Enchanting Edinburgh (Sisters in Europe, Part IV)

Our train from Manchester, England to Edinburgh, Scotland was diverted to Glasgow, so we were delayed in our arrival, but the scenery (lovely green hills and lots of sheep) was pleasant, and we were upgraded to first class on the train from Glasgow to Edinburgh.  The Scottish branch of our family is from the Glasgow area, and I'd definitely like to visit there (possibly this year!), but Cynthia's daughters urged me to take her to see Edinburgh and especially its glorious Castle.  

We stayed in the very friendly and spacious Castle Rock Hostel.  The atmosphere at Castle Rock did a lot to set the mood for a wonderful time in Edinburgh.  Here is my favorite of their common areas:

 And this stairwell helps create their "castle" vibe.

It is likely you are all aware of some of the rich history of Edinburgh, including the role its thinkers played in the Scottish Enlightenment that fed modern ideas into the minds of the American Founding Fathers, as they devised a government for our new country in the 18th century.  One of the most important thinkers of that time was the philosopher and economist Adam Smith.  Cynthia and I were taking a walk through one of the eerily beautiful cemeteries in Edinburgh when she saw me get really, really excited.  Why?  Because I had happened upon the gated tomb of Adam Smith!  I have studied and taught economics, and he is one of my heroes.  I did not know when we entered that cemetery that we would find him there.

Of course, I had to pose at Adam Smith's very dignified and

well-cared-for tomb. 

The main street in the old section of Edinburgh is called The Royal Mile, leading to the Scottish House of Parliament, Her Majesty's local residence called Holyrood Palace, and of course the astoundingly beautiful Edinburgh Castle. Here is a photo I snapped of one of the Castle courtyards.  Makes you want to go there, doesn't it?

Anyone who knows Cynthia is aware of her love for canine companions (I like doggies, too!), so we enjoyed seeing this lovingly manicured dog cemetery in the Castle:

Also prominent along The Royal Mile is the magnificent Saint Giles Cathedral. Cynthia and I toured it, church mice that we are, and we managed to get a chance to enter its Chapel of the Order of the Thistle.

As historic as The Royal Mile is, there is plenty of room for modern convenience. In this age of mobile phones, it's nice that a use has been found for the iconic red telephone boxes.

We had hoped to visit Holyrood Palace, but it was closed because Her Majesty was set to arrive.  We did take the bus ride out to tour the Royal Yacht Britannia.  It is an elegant and cozy boat and, upon taking the excellent tour of her, it is easy to get a sense of why Queen Elizabeth loved to spend time aboard Britannia.  After the tour, we had a refreshing snack in their gorgeous tea room.

Cynthia and I left Edinburgh the day before Her Majesty was scheduled to arrive.  We're bummed that we did not get to see her, but we were treated to the rehearsal for her arrival ceremony, complete with a kilted marching band playing bagpipes, which was one of the highlights of our visit.  

When next you join us for our European adventures, dear readers, we will be in Rome, the Eternal City!

Annie

"The real tragedy of the poor is the poverty of their aspirations." -- Adam Smith