Memories

  Every city and country we have visited has its own characteristics that make it special and memorable; e.g. Florence and Rome had its ancient history, art and sculptures; Istanbul had its mosques; Bangkok had its Budhas. In that regard, Edinburgh is no different. It too has qualities that are unique. So...you know you are in Edinburgh, Scotland when...

...all the men wear skirts...

...strange noises emanate from goat skin bladders...

...haggis (a pudding made from minced sheep's heart, liver , and lungs, mixed with onions, oatmeal, and suet) is the national food...

...whiskey is the national drink...

...it is alright to spit on the street (this Heart of Midlothian marks the spot where an ancient tollbooth and prison stood. Locals would spit on it to show their contempt for authority. Today, the heart also symbolizes the rivalry between two local football (soccer) teams; the Hearts and the Hibs. The Heart fans spit on it for good luck while the Hibs fans spit on it to show contempt for their rivals).

...road-side art includes giant Kelpies ( mythological water horses with a malevolent attitude)...

...the weather is either dark gray or light gray...

...you encounter Harry Potter's Hogwarts School of Wizards and Witches in the center of town...

...and when Unicorns are part of the monarchy's Coat of Arms.

  All in all, our time here in Edinburgh, and Scotland in general, has been amazing (except for the weather; we were told that Edinburgh is on the same longitude as Moscow, which may explain a lot). We were able to explore many memorable sights ( some that even most locals from Edinburgh haven't seen). Perhaps the most enjoyable part of this visit has been just how friendly the Scots have been to us. They could not have been nicer. Tomorrow, we head to Dublin and another chapter in our adventure.