Edinburgh Castle

We both woke up early for a change and wanted to see Rosslyn Castle (only 20 mins away) before Ev skyped her parents so we quickly had breakfast and left so we’d be back in time. We drove out to Rosslyn where the Chapel was not knowing the Castle is just behind the church. It was a bit of a walk along a muddy car track and we couldn’t believe we actually walked down this same road the other day and missed it. After watching the Da Vinci Code the other night, the final scene was fresh but it didn’t look the same. This is the scene where the cars drove out from the castle at the end. It was very nice with loose stones along the driveway and a weathered stone wall at the front entrance. The Castle looked very homey but as there were cars out the front we didn’t stay long. We’re thinking people actually live there or rented it for the week. It would be a pleasant place to stay. We took a few snaps from different angles then headed back home just in time for Ev’s date at 10am.

Rosslyn Castle

Turns out we both had the days and time confused. We’ll be on a plane tomorrow so will have to organise for another time. We sat around the apartment relaxing and reading brochures about the city and surrounding areas then decided we should make time for the Edinburgh Castle today. It was good to have our own lunch, then we headed out at around 12pm.



Edinburgh Castle

We parked at the foot of the castle and walked up the slope and stairs. On the way Ev’s calves were cramping and she had to stop to stretch. She’s had a lot of soreness the last couple of day drips and we’re questioning if we should even do the Inca Trail. We’ll see how we go and if it gets worse we might have to call Karen to cancel. Eventually we made it up the stone stairs and to the left we were immediately confronted with scaffolding and workmen stacking chairs. The Edinburgh Tattoo was on last week and Ev was kicking herself that we missed one of the greatest shows on earth. We stood in the centre of the stage and imagined the marching bands and horses performing on this very stage with thousands of viewers in the stands before the majestic Edinburgh Castle. Ev pirouetting infront of the Castle. Dan laughed and we walked in.

We had pre-paid for our tickets for the Edinburgh Castle online last night so we just collected them from a machine then also collected the audio guide for around the castle. It was well worth the few extra pounds. The view over the castle wall gave a spectacular view of the city and surrounding mountains. We didn’t really know the layout of the city very well, but a couple of other tourists were pointing out sights to each other which we overheard. It was lovely to see all the greenery between the houses and buildings. Edinburgh is a very pretty place.

Side of Edinburgh Castle

Stage of Edinburgh Tattoo

View of the city from the Castle

At 12:50pm a female soldier and a noise thrill seeking tourist came out into a petitioned space near the wall in front of hundreds of tourists. We waited patiently to see what was about to happen then the soldier moved next to a working cannon peering through the wall over the city. It was a couple of minutes wait for the 1 o’clock Canon and the tourist obviously knew how loud it was going to be as she excitedly jumped and clapped in anticipation then covered her ears before it was to go off. The soldier saluted then grabbed the chord and pulled “Banggggggg!!” The sound echoed and smoke puffed out of the end and although we knew it was coming, it still scared the shit out of both of us and hundreds of other tourists. We reviewed the video Dan took just as she pulled the cord and the camera shakes abruptly as the cannon is fired. That’s twice Dan has been scared! Very cool indeed.

1 O'clock Cannon

Banggggggg!!

After our heart beats returned to normal we continue our audio tour around the castle grounds and marvelled at the city from all sides. On top of the castle near the church we strolled through the souvenir store and bought a book about the Castle and a small bottle of Edinburgh Castle whiskey. Outside we looked over the wall down to the Dog Cemetery a flight down; that’s right, dogs are very loved by the Officer’s and Royal’s.

Church

Pet Cemetery

Castle Meeting Rooms

We carried on to one of the buildings that had been turned into a museum displayed information of the history of the castle and reigning Royals. One curved wall displayed paintings of the earliest Kings and as time moved on the paintings progressively came out of the wall into full sculptures. It was very artistic. We saw the Scottish Crowned Jewels encased in glass, including the Sword of the State made for James IV in 1507, the Crown made for James V in 1540 and the Sceptre for James IV in 1494, and each of the shield designs (about 20) for each Royal couple who governed in their time hung around the walls of the room. We enjoyed our time at the Castle and handed in our audio guide at 2pm. By this time Ev’s legs were very sore so we paid our parking ticket and went back home.

Edinburgh Castle

The Royal Mile

Competition car in a Mall

 

Back on the couch

We had leftovers for dinner. ‘Oh leftovers, how we’ve missed you’, then rented ‘Mr & Mrs Smith’ and ‘40yr Old Virgin’ from reception. It’s nice to feel like we’re living in a house instead of a hotel room. We’re having our Edinburgh Castle chocolates we bought today with some ice-cream now. Orange and milk chocolate, Strawberry and white chocolate. They are very smooth. Yum! Now, This is a holiday.

After dinner Treat

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