Our half-term break adventures continued after we ran some errands after getting home from Madrid. Emily and I gave a valiant effort to walk to Victoria Coach Station; however, time was scarce and we were lost...so we grabbed the tube and made it with spades to spare. It would be my third overnight bus and while I was excited to head to Edinburgh, I was not excited for the bus ride. It was completely mobbed and I barely slept a wink. As per usual, the moment we got out of the bus and into the fresh air, I was woken up and excited to go exploring.
Our arrival corresponded with the sunrise...
We got to our hostel way before check-in, but were able to store our bags and sign in before heading out to do some exploring and hopefully stay awake. What a better way to start a day in Edinburgh than exploring the Royal Mile and all its shops? We stopped for fudge at the bottom and admired all of the tartan along the way. I avoided the temptation of a kilt and admired all of the kitschy Scottish stuff that never ceased to amuse me. Emily got her first taste of Scottish fish and chips; they were hot, filling, and so flavourful. Sitting inside the small chippy, we enjoyed loads of people watching and then headed back out, enjoying the variety of things to look at along the constantly busy road.
Feeling a bit adventurous, we decided to find and climb up Calton Hill to explore the monuments. It decided to rain - we're in Scotland, it had to at least once - after we had made it up to the hilltop. Undeterred and slightly tired, we ignored the rain and took some individual time to wander around. I climbed up the Nelson Monument, which sort of looked like a lighthouse and admired the stunning view.
Me, in front of the National Monument
I hung out near the National Monument, an amusingly expensive set of Greek columns meant to represent Edinburgh's nickname: the Athens of the North. Then I set out to follow the paths that wove around the hill. It was busy, despite the on and off drizzle, with a healthy mix of tourists and locals enjoying the fresh air and stillness of a hill overlooking the old, proud capital.
View from the Nelson Monument over Calton Hill and the city.
Feeling cold and tired, Emily and I picked up Scottish lambswool scarves at a cute shop across from our hostel and headed in, finally able to get our keys. We napped and showered to dislodge the grimy feeling of travel then, at the behest of our grumbling tummies, headed for dinner. The guy at reception directed us to The Last Drop - a pub where criminals set to be hung got their last pint before their execution. I happily acquired a pint of Tennet's and a tasty Cesar salad.
My bed!
After dinner, we went on a stroll up to the castle to see the view of the city at night. It was refreshing, chilly, and utterly lovely.
Declining the Halloween party festivities of the bars that night, even at the best of another crazy Australian, we chose instead to people watch in the common room and get an early night after meeting our kind Toronto roommate, who quickly became another travel friend.
Our common room, at breakfast time.
On Sunday we woke up so early due to the time change, but were rested and ready to go. After enjoying the cheap and filling hostel breakfast, we headed back outside to the Royal Mile to join a walking tour. We were once again surprised by the full, extensive 3 hour tour! Our tour guide, Alan, was fabulously humorous and well informed. The tour was filled with tonnes of history that supplemented my knowledge and entertained with rather gruesome stories and English teasing.
Emily, I, and our scarves on the Walking Tour.
Greyfriar's Church
We picked up some Halloween costume pieces, lunch for the trip, and enjoyed some delicious sausage rolls from Greggs which we had while in Princes Street Gardens. The view up to the castle was stunning and the sun began slowly to set, allowing the trees to sparkle as the faint sounds of bagpipes filled the air. We hiked up the hill / cliff side back to the Royal Mile and the old city.
View of the castle and the path up the cliffs through Prince's Street Gardens.
Wandering about, we enjoyed some chips and people watching followed by meeting up with our Toronto roommate and her friend to play cards and warm up in the common room. We left for a 21:30 ghost tour. Alan continued his historically humorous and gruesome tales while leading us to various graveyards, back up Calton hill, and around a few churches. The city was beautiful at night and we completed our tour in a pub where I was able to try the creamy Belhaven's Best, which I admit not enjoying. Afterwards, we quickly headed to bed and passed out in the firm, warm, and comfy beds.
On Monday we were up a little bit late, but still managed to beat the crowds to the Castle. It was fabulous to explore Edinburgh Castle again. I got to wander around slowly and take a lot of photographs, playing with black and white and different angle. I stopped for a bit of a break to revive myself with some coke before heading out again to see the Scottish National War Museum before re-meeting Emily at the Castle entrance.
View over the city, in front of the Castle.
Winding path within the castle...
View of the Castle and the city...
We continued our very Scottish Monday with a trip to the Scotch Whisky Experience next door after having lunch in the hostel. It was interesting to learn about how whisky was made. The barrel ride was cute and fun. Discovering the scents and flavours was informative and I was able to try Glen Moray, a Speyside scotch that wasn't half bad.
The World's largest collection of whisky...
Heading home, we met up again with our Canadian friends and played more cards - the apparent theme of our trip! Our hostel hosted a Halloween Party, where I became a LOL Cat and subsequently enjoyed teasing from the guys at reception - "What's up Kitty Kat?" - and met more people in the hostel. One of the girls made "everything alcoholic" punch that tasted like apples. We chose to turn in early, but enjoyed the time and getting to dress up.
All dressed up and ready to go...
We were woken up early by the incessant chirping of the fire alarm, which had been set off by the showers. Unable to get back to sleep after the third time, we chose to have an early breakfast. The day was beautiful, chilly, and bright so we climbed up the cliffs by Arthur's Seat. We enjoyed lunch on top of the cliffs and took in the phenomenal views.
View from the cliffs!
I met up with Brigid's sister, Sam, and we headed to the National Gallery. It was filled with lovely examples of impressionism, North American and Scottish landscapes. She headed back to study and I went to read and rest; my ankle was sore thanks to all the walking, but there was a bench in Prince's Street Gardens where I read as a piper played some of my favourite tunes down the road.
I met back up with Emily and Sam at the World's End Pub, where the old city ended/the city gates were. We all enjoyed some tasty steak pie before walking Sam home and enjoying some cocoa and conversation.
Emily and Sam at the World's End Pub!
Collecting our things from the hostel, we walked to the bus station and began our long, overnight journey home to London.
Hope you have enjoyed!
Ciao <3
Fallon x
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