Hello Edinburgh

We arrived in Edinburgh yesterday afternoon after a long train ride through northern England.  But the long train ride was worth it for the fabulous view you have as you arrive in Edinburgh by rail via Waverly Train Station.  We had forgotten how dramatic it is to pull in beneath the sheer cliff with Edinburgh Castle above you.  We are returning here after 16 years-- we made this trip in August of 1992, when Alison and Andy were 8 and 11.  We're staying with Deb's Scottish friend, Carol Lenagan, who hosted us back then as well.  In fact, we remember watching the Olympics on the BBC with their family that August, just as we are now.  The Edinburgh Festival is in full swing as well, so the streets are lively, to be sure.

Today we did a walking tour of Edinburgh and immediately noticed some of the differences between walking here and walking in Oxford.  Edinburgh has hills!  We saw a lot of the usual, great sites-- Arthur's seat, the Castle (still one of most impressive castles we have seen), the Palace of Holyrood House where Queen Elizabeth stays when she is in town.  (She isn't here right now.) 

Edinburgh Castle from Princes Street

 We also saw more street performers than you can imagine-- jugglers, acrobats, musicians, plays, etc.  We were handed flyers for many performances since there are literally thousands of events going on right now. 

 Edinburgh Castle Entrance

We did go to a chamber music concert at the Canongate Kirk (Scottish for church).  At our dinner after the concert at a nearby restaurant, who should show up but the musicians!  So our touch for eating next to well-known people continues.  

Arthur's Seat