Sunday in Edinburgh

Our hotel from the Scott monument. We had breakfast (included) at the hotel both mornings. It was a buffet, "full Scottish Breakfast" which seems to be about the same as an English Breakfast except there is also Haggis included. Am I missing something?

Not quite the burst of summer flowers I remember form summer in Edinburgh, but there are signs of spring.

The first bulbs up in Princes Gardens.

We liked the post decorations on the stairs.

We went right to the Castle, and spent most of our day there. The Latin above the gate says "Nemo Me Impune Lacessit" translated, "Nobody assails me with impunity," basically don't mess with me!

The rock the Castle stands on is volcanic. It seems to make an excellent foundation.

The roadways within the castle are paved specifically for hauling heavy things up to the top (canon, for example). The two sides are smooth for the cart wheels, the center is rough so the horses' hooves can get a good grip.

There were plenty of other people there, but it was not so crowded that we couldn't get photos without others in them.

This guy seemed to deserve to be in the photo with Alex, since he was all dressed up for the day. The Whisky & Bookshop was just another gift shop, albeit with whisky, something you don't always see in American historical sites.

The views were fantastic, although we were not as high up as on Arthur's Seat.

The view across the city to Arthur's Seat. The Royal Mile goes out toward the left in this photo.

I couldn't resist eating in the Redcoat Cafe. The food was fine, and the view was great.

On the way down from the Castle we saw this guy. He is a history teacher, who visits schools to teach about Scottish history. He stands here to raise money for Leukemia research. I don't think he runs marathons in this outfit, or at least I hope not.

So of course I donated and had my picture taken! Go Team! 

His work in schools comes from the Battle of Prestonpans (1745) Historic Trust if you want to learn more about it.

We did a little more shopping (Heathergems!) and took a last wander down part of the Royal Mile, then we went back to the hotel, collected our suitcases, and headed for Waverley Station.

The train ride home was nice, on-time, we got good seats, and we had plenty to read with us.

Alex working on the train.

 I kept thinking the light would go quickly, so I would watch the view until then. I got lots of great views, but it took a while for the sun to set. Which was great.

And a few of my photos from the train came out (most were just a blur).

We were home around nine, and after a few minutes searching in the dark for our bikes we found them and rode home from the station.

A wonderful weekend break.

 

Comments

[Barbie]

Beautiful! I love the way the building stones seem to rise right out of the volcanic rock.

How did you get your luggage home on your bicycles?

[Christy Story]

It was so great to see the Castle again. We had such a lovely time in Edinburgh with the kids so I am filled with nostalgia. So nice that you had this time together!

[Heather Allen Pang]

We have big baskets and small bits of luggage. For just a weekend, we took one cary-on size bag (small, no wheels) we each had a backpack, and Alex had the camera bag. I am really enjoying figuring out how to get everything done with a bike. We are going to get big baskets and bring them home. The important part seems to be the brace on the front. The ones we have in the US just hang off the handle bars, so no wonder they don't work well.