Hi sweet friends! It's time to play catch up again...I've been so many places in the last few weekends! I'll try to keep it short and sweet, and with lots of pictures.
A week ago, I went back to one of my
favorite cities in the world, even more so than London...Edinburgh, Scotland! I have to say that the five hour train ride was one of the best parts of the trip. The English countryside is so beautiful...it may even rival our beautiful Texas hill country. The fields were perfectly groomed and the brightest green you could imagine, or and some were bright yellow like the one in the picture below. Every once in a while, the view of a huge English manor, an ancient cathedral, or a royal residence would peek through the trees that lined the train tracks!
 |
| Beautiful train ride up to Edinburgh |
The city of Edinburgh is absolutely enchanting. It's amazing how much of the city has retained it's ancient feel; it really feels authentically medieval. The architecture is magnificent, and there seems to be a gorgeous landmark around every corner! For example...Edinburgh Castle! This castle isn't off in the countryside outside of the city, it's literally right in the center of it, with the city built up around it. From nearly every street in the city, you can look up a see the castle towering over you.
 |
| Street view of Edinburgh Castle |
We spent our first day exploring the main street in Edinburgh called the Royal Mile, which is a historical road that stretches from the outer wall of Edinburgh castle to the gates of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen's official Scottish residence. This road is in the part of Edinburgh called "Old Town," which is the area south of the castle. Most of this part of the city has retained the medieval look and atmosphere, aside from the touristy shops that have popped up in a few places. The area north of the castle is "New Town," which is where you'll find all the modern, high-end designers and department store shopping. Found an interesting illustration of the contrast between the two distinct areas of the city...
 |
| Modern street art in Old Town |
After hiking up to the end of the Royal Mile, we made it to the entrance of the castle! The views from the outer wall are incredible, and inside the wall the castle is like its own mini village. There's a cafe, a museum, the governor's home, the Scottish Guard's headquarters, the palace that housed monarchs for hundreds of years, a gothic chapel, an ancient prison, and the Scottish crown jewels! The highlights included Mary Queen of Scots' personal chambers, her crown jewels, and the Great Hall.
 |
| Edinburgh Castle |
 |
| Panoramic of the city from the castle wall |
 |
| View of inside the castle walls |
 |
| Mary Queen of Scots' bedchamber! |
Just outside of the castle is a factory where cashmere and wool products are made. There is SO MUCH cashmere and wool in Scotland...seriously, they're in every store you walk into - in the form of scarves, coats, gloves, etc. Must be a lot of naked sheep somewhere nearby...
 |
| Cashmere and wool factory |
One of the most famous landmarks in Edinburgh is the Greyfriars Bobby statue. It's a memorial to a terrier that loyally sat by his owner's grave for fourteen years after he died. The dog's owner was a night watchman for the city police in the 1860's. The story is a well-known piece of oral tradition in Edinburgh, and it has been played out in novels and movies over the years.
 |
| Greyfriars Bobby statue |
Coming up in Part II...the hike to the top of Arthur's Seat! It's the highest peak of the hills in Holyrood park that tower over Edinburgh, and it's also a dormant volcano. Most beautiful scenery I've seen yet, and some AMAZING panoramic views.
Love you all dearly! If we haven't had a chance to Skype yet, let's make it happen!
Much love,
Hayley
No comments :
Post a Comment