Day 2 - A Good News Day
On arising early this Monday morning, I finally received good news from the Continental agent. Amy was confirmed on the early flight to Edinburgh. When I attempted to inquire as to the status of Erin Donovan, they would tell me nothing as I could not provide the right “information” to prove that my intentions were “honorable”. I found this disconcerting since up to this time I had no problems obtaining information on both. I do not know if it was due to the fact that, now as passengers, they were not allowed to give out information or that I had just had the luck to have engaged a particularly bitchy agent! Under either circumstance, after I return home, you can believe that the Continental folks will hear from me (along with many of my fellow passengers.) I will wait until my return for I subscribe to the ancient wisdom of Africa that says “Do not piss off the crocodile until you have crossed the river!”
Feeling confident that neither Amy nor Erin would cross the pond without the other, I had a speedy breakfast and caught the local bus directly to the airport. (Our hostel was on the first stop leaving the airport making the ride there and back very convenient.) And thus, as the two weary travelers made their way from the international concourse, I greeted them with great smiles and hugs. I could see the relief on their faces as they approached.
Their first desire was to get to their room and rest from the trials and tribulations of the journey. As we got off the bus and made our way to the hotel, they were greeted with great gusto by our fellow travelers who were waiting to board the coach for their day of sightseeing. With Amy and Erin's arrival, our troupe was now complete, the other couple arriving late having arrived just the day before.
The two got checked in and proceeded to their room and I forewent that day's trip with my fellow travelers to spend it with Amy. The tour of the day consisted of a visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia (which I had done previously and which does not warrant a second trip) and then to Edinburgh Castle. After Amy and Erin had had some time to rest, we caught the local express bus at about 10am directly to town to visit the Castle on our own. I have visited the castle on each of my previous trips but it warrants returning to delve into all of its nooks and crannies.
The Castle sits high on a volcanic promontory commanding a view of all approaches to the city. At one time it was surrounded by a moat that was drained over a hundred years ago and turned into a pedestrian park. The moat having been used for hundreds of years to drown local citizens convicted of witchcraft, they were greeted with a most gruesome sight on it's draining.
The highlights of this visit had to be again seeing the crown jewels known as the “Three Honours” along with the Stone of Destiny, on which the Kings of Scotland were crowned, the War Memorial, always a stirring sight, and the small graveyard devoted to the soldier's dogs. We did this tour mostly in a constant shower of rain. This would prove to be the norm for most of our days here in Scotland. However, we felt fortunate that the rain was falling straight down and not being driven sideways by he wind.
Before the entry of the Castle sits a restaurant of some note known as The Witchery. We had tried on our previous trips to dine there but they require reservations, even at lunch. As we passed on the way to the Castle, we stopped and were delighted to be able to book 1pm for a light lunch. Unfortunately, this proved to be our only delight in this adventure. While the food was reasonably good, neither it nor the atmosphere warranted the nearly £60 (almost $120) that I put forth for lunch. My recommendation, should you find yourself in this fair city, is to find a good pub and have a some local fare, say fish and chips or steak and ale pie. I am personally glad that I have got this desire out of my system and will not make that mistake should I return to this city.We next proceeded down the “Royal Mile”, known as such because it is the direct route from the Castle to Holy Rude Palace, the home of the Kings. As you might guess, this route is itself quite touristy. However, as August is the month of the annual Edinburgh Arts Festival, a celebration of some renown throughout Europe, it was crowded with revelers and “street buskers” (what we would know as street entertainers) of all sorts. On one stage stood a group of “gentlemen” with their arms entwined singing “I Want a Man Just Like the Man the Married Dear Old Dad”. I could only surmise that they were not normal, if you know what I mean. We were also approached by another gentlman handing out flier for a play. His “outfit” had to have been painted on much to Amy and Erin's delight. I did see one female member of the troupe, the shot being from the rear I can only imagine what the frontal view would have revealed.
We proceeded along the Royal Mile observing people and shops with the intention of visiting Holy Rude at the bottom of the hill. Unfortunately, the ladies were very exhausted by this time so I thought it best that we grab a taxi and make our way back to the hotel. They were very agreeable to this and thus we returned.
Dinner was once again “carvery” though this time they had included lamb rather than beef. Afterwards, we all repaired to the bar, me for a half pint of Tennents and then to our rooms to rest for the evenings entertainment – the Tattoo!
As you know if you are familiar with my previous trips to Scotland, the Edinburgh Military Tattoo is one of the highlights of the visit. It takes place on the esplanade just before the entrance to the Castle, which makes the perfect backdrop to the event. Unfortunately, I have few pictures as I spent my entire time videoing the event. I hope to get a few from Erin so that I may give you an idea of the pageantry of the event. This year, along with the Along the Royal Mile usual pipe bands, they had His Majesty The King's Guards Band and Drill Team of Norway. As the The Singapore Police Force Band With The Singapore Women's Police Pipes and Drums, Gurkha Pipes and Drums and Cultural Group performed, the Castle was lit so as to portray a southeast Asian palace. And, from the US of A, The Golden Eagles Marching Band from South East Missouri State University. This is too amazing to describe further. I must say, overall, I believe this Tattoo was the best to date. The night was somewhat misty and it added greatly to the mood. Rain finally fell but it was in the waning moments of the show and did not distract from the event one whit.
As we made our way back to the hotel and our warm beds, I reflected on how this day had turned out grand. 
Day 3 - Stirling and Doune