E is for Edinburgh

The day my family was supposed to fly to Edinburgh was the day Glasgow airport was attacked in 2007. Needless to say our flight was cancelled.  Rather than calling the whole trip off we decided to drive to Scotland instead which ended up being a happy accident. Winding roads right through the beautiful rolling hills of the Cotswolds, dotted with grazing sheep and thatched roof homes.
We pulled into Edinburgh and I instantly fell in love.  It was flanked by these emerald green hills and huge stone castle. And even though it's a city it still felt so green.  The first thing we did was take a bus tour of the city. It was a double-decker bus so we popped on our headphones and rode in the sunshine up top. This is a great way to see a lot of the city, get your bearings and learn some of the history. 
You can hop-on and off so we jumped off at Edinburgh Castle to get an up close look. This ancient fortress sits up high on "Castle Rock" and is an imposing but beautiful structure that offers an amazing view of Edinburgh and its coasts.
We came back to the castle one evening to see the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. The word "tattoo" comes from the Dutch term "Doe den tap toe", or just "tap toe"  which basically means "last call" and was a signal used to tell pubs and inns to turn off their taps so the soldiers would stop drinking and return to their bases at a reasonable hour.  Today it is the annual performance of international military bands from all around the world,  right inside the walls of Edinburgh Castle. Bagpipes, kilts, amazing drumming and rhythm. The Tattoo is only during the month of August and tickets always sell out. I'll admit that sister and I were not that excited to see this but I promise we quickly changed our attitude-it is not to be missed.
There is so much going on in Edinburgh during the summer and we chose the perfect weekend to go- right during the Fringe Festival.  This is the largest performing arts festival in the world and it runs for 3 weeks, also in August.  There are performances on every stage in the city, on sidewalks and in pavilions. Dramas, musicals,  dance, comedy, exhibitionists, mimes.

After such fun a packed weekend the drive back to England seemed a little less exciting than the way there. Of course sister and I are never bored when we're together. Here we are taking selfies, before #selfies was even a thing.

Comments

  1. Looks like I should visit Edinburgh some time :). Driving to Scotland must be fabulous. My husband and myself drive a lot in Ireland and I love it.
    That castle looks lovely!

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  2. Car trips in the English countryside-whaaaa! I need one : ) Defiinitely a city I could go back to. Love that last 'selfie' teehee.

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  3. Your posts are all so informative and full of gorgeous photos! You're definitely helping me add to my list of places to visit. Edinburgh looks wonderful.

    I'm new to your blog, so I apologize if you've answered this before, but are you originally from the UK, but living in the US now?

    -Katie at AdventuringAtHome

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    1. Hi Katie! I am not originally from the UK- but I can do a really good accent ;-) My family moved there for my dad's job when I was in high school and lived there for 6 years. It was an amazing experience that I am so grateful for.

      I'm so glad you found my blog. Thanks for your sweet comment!

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  4. Love it. You did not mention the Scotch wkisky tour :) You girls always are great to travel with. Will we see the "selfie" from Stressa? xoxo Dad

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  5. My home city!!!! So glad you liked it. That summer was the one I moved back to Edinburgh after living in the North East of Scotland for 6 years. Some of my friends have been in the Tattoo as well.

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  6. Dropping in from AtoZ
    what fab photos and stories...
    Although I'm sorry D wasn't for Dublin! ;)

    auntyamo
    http://ficticiousamo.wordpress.com/

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  7. Okay, Edinburgh is now on my list!

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