Do you remember here, the first photo of The Malt Shovel? This is a close up of the sign because I found the metal spikes interesting. They’re to keep birds from perching and pooping, thus keeping clean up easier and patrons cleaner.
It took me a (long) while to figure out how to get around Edinburgh. In fact, it was only when Mags showed up and helped, it all became clearer (notice I didn’t say clear). Prior to flying to Edinburgh, I did a fair amount of research…I knew where I wanted to stay, where I wanted to go, how I wanted to travel but no clue where the hotel was placed in relation to the rest of the city. Also, no clue where I would eat; as I got hungry, I would look around and make a selection.
In 2017 I spent a delightful day in Edinburgh and vowed to return to spend more time both in Edinburgh and in Scotland. Exiting Waverley Train Station, one dogleg’s right and Perre is on the left. It’s an artisan filled jewelry shop where I purchased amethyst earrings both trips. (Thistle Cove Farm…purple…amethyst = no brainer, eh?)
Around the corner these steps lead to the next level. Edinburgh is built on seven hills, so it’s said, and I believe it. This city is not handicapped friendly…cobblestones, stairs at every turn…but it’s also an ancient city. My tee shirt says Edinburgh 976 and I believe it. It’s one of the most beautiful cities, at least the old part, I’ve ever visited but, truth be told, I can say that about much of Europe which is built of stone.
When one exits Waverley Train Station and dogleg’s left, The Scotsman Steps lead to North Bridge Street, The Scotsman Hotel, the former home of the Scotsman newspaper, and the Hilton, where I stayed. I chose the Hilton Carlton (across the street) because it was familiar and I received points…in fact, I now have enough airline points and hotel points to fly free and stay a few days free. But, now that I’ve gotten the lay of the land, so to speak, I’ll stay elsewhere.
Since 1899, the 104 steps (I walked down) have linked Waverley Station to North Bridge; each step is made of a beautifully colored different marble and for more photos and the rest of the story, click here.
The entrance landing.
The view straight out my window, looking out toward the North Sea.
Chimney pots, looking toward right out of my window. Where the cranes are, lower left, is where we’ll be when we see the movie Tolkien tomorrow night! But I’m getting ahead of myself…
Mags, of Belfast, Ireland and Fraise Lachrymose blog arrived at 0:dark thirty early Saturday morning after Friday work and after visiting upon Edinburgh arrival, her blogger friend (I want to think her name is Pam) of In This Life. Pam blogged about Mags’ visit here. I’ve been blessed thrice to meet and visit blog friends…two separate bloggers in Budapest, Hungry and Mags and her men in Belfast.
Anyway, breakfast was at Caffe Nero, a favorite spot of Mags and her men (husband and two boys) and it was delicious! Although, I have to admit eating at someplace called Caffe Nero gave me the willies (sure hope that doesn’t mean something naughty outside the USA).
A hot breakfast…ham and cheese with American (as it’s called over there) coffee (meaning the way I drink coffee…coffee with lots of cream) and something hot (can’t remember) for Mags with black tea. Prior to eating, I said grace/blessed the food and, as I finished, a German (I think he was German) gentleman came to the table and said (paraphrased), “I noticed you blessed your food. It did me good to see you do that, thank you.” Well! Thank You, Sir! I always say grace/bless the food; it’s how I was raised and it’s how I live. I have nothing save those gifts coming from God.
Edinburgh, at one time, was served with public water fountains; this is one on High Street, near Caffe Nero.
Alleys are called “close”; this is Borthwick’s Close off High Street.
John Knox, born near Edinburgh in 1505, was a Scottish Reformer who was educated at University in St Andrews, later minister there, and key in ending Roman Catholicism in Scotland. His house in on High Street and I’m sure his heart would be broken knowing it now houses coven meetings; I know it broke my heart. Read Knox’s story here.
Charity shops of various names, or thrift stores, abound and I’ve found many treasures at some of them. In a later post, I’ll show you a watercolor I purchased, carefully brought home and had framed.
Ragamuffin is not a charity shop but it does have lovely, beautiful natural fiber clothing, etc. Mags and I did some damage there…in that we bought lovely, beautiful clothes. They also have a shop in the Isle of Skye which, hopefully, one day I’ll visit.
Ending with Mags phoning me to say, “Come back…come baaaaaaccccckkkkk!”
Thanks for visiting Thistle Cove Farm; apologies (again) for lateness…my 90+ year old Dad had hip replacement earlier this week and is now in rehab. Between the 90 minute, one way, daily drive and my computer crashing, it’s been a week. Weather has been beautiful…70’s and no humidity…thank you Jesus!
