Touristing - The Royal Mile
Friday, June 24.
When going into John Muir’s birth place in Dunbar learned that the walking route, now the John Muir Way, is a relatively new path. Developed in 2014. Prior to that there was a series of about 20 different walking paths in each of the counties/locations across southern Scotland, and the National Bike Trails. Many Americans were coming to Scotland searching for links to John Muir (Father of the National Parks in the US) that it was realized they needed to make more of a Big Deal out of him. The JMW came about from the influence of Americans.
I did not go in as that has been done twice before…as they say “been there done that”.
At the Castle there is an immensely huge project setting up bleachers around 3 sides of the open area in preparation for the spectacular Royal Military Tattoo exhibition/performance in August.
Photo from a previous Royal Military Tattoo.
First house outside the castle grounds. Rising on the left of the photo is part of that bleacher set up.
Scotch Whiskey Experience - a popular attraction.
Realized today that the smells of the city remind me of London. Good Memories!
Funny watching people all over lugging huge pieces of luggage everywhere with them. This lady just dragged that bag all the steps up to Edinburgh Castle.
Looking up hill towards Castle.
Saint Giles 1124. “900 years of Scottish history. Originally Roman Catholic. The Scottish Reformation in the 16th century adopted Protestantism. Served as John Knott’s parish church until his death. St Giles is widely considered the mother church of Presbyterianism.”
“Archibald Campbell Marquess of Argyll. Beheaded near St Giles for his beliefs. 1661”
John Knox.
Popped into the Peoples Story. A mini museum about life from the people’s point of view living in the tenements.
Pink Delicious Scottish Hog Roasts
Holyrood Palace. Queen Elizabeth’s Scottish Standard is flying! She must be here for Royal Week/Holyrood Week. There are lots of parades on the grounds, a large garden party at Holyrood (8,000 guests), and Investiture of Scottish residents who have made significant contributions to society.
The Queen’s limo is on the left with the Royal crown.
Scottish Parliament.
Inside Parliament.
All the seats were modern, as was the entire building.
Former High School on Calton Hill below monument to Nelson.
Entrance to St James Square - a modern mall amongst the ancient buildings. St James Square just opened a year ago.
I was here for Opening Day. Took photos of 9 of the mannequins. Also there were many floral arrangements in front of stores.
Flora McDonald.
Dogs allowed in mall.
Annie Lennox.
Frida Kahlo.
Detail of Frida’s dress.
Queen Victoria.
Edinburgh!!!
9.03 Miles. 21,875 Steps.
Breakfast in room of instant coffee and fresh British strawberries. Very sweet. Marks and Spencer’s for warm apple turnover and pain au chocolat. The first eaten sitting on the steps outside Edinburgh Castle waiting for the gates to open. The 2nd while waiting for St Giles Cathedral to open.
When going into John Muir’s birth place in Dunbar learned that the walking route, now the John Muir Way, is a relatively new path. Developed in 2014. Prior to that there was a series of about 20 different walking paths in each of the counties/locations across southern Scotland, and the National Bike Trails. Many Americans were coming to Scotland searching for links to John Muir (Father of the National Parks in the US) that it was realized they needed to make more of a Big Deal out of him. The JMW came about from the influence of Americans.
I did not go in as that has been done twice before…as they say “been there done that”.
At the Castle there is an immensely huge project setting up bleachers around 3 sides of the open area in preparation for the spectacular Royal Military Tattoo exhibition/performance in August.
Photo from a previous Royal Military Tattoo.
First house outside the castle grounds. Rising on the left of the photo is part of that bleacher set up.
Scotch Whiskey Experience - a popular attraction.
Realized today that the smells of the city remind me of London. Good Memories!
Funny watching people all over lugging huge pieces of luggage everywhere with them. This lady just dragged that bag all the steps up to Edinburgh Castle.
Looking up hill towards Castle.
Saint Giles 1124. “900 years of Scottish history. Originally Roman Catholic. The Scottish Reformation in the 16th century adopted Protestantism. Served as John Knott’s parish church until his death. St Giles is widely considered the mother church of Presbyterianism.”
“Archibald Campbell Marquess of Argyll. Beheaded near St Giles for his beliefs. 1661”
John Knox.
Popped into the Peoples Story. A mini museum about life from the people’s point of view living in the tenements.
Pink Delicious Scottish Hog Roasts
Holyrood Palace. Queen Elizabeth’s Scottish Standard is flying! She must be here for Royal Week/Holyrood Week. There are lots of parades on the grounds, a large garden party at Holyrood (8,000 guests), and Investiture of Scottish residents who have made significant contributions to society.
The Queen’s limo is on the left with the Royal crown.
Scottish Parliament.
Inside Parliament.
All the seats were modern, as was the entire building.
Former High School on Calton Hill below monument to Nelson.
Entrance to St James Square - a modern mall amongst the ancient buildings. St James Square just opened a year ago.
I was here for Opening Day. Took photos of 9 of the mannequins. Also there were many floral arrangements in front of stores.
Flora McDonald.
Dogs allowed in mall.
Annie Lennox.
Frida Kahlo.
Detail of Frida’s dress.
Queen Victoria.
Had trouble uploading yesterday’s blog. It just WOULDN’T work from my hotel. Middle of today realized I was near the Holiday Inn Express where I stayed over 3 weeks ago. Walked in like I was a current guest, sat down in the lounge, signed in to their WIFI (phone remembered password) and was able to post the blog in about 3 minutes. So, if there is trouble with this one I shall go be a ‘smart’ person again tomorrow.
“A traveler sees what he sees, a tourist sees what he has come to see.” Gilbert K. Chesterton
I am trying to be a traveler in tourist land.
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