WEDNESDAY

Out the door at 10 for the walk up to Princes Street and across North Bridge, next to the Balmoral Hotel, to take us over to the Royal Mile, home to both Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Along the way we stopped in and toured the National Portrait Gallery near our hotels (photos not allowed inside). Next stop the Vodaphone and T-Mobile shops where two members of our party picked up sim cards for their phones (on my list—didn't have my phone or unlock code along).

Finally made it over to the Royal Mile and hiked uphill to Edinburgh Castle. The parking lot in front of the castle was full of grandstands for the upcoming Military Tattoo, an annual August event here, so no city view from the parking lot. Spent about 20 minutes in the ticket line and about 2 hours touring the castle and its grounds, including two museums, the Scottish National War Memorial, and the regimental dog cemetery.

Walking into the castle through the Military Tattoo grandstands



city view towards Princes Street from the castle


Mons Meg siege gun



Down the hill for lunch at Deacon Brodie's Tavern. We sat upstairs. They were out of shepherds pie (with lamb) so had to settle for beef short rib pie at 11 pounds ($17) with mashed potatoes and carrots. Very good. Others at our table has a Thai dish, fish sandwich, and chicken and mushroom pie, and everything look delicious.




Headed down the hill passing shops selling woolen goods and whiskey, and our final destination was the Palace of Holyroodhouse. No time for a tour today (I have done that before), so just a quick look from behind the gates. The Scottish Parliament is right across the street. Back to our hotels after this via a shortcut through the Waverly train station.

At 7pm we met Jenbel from Edinburgh, an FTer here that I go back with probably about 10 years now, for drinks at the The Cafe Royal on West Register Street, off the main road enough that tourists would not accidentally stumble into it, and full of locals. Caught up on what's happening around Edinburgh and why the tram lines are continually under construction. Always great to talk with someone with local knowledge and recommendations on what to see and do. Very nice visit.

Walked around Princes Street and the adjoining gardens, and then up to The Dome restaurant for a quick look at the exquisite interior. Back to our hotels.

The Dome




Right around 10pm we popped into the cinema complex with pubs and restaurants across from the Coughlins hotel for a burger, fries and beer special for 5 pounds ($7.50). Very convenient for a late night meal. As we had lunch late we didn't have much of an appetite at the earlier pub stop.

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