Following along...will be in Edinburgh for Easter!!

I'll be missing the British Isles this year in favor of sunny Spain but I'll be reading your posts.

Thanks for keeping us posted. When I stayed at Channings it was more of a 10 minutes walk to Princes Street, and I'm a fast walker. It is nice place to stay and the meal I had in their restaurant was excellent.

Even though it's about 78 degress here today, I'd still rather be in Edinburgh.

Sounds like you’re off to a great start! I'll look forward to reading more about your adventures.

Have a great time.
I loved Edinburgh!

Crusty, I love Edinburgh - please continue....

Looking forward to hearing more.

Being picky who is St Patty?

"Being picky who is St Patty?"

St Patricia?

We took an adorable British cab to our hotel. We could not get over how they drive on the wrong side of the road, and the driver is on the opposite side.>>

lol, crusty, where is it in the world that the driver's seat is on the pavement side of the car? and we don't drive on the wrong side, because if we did, we'd crash into everyone coming towards us on the "right" side.

ttt
I liked the confusion over crossing the road though a bit sad that the cider had to come from Sweden

Happy st pattys day and happy birthday to frank. You're description of the food made me hungry lol.

Thanks for the report. Loved Scotland.

Edinburgh Day 2


Hello my fellow friends. What a glorious day we had from beginning to end. This morning, I arose from my comfy bed, to the sound of the stuccato of song birds, and sun streaming in the window. SUN! Yes, people, that's how we roll. We arrive to a city, and presto -sunshine appears. We got on the move pretty quickly, and made our way to a beautiful morning spread of pastries and fresh fruit, followed by a made to order English breakfast of eggs and grilled tomato and all the usual English accompanments.



We gingerly made our way to the Edinburgh Castle, via curvy roads, steep steps, long alley ways, and scary opposing, and mind messing traffic. As previously mentoned, the sun was shining, the air was crisp, with a belly full of all my four food groups, I was ready. Surprizingly quick, we made it up to the Castle, which is perched up on prehistoric volcanic rock. We purchased our tickets, and joined a tour led by a lively gentleman in a kilt with a quirky sense of humor. We zig-zagged our way through the grounds, taking in beautiful views of the Firth of Fourth, a waterway that leads out to the North Sea. We took a glimpse of the crown jewels, got some downlow on the history of the castle, and finished the tour off with a 1 pm cannon shoot off.



We made our way down the Royal Mile, a street full of shops, restaurants, cathedrals steeped in importance and history, stores full of plaid, cashmere, kilts, and all the souveneir crap one could dream of. We stopped for lunch at a darling pub called Deacon Brodies Tavern. It was the total British Pub dining experience. I started my meal off with my new favorite cocktail, apple cider. I had a delicious roasted vegetable tart, with scruptious french fries, the kind that the Brits are famous for. Hearty, Hot and wholesome. Frank had Fish and Chips with mushy peas. It looked so good, I contemplated added fish to my repetoir.



The atmosphere was a lively lunch crowd, people eating with gusto. We made conversation with an English couple sitting next to us, educating us on British currency and haggus (sheeps intestines-that are apparently wonderful).



After lunch, we stopped in a cathedral of significant importance, and contributed to the economy of Edinburgh with some souveneirs. We stopped to rest in Starbuck's. People watching and reviewing the day's events, and just enjoying one another's company. We made one final stop to a whisky establishment. Frank taste tested a few different whiskys, acting like he knew a good one from a bad one, nodding and agreeing with the owner on whiskys finer points, hues, and high notes. In the end, buying a bottle of whisky, I am certain neither one of us will ever drink.



We made our way back to the hotel, much milage acrued on these bones today. As we were inches from the hotel, my ankle gave out and I went splat, bags a flying, arms a flailin'. But, in the spirit of this country, I brushed myself off, and good as new, I was good to go.



We did a quick clothing change and took a cab to the Queens Hall, a concert hall, of minimal opulence, to see a symphony performed by a chamber orchestra. The cab driver was full of conversation, interesting stories, good advice and was worth the cab fare for entertainment sake alone. The orchestra performed Beamish (a Scottish composer) to Beethoven. It was an intimate concert, with an eager audience full of music enthusiast. The music was spot on, with an amazing performance of symphony #7, that actually made my eyes well and my heart sing.



After the concert, we stopped for dinner at an Indian establishment near the hall. It was different that we are used to, but it was enjoyable nonetheless. We walked our way back to the hotel, which was 2 miles away, glad to burn off some of that spicy Indian. We made our way through the University of Edinburgh neighborhoood, plowing our way through masses of drunk roudy revelers celebrating St.Patty's Day in green tackiness and 20 something energy that reeked of cigarettes and beer.


