Edinburgh, capital of Scotland, has got to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It's not so big that you can't get around and embrace it easily and the architecture takes you back in time. These pictures give just a small taste of this charming city, known for its popular festivals, arts, and universities/colleges. We have been so happy that our mission call located us here. This post is for us - to remind us of a few of the things we have grown to love in "our home away from home."
We always go into the city by bus or train (usually bus as we can walk to a convenient stop from our flat and we are entitled to free bus passes - age has some privileges) because parking is at a premium in the city and public transporation is so frequent, accessible and good. This picture is taken from the bus we were on of a Lothian double-decker bus that we ride into Edinburgh ("Edin-burrah"). The bus seats are tartan plaid and riding up top gives you a great view through big windows.
We are looking at Cockburn Street (one of our favorites) from Waverley Bridge. The black car is a taxi in the round-about.
These stairs go up to the Royal Mile, location of Edinburgh Castle. You feel your knees if you use the stairs to go up to High Street! Prince's Street and the Royal Mile parallel each other in the city. The Royal Mile is a decent climb above Prince's Street and Waverley Station. The Royal Mile rises to the castle on the west end and goes down to the Queen's Holyroodhouse Palace on the east end.
Walking up Cockburn Street to the Mile. This street is so quaint because the building fronts curve with the curve of the street. No names are pronounced as they are spelled in Scotland. Cockburn is pronounced "Co-burn." You have to love all the chimneys and stone.
We're at the top of Cockburn Street now and looking up a narrow close to the Mile. Whose the guy in black?
The Royal Mile of Edinburgh with its cobbled street, St. Giles Cathedral - home of the Reformation in Scotland (birthplace of Presbyterianism through John Knox), and Adam Smith's statue, resident of Edinburgh and Father of Economics. The spire on St. Giles Cathedral is a replica of the Scottish crown.
Street performer (often seen on the Mile) in front of the City Centre
The corner of High Street on the Royal Mile and George IV Bridge. Deacon Brody's Tavern is on the corner on the right side.
On George IV Bridge you pass this restaurant where it's purported that J.K. Rowling wrote the beginnings of Harry Potter. Rowling was a single mother, living in council housing with her children and unable to pay for heat so she went to two different cafes to write. Rowling lives in Edinburgh today and we were told that her children attend the George Heriot private school that Hogwarts was modelled after in her books.
A popular pub in Edinburgh . . . always busy, good food and fun atmosphere . . . and when you know the story of Grey Friar's Bobby, you like the pub even more. Grey Friar's Bobby is buried very near here and his small monument is just across the street from this pub.
We're walking back down Cockburn Street to catch the bus and go home after a fun evening in the city. The first time we passed this shop, I thought it was a place to get ice cream. But alas, it's a whisky store, which we find plenty of in Scotland.
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