The Land of Tartan

I am in Edinburgh and yes I like tartan, so you will not be surprised that I have had no problem with every second shop in the main streets selling tartan everything from bags to kilts and that at any given moment you can hear the bagpipes being played somewhere. Arriving in Edinburgh by train from the south is probably the best way to arrive because it is a scenic trip along the coast and then coming out of the station you are surrounded by the old town on the left, the new town on the right and the gardens ahead (my fun fact - Edinburgh has more gardens within its city limits than any other capital city in Europe). My timing in Edinburgh has not been great in that the day of my departure marks the beginning of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. From my hotel room I can see the castle and as I type this I can see the rehearsal of the light show and there were even practice fireworks last night (I am hoping there will be some practice fireworks tonight!). I don't know that I could have afforded a ticket but based on what I can see from across the way, it will be amazing. I did go to one event in the Fringe Festival. I got cheap tickets to see a 'pre Fringe' showing of a one woman play called Me, Myself and Mary. It was about Mary Queen of Scots but also about her relationship with her sister and it moved me to tears. 

There are a couple of highlights of the trip. Firstly, the visit to the Royal Britannia was surprisingly good. I don't think I would have gone if it hadn't been recommended (thanks Stephen!). The Royal Britannia is the yacht belonging to the Royal Family and was basically their home when they travelled around the world. Both the Queen and Prince Philip were actively involved in the design and wanted to have the feel of a country house. In order to keep things as quiet as possible, the crew had to rely on hand signals more than yelling orders as they would normally do and they also did not wear full uniform as often to avoid the family having to return the salute all the time (apparently if you are saluted by someone in full uniform you have to salute back!). 

Other highlights have included walking along the Royal Mile, visiting various museums and exploring the city. I intended to climb Arthur's Seat but my inherently flawed sense of direction took on a path up to a lesser peak. This was disappointing at first but then I reasoned that I still got sensational views of the city and Arthur's Seat. I also visited Holyrood Palace which is the home of the Royal Family when they visit and according to Princess Anne (on the audio guide rather than in a personal conversation with me!) it is quite an intimate atmosphere. I think her idea of a cosy living arrangement is a little different to mine but I still liked it. The day I visited Holyrood it was pouring with rain and I decided to walk and got lost so it took me twice as long. The fact that I can still enjoy a place when I am wet and freezing (this is their summer!!) is evidence of how good it is. I can see why locals have raincoats rather than umbrellas because the wind is so strong that I am on my second umbrella and will need to get a third. I did consider a poncho when I was being battered by sideways rain but can't quite do it. 

Anyway, this post is probably a bit too long so I will sign off. All I will say is that Edinburgh has been wonderful to visit and I am in awe of the history of the place. 

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