I keep my blog as a personal record of what I'm up to, which might be seen as working towards "An elegant sufficiency, content, retirement, rural quiet, friendship, books, ease and alternate labour, useful life"

I'm certainly not there yet.  There is quite some way to go!

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Wednesday
Jan112012

Keep up at the back!

 

We think we pack in plenty of activity when we’re travelling, but spending time with Edward reminds us that actually, a 27 year old works at an altogether different pace.  Here’s a snapshot of our two days in the city.

 

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Leaving St Giles, we paid a visit to the Castle, finding our English Heritage membership gained us access to Historic Scotland properties too – what a bargain!

 

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Hot chocolate and Tunnocks Teacakes in the cafe hit the spot!

 

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First thing Saturday, we headed out to Rosslyn chapel which was fascinating (and none of us are Dan Brown afficionados at all)

 

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Next, Blackness Castle on the Forth, with stunning views.

 

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Back into the city, to the other end of the Royal Mile and the Scottish Parliament

 

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to see both inside and out

 

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and then over the road to Holyrood Palace.

 

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Still with me?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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To the newly refurbished Stirling Castle on Sunday morning

 

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which was rather surprising, even if we had no idea what to expect.

 

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Visiting places like this in January is great – we usually were the only visitors in any particular place at one time, and in the case of these newly reopened Kings Palace it meant we could get up close and see the remarkable new tapestries in detail.

 

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Having seen the originals whilst with Jordi in New York, we really enjoyed learning more about these newly made masterpieces, made with colourfast wool this time. 

 

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The highly decorated rooms, painted with bold and colourful patterns gave a great impression of how the castle would have looked when new and if you get the chance to visit, then we would all agree that it should be top of the list.

 

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Even the kitchens have been well interpreted, presenting the information and historical background in an attractive and accessible format, even for non-historians like me!

 

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Back in Edinburgh, late Sunday afternoon, the birthday boy decided he wanted to explore the area around Calton Hill whereas we, his weary parents favoured the Portrait Gallery

Rounding off our time in the city with a supper of haggis, neeps and tatties, we all agreed, Edinburgh had been a great choice for a January weekend.  Thanks Edward!!

Reader Comments (5)

How lovely that you could spend time with Edward, but I know exactly what you mean as Louise is the same age and when she comes home, we are exhausted by the time she leaves again. Beautiful photos as always :)

January 11, 2012 | Unregistered CommenterTracy mcnicoll

Wow! What a whirlwind. At least you were allowed a cake stop! Tunnocks tea cakes. Might have to pop into Tesco to see if they've got a packet....

January 11, 2012 | Unregistered CommenterJanice

Wot busy little bees you were. I had the pleasure of seeing some of those tapestires being woven at West Dean. I also saw them dyeing the wools. I happened to be staying there when they were just beginning them.
Glad you got to see them.

January 11, 2012 | Unregistered CommenterDorothy

I'm exhausted just looking at your photos.

January 11, 2012 | Unregistered CommenterMary

Happy New Year Gill - I'm just going to have a little lie down now!!

January 13, 2012 | Unregistered CommenterGeorgina

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