Mad Edinburgh

[ctbuchanan]

My complaint with my Scottish cousins is that when they come to the USA they go to three places: Walt Disney World in Orlando, New York City and Las Vegas.

I admonish them that they are not experiencing America! But to no avail. People go where they want to go.

I will say that Alex did come up to New Hampshire to visit us on one of his trips over recently and he go to experience Olde New England for real.

Note: I was in Edinburgh to march in the Tattoo this August and it is a city like many others, you need to know the right places to visit. But as my mother was born in Glasgow I do have a preference.

[bodhran4me]

I am with the good Father Bill, don't hold back, tell us how you really feel! It is bad for ya to keep 'er all bottled up!

Edinburgh is a large city and I could probably never live there but I did enjoy it for what it was and yes enjoyed the Royal Mile as well. Indeed, I would have liked to have spent more than just one day so I could have explored a bit more. As a Canadian it is rather remarkable to wander in and around structures that have seen so many centuries, even if they are now occupied by tat shops and such. Try to see past the hustle and trappings and enjoy the feel of cobblestone under your feet . Glean what you can from your next trip.

Having said that we also stopped to see where my mum-in-law used to stay summers with her granny in GlenIsla. I could not only live there but die there as well. Strolling the roads, sitting on the stone bridge over the flowing stream was beautiful to use a hackneyed expression. I could have spent the entire couple of weeks exploring and roaming, but so much to do in such little time, eh? I also did a late day start/finish of Ben Nevis and must say the way down was much less crowded and more enjoyable, except for the pain in my old knees!

If I were to return, I would likely skip the cities we did visit albeit briefly(Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness) and either hike the West Highland Way, visit Glen Isla or maybe even John O'Groats!

Cities anywhere can be interesting and even remarkable but there are forests, hills and glens which are majestic and truly resonate.