tourist checklist

Go to Edinburgh Castle...check
Try whiskey...check
Go on a ghost tour...check
Take a picture of a man in a kilt...check
Find Chocolate Soup...check
Literary Museum...why not?

A lot has been accomplished to day to say the least. I am not going to give a detailed story of all I have done, if you want to know feel free to look at my facebook...if you are my friend (which I am assuming you are). However, I just wanted to recount some of the more interesting aspects of the day.

First off, I decided that today was my day to be a tourist. It is hard to be the weird mix of tourist/student here. I don't want to be that person; the camera carrying, guidebook reading, try to fit everything into one day, type of person is just not my style. I like to have a plan, but I like to do it in my own time. Keeping this in mind, I went to the castle today and I will admit that I did have my camera but no guidebook. The castle was interesting, mainly because it was a castle and it is interesting to think that people so long ago were able to build something like that. However, it wasn't a castle like Americans tend to think of them. It was more like a small walled town that today has been into small museums. My favorite part was probably the view. There were neat historic aspects, but I just like seeing out all across the city (and actually recognizing things!). The scottish crown jewels were also housed there behind a massive door. It was amazing to think how many times they have been worn and what they represent. I think my favorite piece was the ruby ring with a cross carved into. It's age was obvious because of the crudeness of the cut, but still beautiful in it's simplicity. Also at the castle I tried whiskey for the first time. I know I have been here a couple of weeks already, but I am an old woman and have to take things slowly. The first taste I had was some exclusive to the castle, fancy huh? Needless to say I wasn't sure what to expect. I tasted it and I really liked it until it went down my throat and burned my insides. I guess I need more practice. The second was a little sweeter and a little smoother-no inside burning this time. That is about all there is to say on the castle subject.

I had expected to spend a bit more time at the castle, but it only took about two hours. After exiting, there was a man standing outside posing as Braveheart. He was quite entertaining and those of us lucky enough to be there at the time got a lovely view of his bum with a cross tattoo. How kind. My friend Leesha and I weren't sure what to do with this extra time on our hands so we just wandered down the royal mile. We went into St. Giles Cathedral, which was absolutely beautiful (although it costs two pounds to take pictures inside). Cathedrals are probably one of my favorite places to visit. The atmosphere is calming and even though I am not religious I can see how inspiring it is. The prayer candles flicker, light streams in through painted glass windows, and there is a low hum as people wander in and out. Everything seems so much simpler in the small alcoves. We also managed to find our way to the Literary Museum which was somewhat hidden behind a close. It was interesting to see things from the lives of Robert Burns, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Sir Walter Scott, but nothing outstanding. Oddly enough, the museums had locks of hair from each of them.

After St. Giles, it was determined that we should get something hot to drink to boost our stamina for the ghost tour. Leesha had mentioned this place called Chocolate Soup which was supposed to be amazing, but of course neither of us really knew where it was. Apparently, after our devout appreciation at St. Giles, the gods/God smiled upon us. I really thought Leesha had just seen a famous person when we turned a corner and saw Chocolate Soup; that was how intense her reaction of utter delight was. I ordered a hot chocolate and it (not to sound like my Grandfather) was the best I have ever had. Ironic right?

The adventure on Royal Street continued until it was time for the Paranormal tour of the underground vaults. I think Leesha and I did a better job scaring ourselves than the tour guide did. We got our very own EMF detector and were given free rein for ten minutes to explore. Ghosts must have like us, because that thing was going crazy (just kidding...maybe). You can look for Leesha and I on tv at some point because we will be pros.

To round the day off we finished with traditional pub food at Deacon Brodies and wandered back to our dorms (as everyone else was heading back). Fun and busy day, but tomorrow it is time for homework.

Peace