Edinburgh
We didn't have to wake up super early this morning. We ate breakfast around 8 then boarded the bus for an Edinburgh city tour at 9 with the local guide, Sheila. A few of the things we drove past had been visited the night before (New Town) but the sights in Old Town were unseen to this point.
A highlight of our drive was driving up Arthur's Seat, a fairly steep hill which is part of Holyrood Park and next to the Holyrood Castle, Queen Elizabeth's official residence in Edinburgh. Views of Duddingston Loch and then of Edinburgh Castle were awesome.
The bus droppped us off part the way up the Royal Mile (street leading from the Palace to the Castle) then we walked the rest of the way up, up, up to the top of the hill which is where the castle perches.
We visited the Crown Jewels of Scotland then the birthplace of James VI before visiting the Great Hall and the National War Memorial (no pix allowed). We saw the pet cemetery just below St. Margaret's Chapel.
On our way down, we visited the Royal Scotish Regimental Museum. When we sat to take a break by the Governor's House, we had a nice conversation with a lady from Northern California (San Francisco area).
We continued our downward walk out of the castle and down the Royal Mile. We took a turn down the George IV Bridge which led us to the wee statue of Greyfriars Bobby. Right by the Greyfrias Pub was the National Museum. We visited the Museum for an hour or so. Roberta & I split up so we could each explore our own interests. Whatever a person's interests, this is a great place. We definitely could have stayed longer but needed to get back for the Scottish Party. We hopped on a #2 bus which took us down past Greyfriars, the Grassmarket, and finally to Haymarket, right next to our hotel.
The evening was spent having dinner then watching a Scottish show. Our host sang, and played the guitar. There was a bagpiper and an accordian player. One fellow played the violin. A woman also fiddled but mostly just sang. There wer 4 femaale and one male Scottish dancers.
