place of euphoric idealism; and for others it may be their idea of hell. As a person who has pretty much been an outsider (not fitting in) most of my life, I have always been open-minded and appreciated our worldly diversity. So if you are set in your ways and see things simply in black and white (no shades in between), then this place is probably not for you as you may see some things that may raise your eyebrow, upset or even offend you and I know this is not the intention of this space. It is supposed to be a safe place for some, to allow people to be themselves without fear of reprisals.
On entering, other than absorbing the colourful outfits of the characters who definitely want to be seen, you will also notice how shabby and dark the place is. The windows could do with little sprucing to let the natural light in. As you sit down, you take see the unusual, quirky murals and artworks on the walls and the ceilings.
Then you notice the recycled furniture. This particular table has been given a new lease of life with decoupage and a lick of vanish. There are also some sunken sofas in the corner occupied in true 'friend’s' style by some young studenty girls absorbed in deep conversation and drinking fair-trade coffee. Behind them some stacks of old books and games in dog eared boxes. In another corner, there was a lad in Buddy Holly style surfing the net, and sitting just behind us there was a Boho-grunge mama having tea with friends while her little one in a stroller played on - everyone seemed kind of chilled and lost in their own world.
If I’m honest, other than the salad, the Forest Café menu is not vegetable based really, no seasonal offerings. However, there was plenty of vegetarian choice with vegan options such as burrito, nacho’s, falafel, pitta bread and hummus, Mexican style beans, rice, soup, plate of salad and salsas. There was also a selection of sweet vegan nibbles too. You can't read it here, but at the top of the menu it reads 'Hey! all staff are volunteers so play nice, tip heavy and clear your own dishes away. Sometimes we don't speak English and sometimes we put peanuts in everything just because we can, so be careful, ok? We many not like you, but we don't want to kill you. We believe in slow food so take a deep yogic breath and go read a book. We'll call you when it’s ready'. By slow food, its not slow food in the Carlo Petrini tradition, but more in the order to table - service sense, but you have to forgive them and be patient, this is a voluntary and charitable establishment after all. They are not set up to make a profit and if you come here regularly, it’s not necessarily for the food but the vibe of the place.
I highly praise the Forest Café for being alternative in the same vain as Tchai Ovna and the Pakistani Café in Glasgow. It is a great place to make people feel welcome, (especially if you are new to Edinburgh or a student away from home for the first time). I applaud the volunteers (past and present) for their time in making the place the success that it is. If I was part of this crowd, free spirited, in a certain age bracket; or an Edinburgh student, it would perhaps be a place I frequent more often. However, now being my own person, moving on in my life and enjoying my own space, places like this seem like a distant world to me. Still it is good to remember and support them.
Oh downstairs there are separate toilets for men and women, but these toilets are also unisex. This should not be that shocking to those of you who are well travelled. When I went to France, I noted many of the toilets there were unisex. That is the way it just was. But I should warn you there has been plenty of criticism regarding the conditions of the toilets being unclean, but I honestly can't comment as I did not use them. I just admired the artwork.
We've been to the Peoples Palace and Winter Garden before, but I recall parts of it being closed due to restoration work. The Peoples Palace opened in 1898. These days it is museum of social history and showcases stories of the people from 1750 to the present time.
First stop was the Winter gardens, an elegant Victorian glasshouse where you can chill out among the tropical and exotic plants.
It is a peoples museum, but you'd be surprised how many people show lack of consideration to 'other people', hence the need for this very necessary sign. It is a reminder of the reality of what some fellow human beings have to face in some parts of the city, even the country as these incidences do happen, quite often I am sorry to say.
