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Published: October 20th 2022
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My how time flies ! It is hard to believe my time here is ending . Edinburgh has been most welcoming and I have enjoyed my time here . I arrived and found my hotel early enough to get a 24 hour hop on hop off ticket . I chose one that had a live commentator and am glad I did ...They can answer questions between the comments and I appreciated that. I did the once around , 75 minutes . It is a fascinating city built in many layers up the hills toward the Castle . Riding the bus the bridges over lower streets were pretty impressive. Walking is not difficult but not flat .Pretty easy slopes . On the second round I got off and walked the Royal Mile exploring the many closes and a few of the stores . Not sure why but I have little interest in shopping . Part of it I'm sure is the expense. I find all things expensive here . Our doĺlar doesn t seem to have the clout of the US dollar .right now. . I have not found any woolens worth the price they are asking . Granted , I own more scarves and shawls than you can shake as stick at . I also prefer silk and Down for warmth not wools . SO I have not been shopping .
I tried to go to the Palace of Holyrood but it was closed for the day . It would have a been interesting .
The Queen was much loved here and there are still little memorials set up to honour her . I did a tour of St Giles the Royal Kirk. It is fascinating. Parts are a 1000 years old and although it has gone through many restorations , refurbishments and renovations it wears its years well . The windows range from the earliest days to the present . The most recent , 1990s I think , is to honour Robbie Burns . I didn't like it much . The Thistle Chapel was added in 1909 . It is here the monarch will meet with the 16 Knights of the Thistle .
The next day I spent mainly at the Dublin Castle . WOW ! The royal residence was established here in the 1100s . It really is a town built on top of a mountain and protected by additional walls . The Scottish Crown Jewels are kept here and the state room is still used occasionally . Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to her son James here . An amazing place . .
It is also FREEZING COLD. The dampness and the wind are crazy . I am so glad I have my long silk underwear and my down jacket which I wear under my rain jacket.
Given the age of the new city i was curious about how those who lived in the Georgian era . Not surprisingly there is a museum for that . A Georgian House , 3 stories plus a basement , completely furnished with a guide offering stories and explanations in EACH room . I now have an understanding of life in those times .
Today has been very rainy and I have taken it indoors .I was able to take a city bus from the hotel to the Scotish National Gallery . Lovely art from all parts of the world . I also spent a bit of time window shopping on Prince street. Nothing caught my eye crying take me to home .
And now to pack for tomorrow's flight and return to Dublin .
Hope all is well . Keep in touch .
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MaryAnne
non-member comment
Whew.. what a tour!
Hi Pam, You have really seen a great deal … just reading the itineraries made me tired. Must be a great experience though… have enjoyed following it with you.