All in all, a total of 24, 287 steps were accumulated today according to Frank's pedometer. It was a glorious day, a birthday for the Frankster, an Irish holiday, delightful food, amazing weather, evocative music, and walking of massive proportions.



Hope your all enjoying. Tune in for more tomorrow..........
Cheerio
`B and F~

Love Edinburgh and am following.

Did you walk the Royal Mile all the way to Holyrood Palace.?

Is Calton Hill on your list?

Loving your posts, looking forward to solo, first time trip to Edinburgh, and you're accounts just get me more excited. Keep info coming, love it!! Any good antiquing??

We are planning a trip for 2013. I am reading your report and making notes. Hope your ankle is ok! Great report

Enjoying your report! Love Edinburgh and yes the Scottish people are the most pleasant, hospitable people. If you are in the area around lunch hour there is a small but pleasant cafe on the grounds of St. John's. Inexpensive food and tasty. Cafeteria style.
St John's Episcopal Church‎
Princes Street
Edinburgh, EH2 4BJ
0131 229 7565

Great reporting! I'll be arriving in Edinburgh on April 27 to start our vacation through the UK...can't wait to read more of your report!..

"drunk roudy revelers celebrating St.Patty's Day"

St Patty's day!! Hope you didn't call it that within earshot of the drunks, although you were in Edinburgh you might have experienced a "Glasgow kiss"

or complimented the "English" breakfast.

"or complimented the "English" breakfast."

Yes, missed that one, perhaps she just likes living dangerously.

Edinburgh Day 3


Hello chaps and me ladies. I am loving this country and this culture. I made a request to Frank for an early retirement and move to Edinburgh. There are just some minor details to divy out, we are working those out, (such as potential homelessness, poverty and socialized medicine). But, other than that the plan is under way. (International Fodorites--socialized medicine crack is just a joke)


So, today after only a brief 4 hrs of awesome sleep, I arose with energy and vigor worthy of a Scottish warrior. We grazed on our lovely English breakfast, then started off on our morning. Once again, the sun was shining and bright, so much so, I needed to purchase sunglasses. We did some light shopping down Princes Street, where there are endless stores of all variety. Combined with window shopping and a few pit stops along the way, we made our way to The National Gallery of Scotland. The art was a smattering of different masters, 3 floors consisting of paintings, statues and furniture.


One of the floors was closed for the day, so we slowly viewed the pieces. We spent a couple hrs there, then preceded to go back outside. Once outside, we encountered a street band with bagpipes and drums, belting out their tunes. We perched ourselves up on a step, while the sun pounded down on us, and the cold air confused our thermostats as we jammed out to the rhythmic cadence .


After that enjoyable break, we climbed back up to the Royal Mile. Yesterday we only walked 1/2 of it. We leisurely walked, window shopped, stopped in stores making our way to Starbucks. We sat out an outside table, people watching and drinking coffee as the afternoon ticked on by. We continued to make our way down, after a little while stopping for a light lunch. We went to a small cafe, I had a bowl of vegetable soup with a cheese and "pickle"sandwich. The "pickle" was a purple relish with a sweet barbque taste. It was a peculiar combination, and up until the last bite I could not figure out if I liked or hated it. Frank had a beef pie. We both left full and satiated, although I still have no idea what I had.


We continued walking and shopping, making our way down to the bottom of Royal Mile, where The House of Hollyrood lies. This is the Queen's (and I mean THE QUEEN) Scottish residence. We peeked through the gate, not really impressed, but nonetheless, checked it off the list. Across the street was a strangly modern out of place building housing Scotland's Parliment.


We made our way across the street to a beautiful park called Hollyrood Park. The view was breath taking. Green rolling hills, with rock chisled in. Ruins scattered around, a shade of green unknown to me, magical and electrifying. We walked along a path at the waters edge where swans paddled by, and disobedient passer bys fed them with bread. The sun was bright and strong, and the air still remained cold. Heated by the walk and good conversation, we took in the scenery and a silent thank you to the God that created such beauty. We headed back along the Royal Mile, with no places to be, and no agenda, we took our time, as most of the rest of the journey was a steady uphill.


We eventually made it back, a full 8 hrs after we had ventured out from the morning. Toes aching, and full of fresh air and sunshine, we were both positively content. We rested up momentarily and headed back out for the night to a bar/restaurant called Ghillie-Dhu. We dined on some pub grub and beer and listened to the sounds of traditional music performed by a guitarist. It was a lovely end to a spectacular day.


This gal is one tired mama. 25, 400 steps (according to the pedometer) today! But, motivated to see everything on the "bucket list". I will rest back at home. Tomorrow is a big, exciting day with an early start. Tune in tomorrow for more excitement.

