Edinburgh, Scotland

July 3 - July 7, 2010

Through the overcast skies and rainy days, there is something exciting about Edinburgh. Unable to diagnose whether it may be due to the history towering over the city, such as Edinburgh Castle, the history layered underneath the city, such as Mary King's Close, or the intricacy of Medieval and Georgian architecture alike composing the city, I know I definitely could have spent more than just three full days wandering this Scottish gem.

Having spent the past two weeks dominantly out on desolate countryside may definitely have been a fueling factor to the excitement Edinburgh portrayed too. The noise pollution of traffic, the crowds moving at a consistent rate along this street and that...there is no doubt that I am a city girl. Then again, Edinburgh is also home to a multitude of universities which bring masses of young adults. I'll say no more. 

The two distinct areas, the Old Town and the New Town, create Edinburgh as it is seen today. From what I experienced, pick anything to do in this city and it will impress in some way or another.

When finding a bite to eat, we were never let down. From cafes to pubs to restaurants, deciding which to grab a meal at in the first place was the most difficult challenge to overcome. I must inform you, however, of two fantastic restaurants; 'The Glasshouse Off the Mile' on St. Giles Street is composed with a modern atmosphere featuring delicious, light lunch eats. 'Cucina' at Hotel Missoni is strikingly chic with a menu inspired with Italian cuisine. Champagne bottles popped and three-course black truffle summer menus were served all around; I ate incredibly well on my sixteenth birthday.

Princes Street in New Town has plenty to offer when it comes to shopping, situated central in the city next to Edinburgh Castle. So does 'The Centre' at Livingston; half an hour west of Edinburgh, in addition to the mall itself, is also a designer outlet mall (with fantastic bargains if I may say so myself) and movie cinemas.

If you happen to be visiting the area with younger kids, apart from the carousel in the Princes Street Gardens, make a visit to Camera Obscura. Alongside the obscura is a museum full of fun illusions to twist your mind around, while at the same time being very family-friendly.

Historically, Edinburgh has so much more to offer than I initially expected when first arriving in the area. Stroll down the Royal Mile in the Old Town and you're spanning the eminent mile of street between two of Edinburgh's spotlighted historical structures, Holyrood Abbey and Edinburgh Castle. Climb the Castle Rock, once volcanically created, up to Edinburgh Castle and discover its origins, back to when David I ruled in the 12th century. Return to earth and watch as tartan weaving mills, in working condition, create the kilts that only bagpipers can pull off. Move underground and you're in for an incredible surprise - that, the reason, of Edinburgh's haunted reputation. 

From Mary King's Close, a tour through the now underground, Plague-stricken, narrow streets of what used to be Edinburgh in the 15th century, to Ghost Tours under South Bridge, bringing you to the exact locations of where plague victims were locked up to rot and die, then exposing you to the paranormal activity which is said to still remain, never a moment will pass where you won't let down your guard.

Princes Street Gardens looking up to Edinburgh Castle

Tartan Weaving Mill

St. Giles' Cathedral on Royal Mile

Bank of Scotland Head Office off of Royal Mile

Hotel Missoni