I've walked past £2 Pizza Slice at least a dozen times wondering why I would waste my time. Today I had a half hour between seeing Rosalie Minnitt and Lara Ricote at two different venues at #edfringe. When time and location matter, this £2 slice worked as a perfect break between two excellent shows.

This black cat near Pilton Park in Edinburgh was cautious for a good ten seconds before it came in for pats.

I was lured by this cat. I paused and squatted in front of this one, and it came right up to me for some pats and strokes. After about ten seconds, it hissed and swatted at me! I reacted swiftly and didn't get scratched. Then this cat went back to their spot on the pavement and cleaned their claws.

This cat brought home a mouse from Meadowbrook Park and decided to play with it further. Three young boys watched with me, with one noting it was the second mouse caught today.

I inquired about the cat at Craigmillar Castle in Edinburgh and was told her name is Amber and it is her castle. She accepted four strokes and then had other business to attend to.

Tried Razzo's Pizza Napoletana (Leith, Edinburgh) for delivery. Arrived lukewarm and late, but that's the price for not being able to visit in person today.

Bean was particularly interested in this weed.

This cat has places to be.

Edinburgh's Pizza Geeks has a few outposts. Last year I visited them in Haymarket, and today, I popped by their Easter Road spot. Video game and nerd culture adorns the walls and the menu. I got a mild white pizza with spinach, goat cheese, butternut squash, and a chilli jam drizzle. Soft and light.

Bean would like a treat.

I nabbed a hearty and heavy three cheese pizza with caramelised onions at The Hatch after a 24,000-step journey exploring Berwick-upon-Tweed.

Social by Matto in Edinburgh. Convenient and spacious.

Glasgow's Leopardo Pizza is a play off the leopard prints that appear on crust. I'm a sucker for a cat theme. I ordered their "Leopardo da Vinci," and while it might not be a masterpiece, it was a high-tier pepperoni with hot honey and burrata.

Bean sharing beans.

Rogue Bros Pizza in South Queensferry is a delightful treat while enjoying the Firth of Forth.

After a walk with Bean, we decided to meet a neighbour.

My second visit to That's Amore in Edinburgh. Decent utilitarian neighbourhood pizzeria within a short walk of where I'm staying. Half of the tables were reserved for a kid's birthday party which was arriving just as I was paying my bill to escape.

Another great walk with Bean through Holyrood Park. We saw three dogs, dozens of birds, and she found some interesting bugs.

After my second visit to Pala in Leith, Edinburgh, I'm convinced it's the best Roman-style pizza in Scotland. High-tier firm and crunchy crusts, with fresh and well-balanced ingredients. I got feta, courgette, and roasted cherry tomato on one; salame piccante, friarielli, and ricotta on the other.

I was Paesano Pizza's first Edinburgh patron in November of last year, and returned to see how it's going a half year later. Got a heavy pie of smoked scamorza, a few large bits of sun-dried tomatoes and aubergine, mozzarella, and generous shavings of ricotta salata. A salty punch with a smile.

Prestonpans is a lovely town in Scotland, and thankfully decent pizza is served here by one of five Stone Fired locations in the region. Straightforward. No frills, no faults.

Hector's Artisan Pizza in Dunbar, Scotland is a family-friendly place: I was the only adult there without children. The pizza I had was palatable and greasy. Bog standard, but still a satisfying end to a stroll along the shore, harbour, and town before popping back on the bus.

In Holyrood Park, when Bean spots a dog, she'll pop up on her backpack and give it a stare of deep scorn.

I like Edinburgh's Matto for their Neapolitan-style pizzas, and was surprised to find fried pizzas on menu. I had to try. This was a caprese salad atop of a hard, crunchy, and crispy fried base. Like the coating of a proper fish and chips but fuller, firmer, and less oily. Fun to experience once.

Bean and I got our paws dirty in Edinburgh’s Holyrood Park. Saw two dogs and dozens of birds. I let her choose the path, and she took us on a 20-minute loop. Glad she didn't take us up to the peak at Arthur’s Seat.

I'm delighted to be back in Edinburgh, Scotland with Bean! My housemate again for a month. Still goes crazy for hair bobbles.

Had the Provola e Pepe pizza at Cresci in York. High-tier Neapolitan with fresh San Marzano tomato base, super smoky provola, Grana Padano, and plentiful pepper. Chewy crust with a solid crispy edge. People at the pub last night said this was the best pizza in York. I think they're probably right.

York's Dough Eyed is a little over the top. I got a pie that was effectively a Margherita with post-bake adds: dollops of basil pesto, a very large ball of burrata, and everything wholly coated in fresh Parmesan. It is fun, but rich. I won't say it's too much cheese but I could see how others could.

The York Cat Trail is a delightful way to tour the city. Yes, York has a massive medieval cathedral, castle ruins, ancient city walls, a well-preserved and iconic 14th-century street, and more, but I spotted all 28 stone cats scaling walls, running on roofs and perched on windowsills. 😻

Rad Pizza Shop is in York's Spark, an outdoor dining hall made of shipping containers. The pizza was delivered to my table with a hole in it. Otherwise a very ordinary pie. Glad to have tried a refreshing orange soda I've never had before.