Saturday, August 18, 2007

Edinburgh, Scotland

We are nearing the end of our stay in Edinburgh and, although we have so much more of Europe to explore, we will be quite sad to leave! This is one of the most beautiful cities we have ever experienced. Where to begin? Our friend and amazing hostess, Lisa, took us through the best parts of town by foot. We began with a tour late in the evening after our flight arrived on Thursday. The pub life here is incredible - sitting underneath ancient tophats of grey stone, the face of each bar and shop is brightly painted, beckoning every visitor to stop in for a pint. The streets wind both down to the cold sea and up to the grand castle on the hill, where the Scottish 'Tatoo' (military band) plays daily during the Fringe. On Friday, we trotted up and down the Royale Mile, watching street performers and navigating the massive fesitval crowds along the way. Lisa took us to a Kilt making store, called a Tartan shop. We also saw the Royale Palace and climbed Calton Hill, where we captured a brillant view of Arthur's seat! There are several old cemetaries littering the town, reminding us of old Boston. We even spied a statue of Abe Lincoln in one of them! In the evening, we saw a creative performance depicting one man's view of the history and present state of Christianity, called 'Bigger than Jesus.' We then spent time talking movies and music with some of Lisa's friends at the Peartree Pub.















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Lisa and Tim at the Fringe









At the 'chipee'







On Calton Hill







View of Arthur's Seat












View of Old Town













Looking out to sea









2 comments:

Ms. Sisco said...

LOVE the pics and your words! I feel as if I'm right there. I can smell the fish 'n chips and Scottish ale. Praying for this great time. Love, Misha and Abel

i am 6 yrs old in my mind said...

jess, i think tim highly under-estimates your use of your "right brain" -- you're a poet as well as a photographer! i was taken away by your words explaining your adventures here in good auld scotland, and i was there! :) looking forward to the rest of europe, but that really bites about your luggage... hope it shows up soon... silly airports... but like i said, you're welcome back if the mainland is too crazy! :) lisa