We took it a bit easy today, trying to get Reed on the mend through forcing him to rest. He was able to go across the street to Cadenhead’s Whisky Shop, Scotland’s oldest independent bottler, which was definitely a highlight for him. 🙂
Mom, Dad, Abbie, and I set out after lunch to explore Greyfriar’s Kirkyard (graveyard) in search of Greyfriar Bobby’s tombstone. We easily found it, but we weren’t as lucky with finding Tom Riddell’s or a good view of the castle. Oh well. I still enjoyed walking on the old town streets of Cowgate, Candlemaker, and Grassmarket.
Next we headed up the hill toward the castle to visit the Tartan Weaving Mill. The looms weren’t running which was kind of a bummer, but still we saw them and were impressed. You are fed through a bunch of shops at the mill so that is kind of lame, but again, oh well. The crowds on the streets are bonkers today…a jazz and blues festival is in town, and the Commonwealth Games are being held in Glasgow, which also brings a lot of people to Edinburgh (they are kind of like the summer Olympics, only just within the British commonwealth).
We strolled back down the Royal Mile, getting ice cream and a few souvenirs on the way. Dinner was next door to our flat at the Tolbooth Tavern, established in 1820 (building dates to 1591). We sampled a couple of whiskies (not my thing, sorry Reed!), and we enjoyed some Scottish cuisine. Mom and I had vegetarian haggis (made of kidney beans, lentils, oats, and seasonings rather than sheep innards), neeps (turnips), and tatties (potatoes). Yum. Reed enjoyed a steak and ale pie. Yum. Then we went back to our flat to watch more of the Commonwealth Games – I’m not sure whether to root for Scotland or South Africa!
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Awww yeah!!!!! Our old stomping grounds! SO happy you get to be in Edinburgh!!!!!! I hope you have a blessed vacation together! Hard to believe that we talked with you (Reed) by phone in Edinburgh the first time we met! Love it. So glad you get this time together as a family. Enjoy!:) Much love to you all!!!
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Hi Jen, good to hear from you! I remember that phone call well, and am very grateful for it! We had a wonderful time in Edinburgh, though the time was too brief I think. The very best to you and yours as you set down roots as a professorial family. So excited for this next chapter in your lives. Much love to you all as well!
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