Edinburgh Day 1
Grassmarket was the scene of a thriving market, but also a place of execution. We met Greyfriars Bobby and found John Knox's grave in parking space 23 at St. Giles Cathedral. The Scottish Parliament boasts whisky bottles in the lighting and seats shaped like Scotland. Each legislator has a private space within their office that juts out into the air - so they have time to think in seclusion on the legislation they might enact. Waverly Station bustled with all sorts of travelers coming and going.
Edinburgh Day 2
Our second day in Edinburgh found us heading for the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Edinburgh Castle. Holyroodhouse, on the eastern end of the Royal Mile, is the official residence of the British royal family when they are in town. They were celebrating the 70th Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth with special exhibits and a stunning portrait of her in the Highlands (which they asked us not to photograph). Mary, Queen of Scots also has history here; we climbed a steep and narrow circular staircase to see her bedchamber. Edinburgh Castle is at the western end of the Royal Mile, high atop a rock with spectacular views of the city. We were met at the gates by statues of William Wallace and Robert the Bruce, who forever stand guard over their castle.
Edinburgh Day 3
Our tour had ended, but we had one last day in Edinburgh. At the National Museum of Scotland, we were greeted by a huge E.Coli virus cell, Dolly the cloned sheep, and centuries of Scottish history, including more harps! The view of the city from the rooftop was breathtaking. Our last walk through Edinburgh took us through the Princes Steet Garden to Calton Hill, offering stunning views of the city and of Arthur's Seat and the Salisbury Crags. We completed our day with dinner at Deacon Brodie's Pub.
Kaleidoscope: Edinburgh |
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Cover photo: Edinburgh Skyline
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