Day 18. Tuesday, July 15 – Day Off – Tour of Edinburgh, Scotland
Tuesday 15 July 2014
Not only does the Castle of Edinburgh sit on a hill, 
but so does the city, which means the streets are either up or down. What better reason to take the classic “hop on, hop off” bus. 
The old city is built at the foot
of the rock cliffs that the castle seems to materializes from. There are many statues on our way; this is The Duke of Wellington
and most important James Young Simpson,
who discovered the useful properties of chloroform, precursor of our modern day anesthesiologists. Edinburgh is also one of the largest banking cities in Europe, The Bank of Scotland is predominant.
Though we found most of the buildings need a good scrubbing,
the architecture on most is stunning.
Our least favorite and one of the most controversial buildings in the city (understandably) is the Scottish Parliament Building.
Back to the beautiful.
We strolled the Royal Mile, 
the stretch between the castle and palace, 
better known in recent years as a tourist trap.
but great people watching. It also boasts the beautiful St. Giles’ Cathedral 
dating from the 14th Century. Stained glassed,
exquisite marble floors
and an incredible ceiling in the chapel.
There was so much to see in this immense city and no way we could cover it all, so we climbed the Calton Hill by foot
for a better view,
it was brilliant. 
The rest of what we saw is below. Not sure we rested our legs at all, but the big cities always make us want to ride…..check in tomorrow to see if we thought that was such a good idea.
Remember you can click on any picture to make it larger and then arrow through.
Pat and M.E. Says:
I love your English garden pics. You should have Jeannie show you this super cool app that takes your photo and turns it into a watercolor painting. SUPER neat-oh.
Pat and M.E. Says:
Is your odometer not working have anything to do with why I cannot see your trek online with the follow us live button? If not, it’s probably a block on something that I have here at work. I’ll try it at home and see if I get the same error message.
Jerry and Lori Says:
but how would we Ever choose?
Ken Says:
The “follow us live” page is inactive today because they are too – no bike riding = no live page. I think they decided to take a rest day because the Tour de France also has a rest day today!
Carmond Says:
Hey Lori- if you stay another day, circle back and pick up one of those “slutty lassie” ensembles in the store window at the souvenir shop. We need at least one to either wear or gift at Justin & Kim’s Christmas party!
Creesta Says:
REEEEALLY?
travis Says:
Great pics of a great city (mix of medieval and modern). Brilliant selfie of you both. Kilts, Celts. Stay awhile and use those walking muscles for a change. “May the best ye ivver seen be the warst ye’ll ivver see.” Heads Up out there lad and lassie!
K-W Says:
I’m with Carmond…you CAN’T pass up the slutty lassie. It’s a must-have…I’m sure Jerry will look cute in it.