Let the Tour Begin!

It's a blistering 42 degrees here in the Scottish capital.  Temperatures are not going to warm past the low 40s for the next few days, and it seems as if rain and clouds are going to be the norm.  Most people are walking around wearing gloves and scarves.  

Edinburgh Castle...just around the corner from where we are staying!

I began the day in Raleigh, North Carolina, and flew to London Heathrow.  Heathrow is a massive airport, probably a bit bigger than the Danville Regional Airport.  It is always amusing to watch people in an airport, as most everyone looks confused, tired, or just dazed.  One gentleman in Heathrow was roaming around, muttering "I don't know why I'm here or where I'm going."  Always nice to have a plan.  At least he has some options.  


The Edinburgh airport is much smaller than LHR, and the highlight of the day came as I watched people trying to decide if the bags on the carousel indeed belonged to them.  It's funny how a person can spend  a week packing a bag and then not be able to clearly identify it.  I did see a tag on one bag which read "ONLY DIRTY CLOTHES IN HERE!"  And why are all bags black?  


From the airport it was a short jaunt to the city centre, and New York cabbies should take a lesson from their Scottish counterparts. We zipped along, taking those roundabouts on two wheels and squeezing between buses with about enough room between the vehicles to swipe a credit card.  But Scots should drive however they wish...it was a Scotsman who created the forerunner to tarmac.

View of Rose Street

The place where we are staying is quite comfortable and located on historic Rose Street.  Nestled in New Town and running parallel to Princes Street and George Street, Rose Street was created during the reign of King George III, and both Rose and Thistle Streets were named in honor of the Union of the Crowns (which took place in 1603 during the reign of King James VI).  There are eight mosaic roses which decorate the street, and at one time this illustrious track was referred to as "The Amber Mile," for it is home to more bars per yard than any other street in Edinburgh.  This particular thoroughfare also has a rather unsavory past, for at one time it was a hotbed of prostitution.  Now, however, it draws tourists to its numerous pubs, bars, and shops.   

Not even Scotland can resist...