Adventures in Scotland - Day 1 Arrival in Edinburgh

After a brief delay getting off the ground in Newark, we made it across the ocean and our flight landed in Edinburgh around 8:15am local time.  I had arranged a driver from the hotel so he was there to meet us at the airport. He was Allan, a retired Scottish police officer, so he had lots of history and things to share about Edinburgh - gave us good advice about things to do. We couldn't get into our room yet (it was 9:30am) so we dropped the bags at the hotel and headed out into the city. Our hotel - the Balmoral Hotel - is a block off the Royal Mile. That is the old part of the city and where all the interesting things are located so it was an easy walk. We went to a small (8 table) restaurant in an alley for breakfast - recommended on Trip Advisor and was very good. Then we walked through the old town, and visited St. Giles Cathedral.



It is the flagship of the Church of Scotland and has been on the site since 854. 


We stopped by the old parliament building. It is Armed Forces Day so a few memorials and events happening- lots of bagpipes playing. Next we hiked up the Mile to Edinburgh Castle - up high above the city. Great views and historical significance - saw the Crown Jewels of Scotland and the oldest building in Edinburgh. 

Looking up at the castle.


Looking down at the city below.

Next on to the National Museum of Scotland. The hotel called with our room ready so we grabbed a quick panini from a shop along the walk home, checked into the room and took a nap. Good weather - 65 and partly sunny - just a quick 10 minute rain shower while we were in the castle and tomorrow is supposed to be lovely too. 


It's a Beautiful old city with lots of stone buildings and cobblestone streets - the 'new' part of the city was built in the 1800's so certainly gives you perspective! 

This is the cafe where JK Rowling (a resident in Edinburgh) wrote all of the Harry Potter novels. Our driver showed us the local school that she modeled Hogwarts after!

After getting settled in the room we had dinner reservations at the highest rated Michelin restaurant in town - aptly named Number One. We had an amazing 7- course meal and rolled out at 9:30pm feeling very full and sleepy.


Since we are so far north, it was still daylight so we wandered around the streets to walk off our meal before finally retiring to our room at 11pm. 

One faucet is freezing cold water and the other is scalding hot water. How do you wash your hands??
This is our hotel! We are on the 5th floor with a great view of the city.

The city is beautiful at sunset (10pm)!


Edinburgh Castle on the hill behind me. 
Tomorrow is another fun-filled day!


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