~B and F~

Forgive me for for my North American ignorance. It is a Scottish Breakfast. I am vegetarian, so to me it appears the same. I can see how this is incorrect information. Thanks for the clarification. All other issues, I will gladly respond to once home. Time issue. Thanks all for following along.
~B~

" to me it appears the same"

It is. They're just teasing.

crusty:

Well done. Delightful to read.

Sandy

"The "pickle" was a purple relish with a sweet barbque taste."

If it looked something like this:
http://www.girlalive.com/food/images/branston2.jpg

It was this:
http://whisky-online.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/branston_pickle.jpg

Very common in cheese and pickle sandwiches.

Day 4 Edinburgh

Hello Lads and Lassies. I have had quite the history lesson on Scotland, and may even have begun starting talking like a true Scot. Let me just take this moment to make a few corrections. In my International ignorance, I was under a different impression regarding the relationship with Great Britain, (United Kingdom)England and Scotland. So, because Scotland is under the United Kingdom, I also believed all things English were Scotish. This is not so, and actually can't be farther from the truth. Scotland has its own unique culture, traditions, and history. I was not educated in this-but now I am aware. For example, it would be like saying Puerto Rica and Hawaii have the same history and traditions, because they are both part of the USA.


This morning we were in quite the rush, as we were going on a tour through the Highlands and beyond. The tour is called The Hairy Coo. http://www.thehairycoo.com/ This tour is unique, its a funky orange van made to look like a highlander cattle. It is led by a quirky Scottish man in a kilt named Donald Mcdonald. 25 people cram in this van, while Donald has a headset with cheeky commentary on all things Scottish. Some subjects discussed were Sean Connory, an elaborate discussion on Braveheart, Mel Gibson, his mother, his best friend/philospher Doogie, and all sorts of interesting banter. In between with traditional Scottish music, soothing us as we cruised to our destinations.

Our first stop was at Queens Ferry, an indealic quaint area, with 2 bridges as the centerpiece. There were postcard like photo ops all along the way. . There were numerous stops throughout the journey. Two castle stops, one which was in a Monty Python movie, and several scenic stops along the road.


Our next stop was a lake. We walked a narrow jetty, as winds whipped along, threatening to plunge us in the cold water. The water lapped along, and the sky darkened as the weather began to change. We visited the monument honoring William Wallace (Mel Gibson in Braveheart) he is a hero in the Scottish world, fighting for Scotland's independance from England. It was in a beautiful setting with lush trees, large hills, blooming flowers along the trail.


As we approached the Highlands ( mountain range), the rain started to come down, but I was prepared for this. We stopped in an adorable village named Aberfoyel, for a hearty lunch. We dined at the Forth Inn. http://www.forthinn.com/ A lovely dining establishment, in a pub setting. More pub grub involved. Hot, quick, and tasty swallowed down with the local apple cider. We did some light shopping, then back on the bus.


The next stop, and actually the reason for the tour is to see the "hairy coos". (Highlander cattle). Which are furry cows, with pointy horns, and indigenous of this area. As we approached, the "coos" were fixed on the van, and actually came right up to the fence. Some of my fellow travelers fed the cows (all with Donald's guidance and approval). Our tour guide is quite passionate about these animals, as they were with him. There was a rest stop there, so we had a nice ,lovely snack and coffee, then back in the van.


As we headed back to Edinburgh, our driver concentrated on the road,as he battled with road rage, and filled the van with harmonious Scottish songs. The whole outing was 8 hrs long, actually FREE with a tip (suggested not enforced). He left us off back in the city center, exhausted, but truly an enjoyable, fun packed day. We went for dinner at an Italian restaurant called Gusto http://www.gustorestaurants.uk.com/. Very elegant, dimly lit, romantic candles, beautifully presented food. We enjoyed some fine Italian food, not overly indulgent and then made our way back to the hotel.


Tomorrow is our last day and then we leave Wednesday. I appreciate you all responding and reading. I hope you have enjoyed it, as much as I have enjoyed writing it.

Toodoloo until tomorrow , my wee little friends

~F and B~

thanks so much for sharing - I'll be there with my family in several more weeks. We won't have as much time, but I plan to pull the best of the best from your post and see what we can do!

I highly reccommend The Hairy Coo. Soooooooooooo much fun!

Thoroughly enjoying reading about your travels and descriptive writing. I could easily visualize the "coos".

Thanks for a great trip report. I am enjoying your reports!

"(United Kingdom)England and Scotland."

Don't forget Wales and Northern Ireland.

"(United Kingdom)England and Scotland."

Don't forget Wales and Northern Ireland.>>

or Cornwall!

Hmmmm.

Sorry, I told you guys I am ignorant on International matters. Please forgive me for my uneducated ways. And, I mean that sincerely.

