April 18, 2024
The day was brisk and cold so I bundled up in 4 layers plus gloves and hat but it was not even close enough to keep me warm but the walk with a local was so worth it!!! 6 hours with Tyra a former University English professor was insightful about the history of Edinburgh along with stories about some of the famous books written from Edinburgh and the back stories. As those of you who travel know a tour guide can help you to fall in love with a place and Tyra did that for me. As I was walking back to my hotel and was passing the Close that was the inspiration for Charles Dickens I smiled and promised to reread it as I now know the back story to the book and the change that resulted because of the book. I am so blessed!! This adventure is feeding my soul.
The statue is of Bobby, the terrier who was a police dog (gotta love a city that has terriers as their police dogs). They honor Bobby because when his human partner was killed in action he tracked down the offender and held him until police caught up and then he guarded his master’s grave for the next 14 years.
We wandered around Old Town and new Town and then took the tram down to the docks where we could barely see Fife due to the fog. The tides on the North Sea are so dramatic that at low tide the boat in the picture are on dry land. This area was at one point a hub for herring fishing but unfortunately it was over fished and that industry is gone.
In Scotland a stop at a cemetery is a daily requirement, the one we stopped at included the grave of Robert Louis Stevenson. Tyra told me the story of how a neighbor of Stevenson who had multiple personalities was the basis for the Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
We wandered from the cemetery to the gardens below Edinburgh Castle. Then up the step to the gates and then the entry gate. We popped into a close (alley way) to view the beautiful gardens that give a break to the busy Royal Mile.
The water fountain is where the story that was the inspiration for Robinson Crusoe was first told to Daniel Defoe who was a spy that live just above the fountain.
I added the picture of the heart in stones that I posted yesterday because I now know the story. It was built as an anger stone…..if you spit on it all of your anger is taken away and your heart is filled with love. Yes, I spit!!!
The street with the rainbow colored building was in the Harry Potter books and movies.
The Center stone was where the hanging took place and is just below the Castle.
As we rounded the corner a spectacular view of the castle came into view and we headed up the stairs to the main entry. Lots of steps later we were at the top of the cliff in full view of the castle. The castle is the Scottish home of the British Royal family. No, Chuck was not in town. In fact the Scotts do not have much love for him.
Walking down the hill from the castle I encountered a bagpiper. Bagpipes are the only musical instrument that is also a weapon of war!! The King demanded that the bagpipers play terrible music to distract the enemy and it worked.!!
Although my fingers may never thaw this was a best day ever so far.
Tomorrow I am off to St. Andrew.
I’m so glad to be getting your travel notes again! Will you be going to my husband’s namesake town – Alloway?
Sadly I will not!
Love the bagpiper, and the terrier, and the Anger stone, and ……….
Thank you so much for sharing!
Gardens are gorgeous
Love the photos, however it really does look cold there. Stay warm my friend and enjoy.