Edinburgh, Scotland March 9-11, 2010

I loved Scotland. No question about it. We spent the first late afternoon and evening walking around Edinburgh. Wednesday, we went on an all day driving tour through the Highlands and to Loch Ness. Thursday morning we just walked around Edinburgh before we took the train back to London. Edinburgh is a great town—small, charming, and very walkable!

 

We took the 10:00am “Flying Scotsman” train. Yay!

 

 

 

 

 

Erin on the train. I bet she’s trying to think of a strategy to beat me in checkers…

 

 

 

 

 

 

Woo Hoo! We made it!

 

 

 

 

 

Our hotel. Very cool. Formerly home to the Scotsman newspaper for almost 100 years. 

 

 

 

 

Interesting table in the computer room at the hotel. We called it “The Naked Table”

 

 

Me with “Scotty Scotsman”. Okay, so that’s not his REAL name…just what we called him!

 

 

 

 

This sign made me laugh out loud. Notice all the cultural things…and then there’s whisky!

 

 

Edinburgh Castle from the Princess Street Gardens. Sorry it’s not a great picture.

 

 

 

 

I believe this is St. Giles Catherdral.

 

 

Scotland Coo’s. Yes, they are called coo’s instead of cows. They have long hair. This dudes name was “Hamis” and he was quite friendly. And a little famous.

Me and my buddy Hamis

Beautiful scenery driving through the Highlands

More beautiful scenery

 

 

and more…

 

 

 

 

 

Can’t drive hours through Scotland and not see sheep!

 

 

 

 

I LOVE this reflection picture.

 

 

 

 

Never go on vacation without a jumping picture! This is indeed Loch Ness! But no Nessie…

 

 

Erin and I in front of Loch Ness

 

 

 

Erin and Loch Ness (still no Nessie)

 

 

 

 

 

 

HolyRood Palace. The Queen’s Scotland residence.

 

 

 

 

 

Street in Edinburgh. Pronounced like “Edin-bur-ah”

 

 

 

Can’t go to Scotland and not blow on some bagpipes! (okay, my germaphobe self actually did NOT touch the bagpipes)

  Erin dressed in some fancy armor in a souvenir shop

Me trying on a “Nessie” hat

 

 

Never knew they made “slutty” type tartan wear. I bought two. Just kidding.

 

 

 

 

We were very excited to stumble across this very charming coffee shop and stopped for some hot chocolate and treats. It is THE birthplace of Harry Potter (as you can see in the lower right corner on the sign). “Made famous as the place of inspiration to writers such as J.K. Rowling, who sat writing much of her early novels in the back room overlooking Edinburgh Castle” www.elephanthouse.biz

The Elephant House’s back room view of Edinburgh Castle

 

We read about Greyfriar Bobby and thought we’d better check him out! Read the history at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greyfriars_Bobby

 

 

 

Train back to London. We switched to Yatzee and I am sorry to say-she kicked my butt every game!