Day 14: Edinburgh

Got a bit of a sleep in this morning. We had a guided tour of both the old and new towns of Edinburgh. The new town was actually build in the 19th century so its not really new, just newer.

We drove past a school in Edinburgh where the buildings are amazing. The design actually came in second for the competition to design the Parliament Buildings of London, so you can just imagine how beautiful these buildings are.

Saw the new houses of parliament built after the Scottish Assembly was re-established. The building is certainly different. It is of modern design with what looks likes sticks, but are actually aluminium bars, across the windows. I'm not sure I like it, but I didn't like Fed Square when it was first built either. Sitting next to Hollyrood Palace though it certainly does not belong where it has been placed.

Took the coach through the grounds of Hollyrood Palace, up the Crags for a spectacular view of Edinburgh and the Castle in the background on the hill. It is no wonder Hollyrood Palace is a Royal residence, although not used by the Queen, Princess Anne does use the palace when in Edinburgh.

The coach dropped us off at Edinburgh Castle for a whistle-stop, 1 hour tour with our guide. I am so glad Elisha and I spent our many hours going through the castle together last week.

Said our farewells to Ingles (our local guide) and whilst Elisha stayed in Edinburgh to see more of the fringe festival, I went back to the hotel to gather our laundry. Packed all our clothes along with our still wet clothes from the Tattoo, and headed for the bus. Caught the 26 and headed towards Roseburn. Of course, I missed the stop and walked back up the road for 10 minutes carrying a white plastic bag full of washing. Spent the next 2 hours waiting for the washing to finish. Finally got back to the hotel after 3 and a half hours, thus missing out on our chance to see Roslyn Chapel.

Elisha had not long returned from the City and was taking a nap and being tired and needing a drink, I headed to the bar only to find the roof had collapsed the previous hour and was no longer open. Very lucky no-one was injured as it was a section of the roof directly above where one would stand at the bar to order a drink.

The staff were busy cleaning up and within 2 and a half hours, the bar was re-opened with a sheet in place of the ceiling.

Many in the tour headed off to a Scottish dinner, but Elisha and I had already planned on getting a bite to eat at The Tess and listen to some live traditional music. Counting the hours, the lack of sleep and the early start the next day, we stayed in at the hotel for a dinner and an early night.