Edinburgh update

Arrived Edinburgh Sunday late afternoon. This is our 3rd trip to Edinburgh and the first for our friends, Bruce and Susan. Took a cab in to town Monday and got on the hop on/hop off double decker bus to give them the lay of the land. The Edinburgh Fesitival is happening and there are more people in the street than usual. Lots of street performers and others who are hawking their plays, etc with short presentations.

Tuesday I headed out with my camera to take pictures of the local old church. The wedding coordinator was in the graveyard and asked me if I would like to go inside. She then gave me the history of the church and the surrounding area that the Dalmahoy sits on. She pointed out a stone that was dated 6th century A.D. The family that apparently owned the land/farm still owns it today with the Earl of somebody living in the family home. (Back in the trees - couldn't see anything). We got adventurous and took the public bus into the city. Cabs cost approximately 20£ (close to $40.00). bus is 1.70£. Headed to Edinburgh Castle and did the tour thing. Had a great dinner and then headed back to the Castle for the Military Tattoo. Crowds were absolutely unbelievable. We had been to the Queen Mum's Tattoo a few years ago and didn't remember any crowds like that. Security was ever present. Your bags were checked before you even got close to the viewing stands. Even for the size of crowds it went pretty smooth. The Tattoo didn't start until 9pm. It is an amazing event. Don't remember the web site but if you go to Google and type in Edinburgh Military Tattoo you can find it and get a feel what it is all about. Took a cab back since it was so late and Tim didn't want to go the bus route.

Wednesday we rented a car (2 days) and headed to Stirling (another castle) and then up to St. Andrews where Bruce stood on the famous golfing bridge for a photo op. Did some shopping and then headed back. Sort of got lost (missed the road we were suppose to get off at) and had a lovely view of the back roads of Edinburgh. They gave me a map at the hotel (a photo copy) which showed the roads...but didn't have the route numbers on it. Good thing this is an english speaking country. Tim did an excellent job of driving on the left side. I only sucked air a couple of times and we had to stay in a round-about a couple of times until I could figure out which exit to take to get out of it. Got back, did happy hour in the room, ate dinner and crashed.

Thursday was another road trip. This time we went to Caithness Glass which is near Perth. Unbelieveable paper weights!! The have a viewing room where you can watch them make them. We bought one that has a calla lilly in it. This is all done by hand and I still shake my head how they do it. Obviously, the calla lilly isn't real but it looks like one. We left Perth and drove to the Famous Grouse Distillery which is the oldest whiskey distillery in Scotland. Had a great tour with a couple of tastings at the end. Good thing Jack Daniels isn't made in Scotland! I would have had to drive back. Got back, did happy hour in the room, ate dinner and crashed.

Today (Friday) Susan and I are doing the bus thing in to Edinburgh for some shopping and maybe going to Holyrood which is the royal family's home when they are in Scotland, Tim's going to read and I'm not sure what Bruce is doing. We pack up this evening and head to Ireland tomorrow morning. Don't know what computer access I will have there.

Stay tuned.