Enchanting Edinburgh

Robert Louis Stevenson wrote: "The happiest lot on earth is to be born a Scotsman. You must pay for it in many ways as for all other advantages on the earth...But somehow life is warmer and closer; the hearth burns more redly; the lights of home shine softer on a rainy street; the very names, endeared in music, cling nearer round the heart."- The Silverado Squatters 1883

Now that I've been to this enchanting place myself, I see exactly what he means. Geordan and I had already fallen in love with wild Scotland: Arran, Loch Lomond, and the Trossachs- now I've fallen in love with its proudest city.

This is a view of the castle from the 'new city.'

How could I HELP but like it when this picturesque town boasts hobbits as inhabitants??Some beautiful views of the 'old city.'
Taking a stroll inside Edinburgh Castle.
I thought this little guy looked like Aslan- he has such a kind face.
AAAHHH. Nothing in the world like the bond of sisters.
Views over the city from the castle top.


I guess it must be genetic.... we really are our Father's daughters:

Sporting the crown jewels:

In the military museum, a bit of paraphernalia that hit close to home: A soldier's New Testament alongside his gas mask. Seems like it would be fairly difficult to read it with the gas mask on!

Phew! After learning about so many battles, we decided we needed refreshment... so we went for 'high tea' on Prince's Street:

The view from our Tea Rooms:

Hmmm...Iust and Sara have gone 'native'. I guess they've become Scottish Viking Lasses??!

Hollyrood Abbey outside of Hollyrood Palace, the official 'in-state' residence of The Queen:

Iust making good use of her 'Gumbi' tripod. Can you BE any more your Dad Iust?

In the gardens at Hollyrood:

Biggest dork-tourists ever! Look at us with our headphones still on even though we were no longer listening.

The dramatic 'hanging' on our "Ghosts and Ghouls: the 'not-so-nice' history of a beautiful city"

Inside the spooky vaults:

'Blair Witch' anyone? Good thing our guide was a skeptic because we really were starting to loose our cool down there a little bit!

On the last day, the girlies had to leave at noon, so I had the whole rest of the day to explore by myself...

I started out walking through the park and ended up at the magical St. John's.

Then I happily found myself right in the middle of a 'church music concert practice' at The Kirk. A little bit of Bach choral music in the middle of the day is enough to make anyone happy!

Then I hit the People's Story Museum:

It was so interesting to see all sorts of displays about life in Edinburgh for the last century.

Of course, I found my way to the writer's museum. It holds all kinds of paraphernalia which belonged to Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and (my personal childhood favorite) Robert Louis Stevenson. The exhibits reminded me of some marvelous reading from my childhood- the place is set up in a very cozy way, and there is a 'reading room' on the top floor in which I spent a pretty hour.

My last stop was maybe the brightest of the city's jewels. Amongst the 'studenty' area- not too far from the famed Edinburgh School of Medicine, is Greyfriars:

I particularly found the graveyard and gardens surrounding the church so peaceful. It also offers fantastic views of the city- but of course my camera battery died just as I had set up the 'money' shot!

I have to say it was a lovely trip and I SO MUCH enjoyed a girlie mini-break with Iust and Sara. Please come back and see us- we miss you already!