Traveling to Scotland

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The train ride to Scotland was relaxed. The sun was shining for most of the journey and I took lots of photos. There were times when it felt like the train ride in Harry Potter movies. You know the feeling Harry has when he heads for the Scottish school? The scenery seems to improve the further north you go; the colours get bolder, greens seem greener, blue sky bounces off wider rivers that rush, busy roads give way to empty rolling hills. Fields with vegetables fade out and pasture land with cattle and sheep fit in between farmland with baled hay. Perhaps it was the pre-sunset light from the sky that made the scenery glow?
When I got to Edinburgh it was dark. I stayed with a Servas friend and had a marvelous time in the city. Next day, froze taking bus tour, but got warm in cheerful cafe and pubs. Spent the afternoon in charity shops, one of my favourite things to do when in the U.K. Tried to avoid shopping, but picked up designer scarf, couple of jackets and a much needed umbrella.
Trams are coming to Edinburgh; look out San Francisco. In a year's time there will be a quicker way to circle the city core, but for now traffic can be hellish. I spent two days in Edinburgh, then went to the Highlands, then came back for another day in the city.

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Photos

Reflection
On the train heading north, the elderly lady in seat in front of me commented about the passing scenery to her sister. I think she took this train many years ago.

Heading North
Rivers are bigger and bluer.

Cows
More cows can be seen on the slopes.

Sheep
Lots of varieties of sheep; I saw black ones with white faces.

Edinburgh
The weather cooled down when I was touring the city. The wind was fine in the sun, until you went round a corner and felt its force.

Bus tour
I decided to take the city bus tour. One of the few who braved the cold winds at top of bus.

Buildings
Edinburgh is handsome. It is an easy city to live in.

Horse
Lots of statues in Edinburgh

Adam Smith
Too many statues of men, one of famous dog, and NONE of women. Somebody has to change that.

Wind
Earplugs to listen to taped description of sites. Geeez, I wish I had a warmer coat.

Castle
The castle is in the centre of Edinburgh, at one end of the Royal Mile.

Pubs and Road Works
These pubs are infamous because they were near public hanging area. This year the road works are infamous for blocking traffic. A tram system is being built.

Trams are coming
My advice is to avoid coming to Edinburgh in January. That is when the city will rip up Princess Street to install the trams. Traffic is already a problem. Delay coming until next summer.

Royal Mile
Edinburgh has the best historical city centre

Royal Mile Shops
Every franchise wants a shop along the Royal Mile. Somehow it all fits into a vibrant 'downtown'.

Train Station
Even the train station has its place downtown. (very convenient). Yup, I like Edinburgh alot.

Hanging Pub
The last drop does not refer to the final sip of beer. Another pub tells the story of 'Half-Hanged-Mary'.

Tourist shops
I resisted the cashmir scarves, woolen jumpers and overwrapped cookies, but I did have to buy the kilt towel before I left. Bet nobody else will have the same thing on the beach next summer!

Writers Pub
I forget which writer wrote in whichever pub.

Government buildings
Check out the newly built parliament buildings for Scotland.

Government
Yes, it REALLY is this building. A spanish architect designed it. Didn't know there was so much tension between those two countries. *smile*

Scone and Tea
Before I left Edinburgh, I had to have a scone and tea.