When I first saw Edinburgh, I thought it was like chocolate wafer. Light brown stone buildings (unlike dark red or white london) and towers and castles everywhere! The city is one of the most beautiful in the world and rightly so. Its a visual treat, literally. If I could have eaten Edinburgh, I would have!It is very traveller friendly (I personally dislike being called a 'tourist'). Budget stays, maps, guides, directions and whisky – this city is the traveller's favorite.
The edinburgh castle rests elegantly atop a beautiful mountain. The mountain is so picturesque – it tugs at your arteries and veins. The once-upon-a-time volcanic mountain, now gorgeously brown, golden, yellow, green – with blue skies and a magnificent castle, feels like a little monster jumping over your superior and inferior venacava. In short, its poetic. The castle's history spans the Iron age, middle ages, new ages – so there has been plenty of action. Saint Margaret, popular for her deeds of charity, lived here. There were many historically important events that took place here – including the Scottish wars for independence. A chunk of the castle is a tribute to the Scottish soldier. The ornate, immaculately dressed, brave and courageous – almost “mills and boon”ish image, in the backdrop of a historic castle, is sure to get any lady swooning. What struck me most remarkable, was the idea of the “huge naval fleet”. For being a tiny island, in comparision to the land masses elsewhere, the UK sure conquered more than half the world! Its hard not to admire the efficiency. And equally hard to not admire the spirit of the average Brit who voted against imperialism and was for relinquishing its colonies (I know Im digressing to talk about UK instead of scotland now, but the thoughts came rushing in at the castle and I couldnt really be bothered to classify them). The war memorial in the castle has weapons, details of war, but ends with a section on “red cross” and the destructions war can bring. Its true, United Kingdom has had its share of youthful young blood and conquests, but its also true that she is a wiser, much more charming lady now. The view of Edinburgh from the castle is again, picture perfect. One sees much of the chocolate brown, hogwarts kind of city, with the sea at the far end in its horizon. Its hard not to swoon.
Calton Hill – is one of the most beautiful sights that I've ever seen. Terribly windy in january, this place literally blows you away. No wonder so many poets and painters refused to leave this place – its hard to part with, I'd imagine. Robert Burns (and the city of edinburgh celebrates the Burns' night in January in his honour), Robert louis stevenson, Sir Walter scott, Sir Arthur conan doyle, JM Barrie, Ian Ranking, JK Rowling and many other celebrated authors and poets attribute much of their inspiration to this place. Calton hill has the parthenon-styled National Monument, built to commemorate the Scottish soldiers who died in the Napoleonic wars. Lots of festivals take place in calton hill – like the Beltane fire festival (april) and wait for it – the dushera (in october).
Let's talk watering holes. Burns said, “Whisky and freedom gang thegither” and you sure will be raising a toast to that. Scotland has a lot of bars and pubs. Let me emphasize the word, “lots”. I tried my first Glen Kinchie here (though its universally available). There are some really popular bars – like Deacon Brodie tavern (Deacon brodie, popular for being notorious!) You can do a literary pub crawl here, no kidding. Get high on it! By the way, I found vegetarian food more easily available in Edinburgh. Almost every food-jaunt has a “vegetarian” option. Do not forget to try “haggis” and well, chips with curry. Authenticity guaranteed.
Walk down the Royal Mile. This street has pubs, “dungeons” (if you're into spook, then you can get a chill or two at the Dungeons. Go hang out with the ne'er do good-ers), random bagpipe players, lots of curious stores, lots of headless men reading the newpapers (I am not kidding!). Its a must-do, for a completely new experience of experiencing something new.
There is a high-street, with the regular stores. But that can wait till you wander around all the different “markets”. The streets of Edinburgh have this really magical feel to it – like I was sure I'm going to see Harry Potter playing quidditch at some point in time, here. Beautiful cathedrals, more castles, more big brown chocolate, beautiful skies – take a good supply of adjectives with you to be able to describe them.
I am completely bewitched by Edinburgh. You?
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