I loved these pieces of metal work which depicted the story of Saint Mungo, the founder of the city of Glasgow. Saint Mungo is said to be an immigrant himself, a refugee who arrived in Glasgow in about 540 CE. Saint Mungo is said to have performed four religious miracles in Glasgow. These are all represented in the city's coat of arms. The following verse is used to remember these: Here's the bird that never flew, Here's the tree that never grew, Here's the bell that never rang, Here's the fish that never swam. The verse refers to the bird (see below) Saint Mungo restored life to the pet robin. The tree (you can just about see it int he above photo) Saint Mungo had been left in charge of a fire in Saint Serf's monastery. He fell asleep and the fire went out. So he took some branches from a tree and relighted the fire. The bell (see above photo) is thought to have been brought from Rome by Saint Mungo. It was said to have been used in services and to mourn the deceased. 
And finally the fish refers to the story about a Queen who was suspected of infidelity by her husband. The King demanded to see her ring, which she had given to her lover and the King had subsequently thrown into the River Clyde. Faced with execution she appealed for help to Saint Mungo, who ordered a messenger to catch a fish in the river. On cutting open the fish, the ring was miraculously found inside, which allowed to Queen to clear her name. Source. You will see these symbols all over Glasgow city. Glasgow's motto Let Glasgow flourish is also inspired from St Mungo's original sermon.
Graceful Birds of Paradise. I've only ever seen them growing once in my life when I visited the state of California and many of the gardens in the affluent areas had them growing in their front yard. A truly beautiful sight.
After a gentle wander through the gardens and being hit now and again by water leeks from above, we stopped at the cafe for a coffee and a slice of apple pie which was served cold and extremely disappointing.
Then upward and onward.
From the green lush of the gardens into the dark days of history.
A painting depicting 'the steamie' and hard working washer women. I am so grateful for the washing machine. The term 'steamie' is still used by a lot of Glaswegians, these days though it means 'gossip room', well that's what I've been told.
MMMMmmmm.....Not exactly roses are red...
The bevvy a UK slang for beverage and in this context the demon drink.
Charity starts at home.
Iron and steel.
The reigns of industry. But before we got to explore this, we were entranced by a series of paintings on the ceilings dome of the museum. The eight panels mark the 200th anniversary of the Calton weavers Massacre of 1787 and depict the history of Glasgow's workers from that day to the present. Unfortunately it was very difficult to capture these powerful and vivid paintings which were created by artist Ken Currie, so that is something for you to check out in person should you ever visit the Museum.
Womens Suffrage
Votes for Women
This hanging below depicts the International Brigades fighting in the Spanish Civil War.
From the serious to the light-hearted.
One of Scotlands well known and much loved comedians Billy Connolly, his guitar made from a wooden whiskey box and those famous Big Banana Boots. After our tour of the Museum and the gardens, we strolled over to the Barra Market.
The Barras is a major street and indoor weekend market in the East End. The term barra is Glaswegian dialect for 'barrow', relating to the market's early years, where traders sold their wares from handcarts. This specific painting at the museum is a pretty good depiction of the hustle and bustle of the market, full of character and 'characters', but its not a place you want to go snappy with the camera. Just take my word for it.
This photo was also taken at the museum and not the original, distinctive animated neon sign found on the front of the Barrowland building. The Barrowlands originally known as The Barrowland Ballroom was a major dance hall, nowadays thought it is used primarily as a concert venue. I've seen a handful of bands there. If your an Amy Macdonald fan like me, on her album This is the life has a song where she mentions the Barrowlands. Heres a link to the song if you'd not heard it. 
Okay all this walking had got to me and my little feet wanted a rest, plus my belly was rumbling too. So we stopped at The 13th Note, perhaps my favourite vegetarian and vegan eatery in Glasgow. D had the veggie burger with spiced potato chips. I had something far more experimental. Thai green curry with risotto balls served with a tortilla flatbread. It was a good portion, though the combo and clash of the flavours was interesting.
After being fed and watered, we had one more place to visit. Its Fairtrade fortnight and the Royal Concert Hall was hosting The Fair Trade Experience. I went last year and picked up a few bits and pieces, but not so much this time.
Finally on our way out, D an admirer of the works of Peter Howson's snapped this picture of a boxer in the hallway of the building. Look at the muscles on that man. I wonder if he can carry me home?!