Marshall’s words: “Dublin sucked.” I must say that I kinda agree:) The weather wasn’t the best and then on our 6:30am departure out of the city the Ryan Air flight attendant didn’t allow one of our backpacks as a carry-on. The attendant told Marshall that it didn’t fit in easily to their little frame thing. We’ve already begun to compose our strongly-worded letter for the $60 checked baggage fee. Anyways, on to better cities!
We arrived in Edinburgh, took the bus to the City Center, and then caught a taxi to our hotel. We had a great driver who offered lots of insight into the city, even though we could only catch about every 3rd word given her heavy Scottish accent. We arrived at the Ben Doran, and well, let’s just say that it wasn’t a Priceline award winner. Given that we were spoiled by Debbie in Northern Ireland, this B&B had a lot to live up to. Floral wallpaper, pink bathroom tiled floor, a stained blanket, and a string for a light switch, we made the most of it and given that we checked in at 8am, a bed to sleep in was all that we really wanted.
Nap- check! We were ready to tour. We walked back towards the city center, along Princes and Rose Street and had lunch at Miro’s Cantina. Yes, Mexican in Scotland and it was great! Everywhere you turn in Edinburgh is a picture-worthy moment- lovely architecture and lots of history. At Edinburgh Castle, we caught panoramic views of the city. Along the Royal Mile by the castle, we saw the Tartan Weaving Mill where they make all of the plaid fabrics for kilts and such. Cool to see all of the yarn from so many different bolts weave together to create hundreds and hundreds of plaids.
A popular university among our students looking at the UK, we made our way to University of Edinburgh. It’s Old College building, park, and academic houses were all very neat to see in person. It’s a beautiful closed-off campus with lots of restaurants and pubs surrounding it. We stopped for a pint in the Royal Oak Pub, completely surrounded by old regulars and students. That night, we had dinner at the Outsider- best UK dinner yet, with wonderful views of the castle out the window. Picture-perfect day in Edinburgh!
The Ryan Air luggage fiasco
The posh Ben Doran B&B
Welcome to Edinburgh...in a Mexican restaurant- my favorite!
Bagpiper
Balmoral Hotel (not our hotel, obviously)
Sir Walter Scott Monument
Views of Edinburgh
View of Edinburgh Castle
View from the top of a cannon at Edinburgh Castle
Skyline View of Edinburgh from the castle
Tartan Weaving Mill
The Jones tartan plaid
Taking a break on the Royal Mile
University of Edinburgh's Old College
University of Edinburgh and blue skies!
Student Postings around University of Edinburgh campus
View of the castle from dinner