Wandering through the city of Edinburgh is definitely the way to go. So many hidden gems, and cute little shops with punny names: "Thistle Do Nicely", "Procaffeination", etc.
We came upon this cemetery called Greyfriar’s Kirkyard, which was visually stunning and weirdly warm and welcoming. Love this skull and cross bones tombstone.
Walking from Old Town to New Town, we saw this local band playing near the Scottish National Gallery. #bagpipes
My last night in Edinburgh, I was walking home and heard some soulful music coming out of this pub called the Royal Oak. And, I was drawn in to hear this incredible song by Martin Bowland and company. I don't know the name of it, and I wish I started recording from the beginning. But, I'm glad I was able to capture at least the latter part. Love the women dancing so merrily!
We spent some time at the National Museum of Scotland, which features art, history, science and technology. They had a special exhibit on Celtic art, that was well worth the special ticket price but there was no photography allowed inside. You'll just have to trust me---Celtic art is cool.
And, no visit to Edinburgh is complete without a trip to the Edinburgh Castle.
The line to get in was about 40 minutes long and £16.50, (aka $21.50 USD) may be a touch steep, but then again, I did not take advantage of all the Castle had to offer.
I didn't have enough time to see the Stone of Destiny, or the Renaissance Ladies, or the Great Hall. But, the National War Memorial was amazingly impressive.
The National War Memorial houses some of the best stained glass artwork I have ever seen! No photography allowed inside though.
This pic is from the Edinburgh Castle Website. STUNNING STAINED GLASS!
The rounded triangular patch (pictured below) was a dog cemetery for the highest ranking regimental officers. So cute that they gave their K-9s such a ceremonial spot!
The views from the Castle are just incredible.
3 days had me hooked. Edinburgh IS a gorgeous little fairy tale city.
Multiple times during the weekend, I got soaking wet walking around in the rain...but I didn't even mind. Because the city is just charming.
And they have some of the classiest toilets I've seen. I think we need to bring wood back.
The last thing I’ll mention about Edinburgh is that there is a really strong pub culture. If you like drinking pints, and tasting fine whiskey, this is the place for you.
Just don’t end up like this guy.
Bye bye, Edinburgh. Back to London on the train...beautiful Scottish countryside!