I am back from the land of Scottish Whisky and plaid kilts. We (the parents and I) took a five hour train into the center of Edinburgh on Tuesday afternoon and spent the evening getting settled into our apartment at 4 Cowgatehead (yep that is the actual name of the street) which is just down the street from the castle.
Wednesday we explored. The city is gorgeous in a very Gothic sort of way. It is not that big but built up on top of itself. Everywhere you look there is a hill up or down, a tiny alleyway that they call "a close" running to somewhere, and a sharp stairway that is a shortcut to the street above. It was crazy but really cool compared to London which is flat and realllllly wide and expansive. We took a bus tour that had a guide explaining everything. Well the guides had thick Scottish accents and I had to keep translating to Mom who swore they were not speaking English hehe.
We discovered that Blair is one of the original Scottish clans and therefore very common/popular in Edinburgh. 1st I found Blair Street and was thrilled. Then I found a Blair House, and found Blair plaid, Blair malt whisky, Blair key chains, mugs, and shot glasses. Sorry, for a kid who could NEVER find her name on those buy things with your name on it this was just too much fun and I was probably a little too excited about it.
We spend Thursday shopping and eating at the local pubs. (no one tried haggis even though mom thought about it. I on the other hand am only so adventurous). In the evening, we went to a Scotch Whisky tasting and saw the largest collection of scotch whisky in the world. There were a LOT of bottles and it was fun to try the different types of whisky.
Ok so here is my Harry Potter rant, yes I am a dork but it must be shared. There were unexpected Harry Potter/JK Rowling references on this little trip. First, I got my picture with platform 9 and 3/4 at King's Cross station before we left (yes I took a picture with a wall, I am a shameless tourist). In Edinburgh, we saw the school where JK Rowling went to become a teacher before she wrote the books. Then we went past the mansion/palace prep school where her children currently go to school. And finally, the entire city looks Harry Potterish (and also Mary Poppins, its something with the chimneys and roof tops).
On Friday, we took a day trip to St. Andrew's. The town was really cute however, we went so Dad the golfer could see the birthplace of golf. We ate at the clubhouse, walked around the old course, bought some souvenirs, and took pics of Dad posed in front of the greens. Dad was just thrilled to be there and Mom and I were trying to figure out how it was possible for the Scotts to be playing golf 600 years ago.
We flew back to London on Saturday afternoon. Sunday was the parents last day in the city and we took a visit to the British Museum. We got back just in time since Sunday we also met up with Preetal who came for a visit!!!!!!!! It was a great trip and the parents our back home in the states. My fall break is over and tomorrow I start my internship at Ernst & Young.
Wednesday we explored. The city is gorgeous in a very Gothic sort of way. It is not that big but built up on top of itself. Everywhere you look there is a hill up or down, a tiny alleyway that they call "a close" running to somewhere, and a sharp stairway that is a shortcut to the street above. It was crazy but really cool compared to London which is flat and realllllly wide and expansive. We took a bus tour that had a guide explaining everything. Well the guides had thick Scottish accents and I had to keep translating to Mom who swore they were not speaking English hehe.
We discovered that Blair is one of the original Scottish clans and therefore very common/popular in Edinburgh. 1st I found Blair Street and was thrilled. Then I found a Blair House, and found Blair plaid, Blair malt whisky, Blair key chains, mugs, and shot glasses. Sorry, for a kid who could NEVER find her name on those buy things with your name on it this was just too much fun and I was probably a little too excited about it.
We spend Thursday shopping and eating at the local pubs. (no one tried haggis even though mom thought about it. I on the other hand am only so adventurous). In the evening, we went to a Scotch Whisky tasting and saw the largest collection of scotch whisky in the world. There were a LOT of bottles and it was fun to try the different types of whisky.
Ok so here is my Harry Potter rant, yes I am a dork but it must be shared. There were unexpected Harry Potter/JK Rowling references on this little trip. First, I got my picture with platform 9 and 3/4 at King's Cross station before we left (yes I took a picture with a wall, I am a shameless tourist). In Edinburgh, we saw the school where JK Rowling went to become a teacher before she wrote the books. Then we went past the mansion/palace prep school where her children currently go to school. And finally, the entire city looks Harry Potterish (and also Mary Poppins, its something with the chimneys and roof tops).
On Friday, we took a day trip to St. Andrew's. The town was really cute however, we went so Dad the golfer could see the birthplace of golf. We ate at the clubhouse, walked around the old course, bought some souvenirs, and took pics of Dad posed in front of the greens. Dad was just thrilled to be there and Mom and I were trying to figure out how it was possible for the Scotts to be playing golf 600 years ago.
We flew back to London on Saturday afternoon. Sunday was the parents last day in the city and we took a visit to the British Museum. We got back just in time since Sunday we also met up with Preetal who came for a visit!!!!!!!! It was a great trip and the parents our back home in the states. My fall break is over and tomorrow I start my internship at Ernst & Young.
I'm still climbing steps in my dreams :0)
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