Arrived in Edinburgh and found it to be a much older and more historic city than expected. Going to be a lovely stay here.
Elaine immediately found her favorite pub. The sign says, “If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun.!” Goes along with her other favorite, “I meant to behave, but there were so many other options!”.
We saw this old cemetery from the terrace walk where our apartment is located. I commented that the church looked far newer than the cemetery. Found out later that it is the cemetery where Adam Smith, the father of Economics, is buried.
Waverly Rail Station, the main station in Edinburgh sits in a valley below old town. It is so deep in the valley that you cannot get a good perspective of how lovely the town is when you arrive. Below, a walk through one of the ancient cemeteries (not the Adam Smith one).
A Non Motorized Adult Scooter
Memorial to the great Scottish writer, Sir Walter Scott. 287 steps to the top of the memorial.
Above, one of the many street pipers found throughout Edinburgh.
The Edinburgh Castle towers over the city. Have not visited yet, that will come nest week.
One of the many cathedrals in Edinburgh. Most were originally catholic but have now become Anglican (Episcopal) since Henry VIII’s break from the Catholic church.
Above, the flag of Scotland. The St Andrews Cross on a field of blue. Far more prevalent than the Union Jack of Great Britain. In September, there will be a referendum on the proposed separation of Scotland from Great Britain. Lots of discussion of the issue here.
Cashmere stores everywhere. Too bad we live on the Gulf Coast where it is too hot to wear wool most of the year. Would love to have a big supply of the woolen and cashmere products sold here.
Scotch whiskey shops everywhere. Did not know there were so many brands of scotch. Well over 100. In fact, one man said he had tasted more than 100 and had at least that many to go. Almost never see the blended scotches sold in the US. Below, lots of historic buildings. Too many to name and remember.
Below, the new Scottish Parliament House. If Scotland separates from Great Britain, this will be the new seat of government. Can someone tell me why they chose to build such an ultramodern building at the bottom of the “Royal Mile” which is filled with historic buildings?
Below, the Queen’s Arm church sits outside the palace occupied by the Queen when she comes to Scotland.
Below is a local brewery
A sign at a bus stop at the brewery – “alight here for the journey of a lifetime”
Above, a nice highland hill sitting just on the edge of the old part of Edinburgh.
Below, we meet up with old friends and some new ones. The German exchange student who stayed with us 18 years ago is marrying a Scottish girl in Scotland next year. Left to right below, Elaine, Ortrun (Sven’s mother), Irene (Carol-Ann’s mother), Horst (Sven’s father) Carol-Ann (the bride to be) and Alan (Carol-Ann’s father). We had not met Carol-Ann, Irene or Alan before. Sven, in the middle, and Edward are added in the next picture.
Time for a nice meeting dinner.
Modern Scottish chruch outside the cemetery where Adam Smith is buried. Below, Edward at the grave of Adam Smith.
Plaque marking the last home where Adam Smith lived and below, the statue of Adam Smith on the Royal Mile.
Adam Smith statue.
Church of St Giles. Below, the Deacon Brodie Pub. Deacon Brodie was a member of the town council and respected businessman by day. But, he had a terrible gambling habit that he supported at night by robbing and stealing. He was the inspiration for the Robert Lewis Stevenson story of Dr Jeckyl and Mr Hyde. He was hanged just outside the pub on a gallows he designed as a member of the city council. Next picture is of the colorful ceiling of the Deacon Brodie Pub and of Elaine’s new favorite beer, “Tennant.”
This is a picture of the ceiling in the tavern. Very ornate and vivid colors.
One of the many local lagers in Scotland. That would be a light ale.
Below, the statue dedicated to Greyfriar’s Bobby. Bobby was a Scot Terrier who was so attached to his master that when his master died in 1858 Bobby followed the funeral procession to the Greyfriar’s Cemetery. For the next 14 years, until Bobby died in 1872, Bobby slept every night on his master’s grave site. The story is told in books and in a Disney movie.
Couple of movies filmed in Scotland – Braveheart and Greyfriars Bobby.
Below, what a great idea. A resale shop where all the proceeds go to the Scottish version of the SPCA which funds spay and neutering for animals whose owner cannot afford the procedure.
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