Edinburgh, Scotland

Back to Scotland, which is quickly becoming my favorite country.  This time we set up base in Edinburgh in a rental apartment with my parents.  The city is full of history having the castle sitting in the center, the grass market pubs/shops, and the thin cobblestone paths or steps that go up and down the hilly center.

On our first day, the city was engulfed in fog which I felt only added to its medieval history leaving us lost in time barely able to see the turrets of the town's castle until you were upon it.

After a small time change issue on our second day we took a Rabbie's tour up through Sterling into the highlands to see some castles, lochs, and small villages.

Jolene and I took a hike with our guide Karen to the top of a large hill upon a bend of Loch Lommond.  The nature and calmness of Northern Scotland capture Jo every time.  It took some convincing to get her to come back down.

Sterling Castle was amazing and full of things to see and explore.  Reading its story and its importance as a stronghold during British/Scottish rule, as you overlook the nearby town from the crag the castle sits upon, made it easy picture how it may have been back then.  Jolene and I also got a chance to dress as castle royalty.

To end the trip Jolene and I hiked up to Arthur's Seat on the edge of Edinburgh.  The views were great but the hike was not nearly as easy as expected.  One of these days we'll buy some real hiking shoes.

We have yet to meet a Scottish person we haven't liked.  Thanks again Rabbie's Tours, for guiding us through your beautiful country.