Edinburgh, August 3, 2010

First question of the day - how do you to make coffee without a coffee pot? Engineers solution: Line a colander with paper towels as filter, place over a sauce pan, and pour boiling water over the coffee grounds. Results: Good coffee!!

Climbed the steps from Grassmarket up to the back side of Edinburgh Castle

With that problem solved, and a good breakfast consumed, we set out for Edinburgh Castle. Our flat was in a perfect location - we could even see the Castle from the living room window! The weather cooperated again, and it was even hot and sunny as we stood in a queue for tickets to tour the Castle. Once again, Mark qualified for the Concession ticket price (or OAP - old age pensioner) price.

Edinburgh Castle from Princes St.

Stands set up for Tattoo, which we missed by a day

Piper on the ramparts

We spent a good bit of time touring the Castle, then began the stroll down the Royal Mile toward the Palace at Holyroodhouse.

Piper by the Castle

The Royal Mile shops are now much more commercial and touristy. Between George IV Bridge and North Bridge, the Mile is a pedestrian way for the Festival. The street is crowded with visitors - mostly young folks - from all over. We heard a good bit of Italian being spoken as we wandered from shop to shop. There are groups of performers trying to entice passersby to their shows.

Becky and Steve in front of St. Giles Cathedral

We stopped to tour St Giles Cathedral, a lovely old church. There was a musical group performing there, and we sat and listened for a while. Then we wandered down the Mile, in and out of various shops. Lunch was at McGregor's Pub, and we all washed down lunch with the requisite ale.

At the foot of the Mile, directly across from the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the new Scottish Parliament building stands. The striking modern building is in stark contrast to the centuries-old Palace. The Parliament building is controversial, according to Peter Falconer, and we could see why. The design is almost Scandinavian in feel, and a quite a lovely building inside and out. There was a very interesting photography exhibit going on - award-winning journalistic photos from around the world. We also sat in the Assembly room where the parliamentary activities occur. Very interesting architecture there also.

Scottish Parliament

Sitting in the Assembly room

Next we toured the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen's residence when she is in Scotland. It was interesting to see the inside of this relatively modest (for royalty!) abode.

Queen's Gallery, entrance to Palace of Holyroodhouse

Back to the flat to regroup and figure out a dinner location. We tried to make a reservation at Howie's, just up the street on Victoria Street. The restaurant was highly recommended in both our guide books, and the online comments were also positive. They didn't answer the phone, and online reservation wasn't working, so we just walked over. They couldn't seat us for half an hour - the "kitchen needed a wee rest after serving a big party;" so we went around the corner to have drinks at Biddy Mulligan's pub. Dinner at Howie's was excellent, and worth waiting for. Then it was back to the flat - another long but great day of sightseeing.