Edinburgh

Since we never made it to Scotland before I had to move back to America, I decided to take a mini day trip to Edinburgh when my friend Ann came for a visit. We left the flat at 5:30 AM and didn't return in 11PM. Even though it was a long day it was totally worth it.

First stop was a 287 step climb to the top of The Scott Monument

The Scott Monument

View from the Scott Monument

View from the Scott Monument

Stained glass in The Scott Monument

  

Edinburgh Castle 

Princes's Park

Olympic Rings

Next up was an open top bus tour around Edinburgh. We were pretty much the only ones on the bus, so I think the driver took a couple detours.

After the bus tour, we went to Edinburgh Castle. We saw the Scottish Crown Jewels and a beautiful memorial to Scottish military, but we were not allowed to take pictures. Part of the Scottish crown jewels include The Coronation Stone. The stone was stolen by King Edward I in 1296 and fitted into King Edwards Chair, which is still used today during coronations of British royals. It was finally returned to Scotland 1996 and will only return to England for coronations.

The Scottish National War Memorial at Edinburgh Castle 

The Scottish National War Memorial at Edinburgh Castle

The single most important event to take place at the Royal Palace was the birth of James VI of Scotland and I of England. A glided stone panel shows 1566, the date of James's birth, and the interlocking initials 'MAH', for his parents Mary and Henry

Cemetery for dogs of soliders