We arrived in Edinburgh last night after a frenzied time getting through Ryan Air’s baggage weight restrictions. While we think it saved us some money to fly Ryan Air, the verdict is still out. Given all of that, the flight was fine and quite fun to look below at the passing clouds and sea.
I am thrilled to be in the land of my ancestory!!! I look forward with great anticipation to actually walking in the Northern Highlands along the shore of Loch Carron, where my great-grandfather Lachlan MacLennan was. His 112 page journal was photocopied by Steve for our trip. I anticipate walking the area where he walked and relishing in the pages from his journal written of Slumbay and Loch Carron, etc. My cousin Bonnie and her husband Michael did this on their trip to Scotland and I loved the idea.
Today Steve & I took a city bus to Waverly Station in Edinburgh. Then we walked Old Town and New Town, including a self-guided tour of Edinburgh Castle. Today was National Armed Forces Day in Scotland, so we witnessed a parade of the forces, including the traditional Piper’s playing. We walked The Royal Mile, stopping at St. Giles Church and the home of John Knox, who turned Catholicism on its ear in Scotland as part of the Scottish Reformation towards Protestantism. We took a hike toward Arthur’s Seat to take in the view of parts of Edinburgh. The peak was a little too strenous of a hike than we were after today as we’d like to save some hikes for the Highlands as well.
This evening we will dine at the recommended Fisher’s Inn, highly acclaimed by our hosts at the Hotel Ceilidh-Donia.
Now for a little break from the day, we shall rest a bit, change into the dress clothes that we brought, and catch an evening bus back to Waverly Station for a 3-4 block walk to dinner.
Blessings from us to you!
Diane
Hello Steve and Diane,
Just wanted to say hi from the Northern Woods of MN. I love reading of your adventures and we think of you often. Have a wonderful rest of the trip and safe travels home.