When entering into the Cathedral, I was greeted by a very large sign requesting that no photos be taken until a 2 GBP fee was paid for a photography permit. It stated that the fee would be used to fund the upkeep of the church which was founded in the 12th century. So, I walked up to the attended, paid my 2 GBPs and spent the next hour plus wondering around the massive interior, reading each of the placards and snapping photos.
As luck would have it, my visit coincided with the organist’s practice schedule. I felt like I was in a movie – the acoustics of this building were amazing. I only wish I had better words to describe this experience …
The weather was brisk and a bit less rainy this day, so I set out to walk the city.
I didn’t really have much of a destination, I just picked a direction and started walking. Below is the Elephant House, probably best known as one of the coffee shops where J. K. Rowling wrote the first Harry Potter novel.
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani
A bit further away, I found myself near the University of Edinburgh – this place was beautiful. Students wandering from place to place, studying in the little cafés and chatting away on benches.
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani
A few wrong turns out of this area and I ended up behind the Edinburgh Castle – which is actually a bit of a distance away from my starting location – so I decided to take a tour. 😊
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani
This photo is actually of the backside … I had to trek up a side road to get to the entrance.
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani
The view of Arthur’s Seat alone was worth the walk.
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani
I even made it in time to see the firing of the one o’clock gun, which takes place every day of the week with the exception of Sunday.
After about few hours touring the Castle, it was time for a change of scenery. I had passed by St. Giles Cathedral earlier in the morning and decided to rerun to take a closer look inside. There was a charge of £2 for a photography license, so I ponied up the coins for some amazing images. I did a full post on this St. Giles Gatherdarl here, but here is one of the stained glass windows that I took with my iPhone.
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani
On the way back to my hotel for a bit of a rest, I walked down the Royal Mile taking in the streets, people and performers. Every few streets there was a ‘close,’ basically the Scots word for alleyway. There are these narrow pathways that head North and South, typically between residence entrances.
Photo Credit: Brandi Bhamani
This one had a bit of an ominous name … “Fleshmarket Close”
Redhead In Love 