And now to Jim with the weather...

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A word on Scottish weather, when it is not beautiful it outright sucks. Say what you want, throw out whatever smart ass "what did you expect comment," but until you spend 8 HOURS walking around Edinburgh looking like St. Andrew himself returned because you got FUCKING POURED ON at Edinburgh castle and had to change into the clothes you later bought after being pressured by a creepy old lady in the store to change shirts at the register, keep your fucking comments to yourself. But I am ahead of myself.

The views of the city were amazing, let's start there. Edinburgh castle has some of the most incredible sightlines available on the planet. You can see everything and, as a bonus, are able to enjoy spending time in A CASTLE. I spent time in a chaple built for a future saint, got to see Mary, Queen of Scot's Personal Chamber, and also was afforded a view of the dog cemetary. Then the rain really opened up. Long story short, enough fell to soak through my sweatshirt and left me with the option of purchasing a new outfit at one of the local tourist trap shops. When the shop lady pointed out that my t-shirt was soaked through and I should change, to which I said that changing in the middle of the store may not be a good idea, she replied, "Well, I'd rather like it if you did." A touch creepy, but when I finished changing she told me she, "Rather enjoyed it," so I got to feel good about myself.

One annoying thing, the Maxwell tartan is not available anywhere, and I do mean ANYWHERE in the greater Edinburgh area. Trust me, I looked. But that wasn't so bad as the city itself was lovely. It's breathtaking, and massive, and looks some crazy lego creation. I have never been standing on a street lined with shops, come to a bridge, looked down and seen a street lined with shops below. It is almost like a city stacked on top of a city.

After changing I enjoyed some fish and chips at "Greyfriars Bobby," a lovely bar with a lovely story. A nice relaxing lunch spent looking out over one of the most amazing cities I've ever seen.

I then made my way to the coldest place I have ever been in my life. Not sure what it is called, but it is a small hill overlooking part of the city and has an unfinished parthanon built there. Great views, but the wind was so fierce that I didn't even slow it down, and it paid me no mind at all.

From there we went to Hollyroot Palace, the queen's official residence in Edinburgh (she, sadly was not there, but I have now seen 3 of her 4 official residences from close enough that I could throw a rock and hit them, trust me, I was tempted.) Then there was some wandering around a city that, for all it's charm, has great sections that look like Highland Games in the US that have taken up perminant residence. I know the tourist trade is important, but come on.

We then departed the city and made out way to The Murrayfield Inn for the Scottish night, which included authentic haggis (not bad, but almost pastelike in your mouth) and a bagpiper (who was surprised at having a real pipe tune requested by a group of tourists for the first time). This had a moment of emotion for me as I requested "Highland Cathedral," my sisters wedding procession song. The beauty of the moment, that song in that location was just very powerful. One of my new fondest memories.

From there, back to the hotel where I got one of my most unique experiences ever. I got to sitand drink Glenfiddich while looking out the window at Robert the Bruce's castle in Falkirk. Trotsky was right, in spite of everything else that can go wrong, life really is beautiful.

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Photos

When the saint goes marching in.
The tourist from hell outfit I ended up having to wear that day. As Al from Sydney said, "You are literally turning into Saint Andrew him-self."

Diversity
I traveled to the UK to meet people from all over. Great success!

Comments

[Jonesey]

I love the matching head-piece and shirt!

[julie]

grefriars bobby pub
Mark and I went there on the 'moon. As I recall, one of the best steak and 'shroom pies I've ever had. Also ammused the bartender by drunkenly taking artistic photographs of the Tennants Velvet tap pull.