Edinburgh Castle up high on the cliff. Way more stunning in real life.
Hands down, Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful ancient cities just dripping with history. I love it. Everytime I come here I love it. And this time, knowing I would be blogging about it, I discovered even more about it and realized I was only just scratching the surface. There is still so much to see and do in this city and I was only here for three days also visiting my Aunts and Uncle on my Mother’s side. It is always such a great opportunity to see Aunt Vi, Aunt Ella and Uncle Andrew. Aunt Vi’s husband, Uncle Scott, passed away a number of years ago. I am always very fortunate to have a place to stay here, whether with Aunt Ella and Uncle Andrew in Queensferry, or Aunt Vi, just on the skirt of downtown Edinburgh. This time I stayed with Aunt Vi given that the Festivals were on in Edinburgh and it was so easy for me to get downtown.
My Aunt Vi, Uncle Andrew and Aunt Ella out for lunch
My Uncle Andrew was so kind as to take us all out for lunch on Wednesday. My two Aunts are my mother’s sisters. Aunt Vi is younger than my Mum and Aunt Ella is the oldest of the three. These people are just amazing. At 82, 93, and 89 (I think I have the ages correct) respectively, the vitality and health of my three relatives here are to be completely honoured. Then again, my Mum would fit right in. Their mother lived until she was just shy of her 100th birthday and as Vi, my Mum and Ella are going, they will at least replicate that. Andrew too although he is not genetically related. Andrew used to be in the RAF during the war. He is so funny and has this lovely wry sense of humour. A previously fellow redhead.
The church in the foreground, St. John's church, was where my Mum and Dad and Aunt Vi and Uncle Scott were married. Edinburgh Castle is in the background
It is always so great visiting my Mum’s side of the family too. The Peacock’s was the family name. Being that they are all women however, sadly the Peacock name has not persisted. But they were born and raised in Edinburgh so know the city well. And such an exceptional city so completely navigational by foot – at least the centre city. And that’s what I did.
St. Giles, on the Royal Mile, where Aunt Ella and Uncle Andrew were married.
One of the first things I do is to walk the Royal Mile from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace. I did not visit the Castle this time as I have in the past and it was so busy this time combined with the festival. Also because the three week Military Tattoo was also on, the Castle was cordoned off from time to time. But the Royal Mile is just amazing. These really old buildings combined with an interesting history just keeps you amazed and your jaw dropped.
Looking down a wet Royal Mile
The rain however did not deter me or the festival goers, unfortunately though it did result in some of my pictures being a bit fuzzy because of fog on the lens. But I will be posting more later as the wifi on the train here, in first class no doubt! (as I brag), is having some issues with my blog. So stay tuned for more of Beautiful Edinburgh to come.
I think this is Close Street or something winding upwards towards the Royal Mile. Such beautiful buildings
Glad you loved Edinburgh as much as I do. I can never get enough of it and I remember as a young girl feel;ing how lucky I was to live in such a city.
Still more to come as well.
Must get myself to Edinburgh sometime, can feel a weekend trip coming on….
It is so amazing – you have to. We must do it together sometime too.