Day 5 Edinburgh (Last day---waahhhhhhhhhhhh)

Greetings from Edinburgh on our final day. Today was a delightful day, almost 12 hrs spent out and about. A much achey and sore Brookster awoke (did I mention I fell again?) But with the help of some Motrin and apple cider (don't judge--that is not why I fell) I was ready to roll (in a limping old, lady fashion) . I am getting used to these lovely Scottish breakfasts. All the basic essentials, all on one plate. Anyhoodles, no more of that---it all ends tomorrow


After breakfast, we went to the Portrait Gallery. It was a fair sized collection, in a beautiful building, and to my surprise and delight, very enjoyable. We spent a couple hours there. We took a much needed break of some potent coffee to rejuvinate the spirits and a tasty sweet treat before leaving. We made a brief stop at the tourist center, inquiring about a ghost tour. Made reservations for a later tour, came up with a game plan and continued on our way.



We made our way back to the National Gallery Of Scotland. We did 1/2 the museum on Sunday. The other 1/2 was closed. So, with all the mental energy I could muster up, we did the museum shuffle through Renaissance to Impressionism.There were a couple of impressive Raphaels, Botticellis, and a Davinci.


After the museum, we made our way back up the hill to The Royal Mile. Upon the clerk's advice from the tourist center, we had dinner at World's End. It is a famous pub on The Royal Mile. It was to be our last meal here, and I was quite curious about Haggis (mentioned previously, sheep's intestines) Before you judge me, we all know I am vegetarian, and would not, and could not eat this. But, I did have the vegetarian version. It was called "a wee bit of Scotland" . It was a combination of lentils, veggies and nuts. I thought it was lovely. I was slightly baffled with the comparison to sheep's intestines---but very yummy. I had a whisky gravy on top, that was heavenly. My next course was a veggie burger, maybe one of the tastiest one's I have ever had. Breaded on the outside, with an assortment of vegetables held together in a cheese sauce, and wait for it--- don't judge me--- but DEEPFRIED! It was yummy, with some good ole' fashioned pub fries, drizzled with liquid crack (Oh, I mean malt vinegar--the way any proper french fry (chip-they call it here) should be eaten-in my opinion). Frank had a haddock cake, that he was indifferent over, and salmon that he mentioned I make better. No more cider for this gal, on account of 2 falls on the pavement and a PPO that probably is not covered in Scotland.


We left dinner and hung out at Starbuck's , people watching and recapping the week's events. After Starbuck's, we met at our designated spot for our Ghost tour. Linda, our tour guide appeared to be sweet and kind, wearing a cape in all black. But, minutes later, as she told stories of murder,plague and mystery she was whipping Frank. The stories were frightening and mesmorizing, as we all gathered closely around her in closes (skinny alley ways) and then led us to the bowels of Edinburgh. We trapsed our way in dark, cave like room as she whispered tales of possesion and spirits. The tour lasted an hr, but was very entertaining.


We made our way slowly down the hill, measuring 17, 481 steps for those of you keeping track. So, our trip is coming to an end, and what a trip it has been. I love this city, adore this culture. The food was amazing, the art enjoyable, the people the most easy going, lively bunch. Our hotel http://www.theedinburghcollection.com/channings lovely accomadations, helpful staff, very comfortable.


I have to end this now, early flight in the AM. Thanks all for tagging along on this wild ride.

Cheerio,
~F and B~

Sorry, I told you guys I am ignorant on International matters. Please forgive me for my uneducated ways. And, I mean that sincerely.>>

ok, NOT cornwall then.

loved the TR, thanks for sharing your trip with us.

crusty, thanks for the report, very entertaining.

Don't take the "International matters" seriously - there are entire threads devoted to quite what constitutes England, Scotland, Ireland, The British Isles, Great Britain, The United Kingdom etc, and many of the arguments are between people who live here.

>>Don't take the "International matters" seriously<<

That's our job. Someone's got to do it.

(PS: The sheep's intestine is or was just the casing for haggis; the bulk of it is the peppery oatmeal mix, though that will contain all sorts of other animal innards all mashed up - just think of it as a gigantic savoury porridge sausage)

Thanks everyone for your input. Awesome Country, awesome city, amazing people, food , culture. To me it is trifecta of what every "European" city should be. That is just my oponion. Again, hope you all enjoyed. I sure did.
~B~
PS "Crusty" (aka Frank) is my fiance---my name is Brooke (no crustiness involved)

Thanks crusty/Brooke, loved your TR. DH and I will be spending 4 days in Edinburgh end June, so this gives me a lot of ideas about what to see and do

Patrick that sounds disgusting!!! Hahaha!

Loved your report! We will be in Edinburgh over Easter and cant wait!

We'll be in Edinburg this Sunday!!! We've thoroughly enjoyed your trip report!!!

Oops "Edinburgh"....sorry for the typo"