Scotland Day 7 (21 June 2018)

We returned the rental car at 4:00 a.m. and after getting checked in on WOW Airlines, we went to catch our plane. WOW Airlines is a budget airline where you pay extra for everything. However, this morning, all I wanted to do was sleep on the plane, so that’s what I did!

When we landed, it was a little chaotic, as we were waiting for another second shuttle to come pick us up off the flight line. After we made it to customs, figured out we needed to fill out a form, and picked up our bags, we were on our way to the rental car. 

Initially, they gave me a larger vehicle, but we couldn’t get the key fob to work. So, we now have a smaller VW, which is so fancy that if you’re stoped behind someone, it turns off your engine so you’re not idling. When you press on the gas, it starts up again for you to drive. There was pretty intense traffic leaving the airport, but we figured out an alternative route to the City Centre. 

My first impressions of Edinburgh, it is a pretty organized city!  The buildings are mostly made from the same stone, and it is darling to go through town!  It was a little tricky to navigate around some of the construction areas, but we finally found a parking area at the base of the castle next to a pretty little cemetery!

We had not eaten anything but snack-type food since the day before, so we ordered some warm sandwiches, which were delicious. (I had chicken and brie). We only had 10 minutes to eat and then head up for our castle tour, but we somehow pulled it together and were able to pick up the tickets. 

We just missed the one o’clock gun going off, as it does every day at 1 p.m., (to help everyone keep exact time) but we were able to take advantage of the blue skies!  

We figured out we could go on a free 20 minute overview tour by a guide named John, so we did!  He was delightful! 

After learning a lot of information from John and a guide book, we were able to explore the castle at our own pace.  Mary, Queen of Scots, was a fascinating historical queen. She birthed James in 1566, who eventually united the two countries and called them Great Britain. 

I learned a lot about King James I (Scotland)/VI (England). He was able to read several different languages, and felt like the people should be able to read the Bible in English. So, he had it translated, which is where we get the King James Version of the Bible!

We were able to see the crown jewels of Scotland, James’ crown and sword, and the Coronation Stone/Stone of Destiny!  Except you’re not allowed to take pictures in that area. But it was impressive. 

The castle had a lot of different kinds of architecture, which was neat to see, and it felt different than other castles I’ve visited. 

We saw St Margaret’s church that was built in 1130 a.d. too!  

We went down to the prisons too. It’s all pretty impressive to learn about life in that time. They also had all sorts of prisoners there, even one who carved the US flag into a door. 

I also learned a lot about William Wallace and Robert the Bruce. They were hardcore men who believed in their causes and fought for Scotland!

I also learned that the bagpipes were played as they went into battle. Can you imagine what it would be like to hear the bagpipes coming towards you, as you prepare to fight?!?  

Here’s a few more pictures from the Castle:

We then started down the Royal Mile!  There are a lot of tourists, but it sure is worth the crowds when you get to learn all about the cool history and stories about the town!

We were a little chilled, so we walked down to the Elephant House, which claims to be the ‘Birthplace of Harry Potter.’  JK Rowling wrote down her ideas and wrote the early books here!  

I also had a Mallow Delight (hot chocolate with both marshmallows and whipped cream) and a chicken pie with mashed potatoes. 

I really like Edinburgh too!  It has been a delight to start to discover another new country!