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Oh what a delightful post! I am so happy you had such a lovely trip! And how fun that you connected with some other bloggers! I am so glad your dad came through his surgery ok! And that your weather is so lovely right now! Very inspiring post! I’m hoping to one day visit the United Kingdom, need to get a passport and get my ankle in shape (I broke it a few months ago). Really enjoyed your post!
This makes the 3rd time I’ve connected with other bloggers and it’s always fun. Mags, my Belfast friend, has invited me to stay in her home and I’ve done so, twice. So delightful, meeting other bloggers and seeing new sights. When you go (notice I didn’t say if…) get a trekking pole that telescopes…it will help you on those steep cobblestone roads. Thanks for visiting me.
Edinburgh is on our Bucket List! I thoroughly enjoyed following your day!! Thank you for all the great information!
Yes, Yes, YES! You will LOVE Edinburgh; another update soon.
Well,I can tell you have had a lovely time. I don’t think I could cope with such a hilly place. Hope dad is getting better fast too. Great read and lovely photos. We’ve never been that side of the world but I think it deserves to be on my bucket list.
Joleisa, it was a wonderful time and I used a trekking pole that telescoped; it helped enormously. Getting around would have been so much more difficult without it. Oh yes, Scotland is a fabulous country.
Oh, my! What an interesting place! Visiting Edinburgh is on our bucket list, especially since my husband is Scottish! Thanks also for including John Knox. Hope your Dad is doing better and recovering swiftly.
You *must* go, soonest! It’s a fabulous city. I used a hiking pole and it helped enormously…one of those that telescope. Dad is doing very well, improving daily because he’s working hard at exercising. Thanks!
P.S. I hope that your dad is doing better.
He’s doing really well, thanks. He’s working hard at getting whole and healthy again.
I LOVE Edinburg and have been to visit several times. I love seeing your photos and hearing about your adventures with Mags. I would love to hear more and see more of your trip!
Elizabeth, what were your favorite places in Edinburgh? I’m working on an update post…soonish!
How nice to meet up with a bloggy friend in Scotland. It is always a special treat to enjoy an area with someone who knows the area a bit better than we do. I enjoyed shopping at Charity shops when we were in England. I found souvenir shops to be so pricey and it was fun to find a souvenir in a Charity shop. Praying as I type for your dear 90 year old father and his recovery from his surgery.
Ellen, I’ll show the painting which is now framed; a charity shop find but it cost more to frame than buy the painting! Dad is doing very well, thank God! He’s doing great, as a matter of fact; medicos are astounded but Dad was in good shape prior to surgery. All that farming has kept him young.
Great post. Loved all the details, the breakfasts look yummy. They have Cafe Nero in London. So good 💗. Looks like you had great weather.
Thank you Peta! Weather was fabulous…none of the rainy, cloudy days they usually have. It was 70’ish, sunny each and every day! A blessing and gift!
I so enjoyed this, I have always wanted to go there. Thank you for sharing.
Blessings to you and to your Dad.
That’s great and hope you get to go…soon! thanks for your blessings…we’re all in need.
never a dull moment in your life, friend. ♥
beautiful travels and i’m sorry to learn how
knox’s home is being sorely misused. 🙁
lifting up your dad in prayer for his recuperation
and healing. and for rest – for YOU.
Nope, never a dull moment Sherry. We were invited to enter Knox’s house but when I saw the bulletin board schedule I said no. I’m a live and let live kinda woman…but it goes both ways.
Rest. What’s rest?
lol
What a lovely tour of an interesting city. How nice to meet Mags, I have followed her blog for some time now.
Marsha, I’ll ask around and see if I can figure out how to make the photos larger. I’ve found out I’m not low tech but I’m no tech and have had to hire everything out. Bette Davis was right, getting old ain’t for sissies and neither is any and everything dealing with a computer!
Yes, I did have a wonderful time; wish I could have stayed longer, perhaps next time. I did figure out I’m over London (apologies to Samuel Johnson). After the Highlands, London was TOO everything!
I’m so glad you follow Mags; she’s a lovely Christian, as is her entire family. I’ve been amazed at our close friendship since we’re so far apart but I believe it’s because of our mutual foundation in Christ.
Sandra, I wish you would make your photos larger ! Give it a try, please. I loved reading this, however, I’m not certain I could manage all those steps going UP. I’ve discovered I’m really out of shape, or maybe just OLD ! Believe it or not, I just turned 78 on June 10th. You will not find this information anywhere else on the www ! My daughter has always wanted to visit Scotland and Ireland, she has spent much time in England with friends who attended Sacred Heart school here in Houston, and loves every bit of it, so dreams of visiting castles and ruin in Scotland & Ireland. Great post, I know you had so much fun !!!