The truth is a cave in the black mountains

I went to the Usher Hall in Edinburgh this evening to see Neil Gaiman. He's one of my favourite authors and so I booked a ticket as a wee early birthday treat to myself.

I chatted to a random Canadian girl who was sitting next to me as we waited for the show. She's here studying a masters in Scottish History. The conversation made me realise what a great place I live in. She'd never seen Gaiman before, living in a remote part of East Canada doesn't really attract a lot of people. But Edinburgh does.

It's an amazing beautiful city, full of culture - a place where I've met many of my literary heroes. I probably take it for granted - but moments like tonight remind me how special that is.

The show, of course, was brilliant. Master Storyteller Neil Gaiman, accompanied by art from Eddie Campbell and a String Quartet called FourPlay. As Neil says, everyone should be accompanied by a String Quartet.

It was just my type of evening - dark, dramatic and engaging - and bordering on the bizarre. I thoroughly enjoyed it.