Edinburgh Day 3 - 2 July, 2009

2 July, 2009 - 20:09
We have been able to successfully log into WiFi twice now! Once at a pub on Roses Street, and right now, at our new favorite neighborhood hangout - Urban Angel.

The day started again with a full "Scottish" breakfast. Today there was another couple joining us; they were from Philadelphia and had just returned from near Isle of Skye. Today, I (Beth) had scrambled eggs! I didn't have to sneak my eggs to Taber; however, they did appear a little suspect when the plate first arrived in front of me. They didn't quite look like they do at home; at first I thought Betty brought me grits! They were a little wetter than the scrambled eggs at home; but they tasted pretty good. Taber had what has become "the usual" - a fried egg, sausage, tomatoes, mushrooms, black pudding, rashers and toast. We will be repeating this breakfast tomorrow (our last day) as Betty already asked us what we wanted.

On today's agenda was to cover "the castle" - Edinburgh Castle; which we did! We walked from the B&B which was about a 20 minute walk, but we found a shorter route than walking the entire Royal Mile. We walked across the Waverly Bridge and then took a more scenic route that took us through Milne Court which is a walkway that goes through Edinburgh University and we came out about a block away from the castle!

We arrived in time for what we think are the opening ceremonies, a large band led the guards. The officer of the guard was marching back in forth on front of the crowd and when the guard and band was in position he marched over, gave some orders, inspected the guards while the band played some songs. After the inspection was finished two guards were dismissed to their posts and the remaining guards were marched into the castle. The band marched off to a separate entrance that we were not allowed into. Shortly after the crowd began to follow the guards and we all went into the castle. When we post pictures you may be able to see that there is a large open area in front of the castle, during the times that it was occupied by Scottish royalty this was the weakest part of the fort, because it was open and gave easy access to the castle. Today it is a large open area that is paved with bleachers set up all around for the Military Tattoo that takes place in August. These bleachers take away from the look of place and make getting good photos from a distance difficult.

We spent about four hours in the castle and found it very interesting; we purchased a guide book and that was very helpful. We could have purchased the audio tour, but thought the guide book would be a good keepsake. There were several sites that we found interesting including the parapets, military museum, prisoner of war and military prisons, the Mons Meg (a really big cannon), the one o'clock cannon firing, the Royal jewels and lots of other "castle-y" things that kept us occupied for four hours. Beth took lots of pictures that we'll share.

After a morning in the castle we decided to head back towards 14 Hart Street to return to the challenge the computer was providing. Knock on wood! We've been successful with the bloody thing!

On our way back to the B&B we detoured and visited a tuxedo rental shop; only he rents Scottish tuxedos (a.k.a. a kilt instead of pants) and started shopping for a kilt. I (Taber) liked the idea of visiting this place to get some more information on kilts and the appropriate dress as it seemed I thought there would be less pressure to sell me anything and it was off the obvious tourist paths. Needless to say he was very helpful, we learned a good deal and if all goes well I'll own an ex-hire (a.k.a ex-rental) kilt with most of the parts tomorrow. The kilt in the photo is the "Spirit of Scotland" tartan, I'm looking for the Gordon (the Akin side of things) and I've asked about the Allison, but I'm told it is rare and hard to find. The dark marks on my shoulders are from sweating with the backpack - we thought Scotland but everyone tells it is the hottest it has been in a while!

It is now 8:43 GMT, we're finishing dessert, fermented lemonade, another whisky and getting ready to head back to 14 Hart Street for the last time. Tomorrow our next adventure (Beth and I remember Alma (my (Taber's) niece) saying that we're going on another 'benture (said in the way only adorable 2 year olds can say)) is renting and driving a car. From here we are off to Anstruther (St. Andrews area) for three nights.