Wednesday 8 June 2016

Edinburgh for the day

June 2
Well, it is our fourth day in Scotland and we decided that it was finally time to visit Edinburgh.  Rather than face driving in the city and finding parking, we decided to take the train into the city.  First stop a bite to eat before we head to Edinburgh Castle.

a couple of visitors from out of town looking for breakfast as well

10:30 in the morning and already the crowds are heavy and my most feared group "the tour groups" have already arrived, 5 of them passed while I was waiting for Bill to return from the WC.

a band getting ready to perform





treasures within the castle




drummer boy jacket

once again, the ever present climb

up and up we go


looking down into the esplanade - already they are building the stadium seating and the private boxes for the Tattoo that will take place in August

Nelson's Monument in the background and the Political Martyr's Monument (the obelisk) in the foreground

views from the cannons


above the arches - the rose (England), the thistle (Scotland) and 
the fleur de lis (France)


 Mary Queen of Scots ascended to the throne at the tender age of 6 days old on the death of her father





Lady Justice



this had to be the most inappropriate pair of shoes I saw for climbing 
around the cobble stoned streets - very fashionable she was, but 
also hanging on tightly to her male companion

this is so typical of what we have seen in many European cities - residential mixed with offices and industrial; old with new; all a delightful melange of a living, functioning, vibrant city

along the Royal Mile




Crown Steeple of St Giles' Cathedral


St Giles' cathedral is the principal place of worship for the 
Church of Scotland - parts of the church date from the early 1100s





that blue just pops 

 stained class galore





 


this was my favourite window

John Knox - leader of the Protestant Reformation

 fancy grillwork




carvings galore









this stained glass window was very modern looking but was from the 
turn of the century - I guess that is modern when you are 
talking about a church that is over 800 years old

the pipe organ

regimental banners

those quilt patterns again



do you think this was placed by someone who was a very grateful 
recipient of the wonderful benefits of chloroform



Walter Scott Memorial 

he looks so sad

 







Edinburgh Castle in the distance

one or two chimneys there


Scottish Parliament

I think I see a resemblance to a family member here- what do you think? 




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