Internet-less in Edinburgh

For reasons I'd rather not go into (because they were my fault and the result of my being a dingbat), I had to scramble for alternate accommodations.  I'm here but really don't have internet so I'm typing this on my phone.  I'll use this as a placeholder and upload my REAL post later.

In brief: good day. Did Holyrood Abbey and the Royal Mile. Too late for the castle so I'll do that Weds.

Update: REAL post

So today was my first whole day in Scotland.  After  the fiasco that was yesterday, I was glad to get into my normal travel routine.  Pick a tourist spot, go to it, explore it, visit the gift shop and spend money.  That’s how I roll.

However, one thing I did differently this time is I did not arm myself with printed maps.  My cell provider gives me free data in the UK, so I thought Google Maps would  be my new friend. Well, my new friend doesn't realize how directionally impaired I am.  Granted, it is partly my fault, because I didn't bring my earbuds and didn't want my new friend announcing directions (and that I am a hapless tourist) to the whole of the city…so I turned off the step by step audible directions.  That was a bad move.  I walked a mile in the wrong direction before I figured out that I was walking away from my goal…Holyrood Castle. 

I did eventually get there, if MUCH later than I’d planned. 

It looked much the same as I remembered, although this time bathed in sunlight. Last time I was here it was a blustery cold day in October and I was mostly alone in my adventure. 

This is a detail of the fountain in front and you can see some restoration has been done

This is the courtyard that greets you when you first enter  the palace.  Luckily, I did not arrive in the Summer, when the Queen is in residence.  No tours then.  However, there are no interior photos at any time.  Unfortunate, because some of the tapestries and artwork are awesome.  Mary, Queen of Scots chambers are fun, especially the one set up as a gallery.  Displayed unobtrusively is a cast of a scull, supposedly of Robert the Bruce. 

You can take lots of pics of the ruins of the Abbey though, which is fine with me.  You know me and ruins and religious architecture.  Combo! BONUS!!

The sunny day makes this look totally different than my last set of photos from my trip in 1998

Some of you may think the ruins here,where a window obviously used to be, looks familiar.  It is, if you've ever seen the portrait my friend Raine did of me

Some of the details are kind of sad

Some of them are kind of fun.  Skull and crossbones…teehehe

I really had to look for this guy as I had forgotten where he was.  I finally stumbled upon him.  I think this is one of my favorite architectural elements of the Abbey ruins.

Another good think about a visit in the spring are the gardens.  They were bare and depressing when I was here last and I didn’t see anything photo worthy.  Now, flowers are in bloom and it’s lovely

It’s all so green and pretty on the grounds around the Palace and Abbey.  The mountains in the background are a nice touch.

The trees are in bloom and the effect is just gorgeous

Just a lovely scene. 

After Holyrood Palace and Abbey I went to a gift shop outside of the grounds.  Trust me, the “official” shop was chock full of expensive china and plush pillows.  I wanted tacky fun trinkets.  I didn't exactly find that, but I found a map of Edinburgh in a little book, which also had a map of Glasgow on the back.  Also got my silver charm for my bracelet (a thistle) and a little something for a Munroe I know *grin*.

I then exited the front gates to be confronted by the new Scottish Parliament.  It’s a groovy cool building, very modern in its architecture.  Unfortunately, it’s difficult to get a good photo, because it’s best viewed from the air apparently.  I went in (like the Americans, my belongings went through and X-Ray and my person through a metal detector) and took a brief look around.  Very interesting inside as well, lots of curved lines and light wood.  Tons of windows too.  Now I did buy something in THAT shop.  I found a scarf in the Scottish Parliament Tartan, which had a gray background with purple and turquoise, very pretty.  Scottish Parliament also has a lovely, clean bathroom.

I took off down the Royal Mile and found it to be after 4pm.  I knew I wouldn't make the Castle as they stop admitting people at 5 and close altogether at 6.  But I tried anyway. 

This is a rather dark photo of the castle from the front.  I have to go back Wednesday, and I hope to be earlier when the sun is in front.

Here’s the front gate.

 

There are some lovely views from castle hill. Although most are full of cranes and scaffolding.  There is a lot of construction and restoration going on here.

There are also some nice military memorials along the edge of the parade grounds/parking lot.

Thwarted from my castle visit, I stopped in what claimed to be a tartan weaving mill, but ended up being a maze of a shops that I got a bit lost in (directionally impaired again).  After escaping that, I checked out the Scottish Whiskey Experience, which was the Scottish Whiskey Expensive Experience…especially when I wasn't interested in tasting whiskey.  Blech!

I found a pub for dinner and had fish & chips with a pint of ale.  It came with a bit of mushy peas, which I had never tried.  Not a fan.  I wasn't grossed out, but I won’t ever ask for them.  Green mush.

Here is a young man playing the bagpipes on the street.  He was pretty good…I gave him a pound.

There are loads of churches in Edinburgh, but it was after hours to visit.

I’m going back to this one on Weds (St. Giles).  They were closing when I got there so I only got to see a little.  You have to pay £2 to buy a “permit” to take photos in there, which is a great idea!  They can raise money from tourists without charging admission (which I think it’s crappy for a church to do anyway).

Just a bit down the road…

I had to take a picture of this pub for all Simon Pegg fans.  It’s a real pub in Edinburgh…LOL. (I found out later that this was the originally the last building at the edge of the original Edinburgh)

On the way back I stumbled upon a cemetery, you know me and my cemeteries!

I just love old cemetaries, don’t know why

I promise, only two photos…I’ll overwhelm you with them in Glasgow.

This is just a nifty statue with a Japanese cherry blossom tree over it.  The tree had a plaque in front of it claiming it was planted by the Duke of Edinburgh.  Okey dokey

I got a little turned around on the way back, but made it in before dark.  I even stopped at the grocery store for some Ribena.  It’s a blackcurrant juice drink that I LOVE. 

I think I got a bit of a sunburn today…in SCOTLAND!!  I did this two years ago in England too.  Yep, I get sunburns in the UK. 

Bed now.  I have a tour booked tomorrow for the Borders.