Scurrying back to update this blog before I forget the day-to-day, smaller fun things of our trips/days out. I've written here for nearly eight years and sometimes find myself looking back over the posts and going "oh yes, that happened, I'd forgotten about that."
So. Edinburgh.
We caught the train from Kings Cross. E was excited because it was a Virgin Pendolino, a high speed train that "leans" around corners. C was excited to have a new magazine. Unfortunately, you can't book a seat for an under-five, since they're expected to sit in your lap. And when we boarded the train, we found that one of our reserved four-person-booth/table had a man sitting there with a laptop. So for the ride up, B and I spent a lot of time wandering/standing in the aisles or in the area between cars. Which wasn't terrible, just a bit inconvenient. Also, I like looking out the window, so I didn't really mind just standing there, and it also allowed me to catch a glimpse of the Angel of the North.
Anyhoo, we got to Edinburgh late-ish, checked into the hotel, met with family for a meal, then bedded down for the night. We did squeeze in a little sightseeing on the walk to dinner, though!
The next morning, we enjoyed breakfast in the hotel with cousins, and then they all went swimming together in the underground pool. After that, we went sightseeing down Princes Street.
And up to the castle (but not in. It was seethingly busy and entry was expensive).
We all had lunch together, explored a few cobbled streets, then went our separate ways to prepare for the reason we'd all gone up there--Uncle F's handfasting. I hadn't realized how much greenery Edinburgh incorporates. We had a short cab ride through the city, and we were here, prepping for the ceremony...
Apparently, a good preparation involves ice cream. Who knew? Also, the children were certain there was a Loch monster in this loch, perhaps the cousin of the Loch Ness monster.
What they were also certain of was that this ruined chapel needed to be climbed to, STAT. And so there they are, striking out up the hill.
I was persuaded to join in the fun as well. Note impractical dress, sensible shoes. And wonderful view.
In case you're curious as to what the ruins are, I took a photo of the sign.
Love the juxtaposition of ruined ancient chapel and modern skyline.
Drumming. Running.
The next day involved more sightseeing, but C had come down with a temperature and wasn't feeling up to much. We managed a museum and some gentle exploring, though.
And then it was back to London. This time in First Class seats, which were amazing and worth it (at the time we bought them they were only marginally more expensive than regular seats).
Verdict? We'll be back! I'd LOVE to return and stay longer, hopefully strike out to the Highlands or even the islands. The train is a great way to travel and Edinburgh is a lovely city.
