Edinburgh Castle and Mary King's Close

October 23, 2012

We woke up to a rainy, foggy day in Edinburgh.  For breakfast our hostess Reta said “Would you like some fish?  The fish monger came by the kitchen window this morning at half eight.  We have some lovely smoked haddock.”  This was after cereal and fruit.  The smoked haddock was perfect.  Tomatoes and cheese baked on top.  Different, but very good. 

Reta called us a cab and off we went to drop off a load of laundry.  Then onto Edinburgh Castle.  This is more of a defensive castle than a castle where people used to live.  We spent about 2 ½ hours walking all over, seeing the sites.  It was cold and foggy.  I suspect the views would be wonderful.  This is the castle where Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to her only child James VI who was also James I of England.  We learned more about the Scottish military.  It seems the Scots have been fighting someone, somewhere forever.  We wandered through so many exhibits of military uniforms, remembrances, battles and such. 

We left Edinburgh Castle and walked down the Royal Mile.  This is a cobblestone street bustling with traffic and people, even though it was cold and foggy.  We made a booking at Mary King’s Close for 3:15 and then found a place to have lunch. 

The buildings are built so close together and down a hill from the Royal Mile that the little alleyways are called Closes.  Some are open today with shops and gardens.  The section of where Mary King’s Close is was covered over in 1563 to build the Parliament building.  Now think about this.  We think we will chop off the top of your house and your neighbor’s house and build on top of you.  And, by the way, it will be illegal for anyone to live underneath the Parliament building!  Reminds me of the Earl of Scone who didn’t like the townspeople so close to his front door!  This is a picture of Gray's Close which is still open to the sky.

This is an underground tour.  Very similar to the Seattle underground tour, except much older.  Many poor people lived in Mary King’s Close.  Many died of Typhus, Diphtheria and the Black plague.  It was an amazing tour! 

Here is a scene along the Royal Mile.  

And a very cool shop!

We didn't see anything that might suggest the BBOY is in Edinburgh, but we did see the most tattooed and pierced lady ever!  Really, she sat along the sidewalk and let people take her picture   Her face and hair were amazing.  

We caught a cab back to pick up our laundry and home again.  We plan to venture out in the fog to find a place for dinner. 

One more day before we start our journey home.  We are tired, but have loved this trip!

 See you soon!  Bc and gc