Day 3 UK

We are staying at the Novotel, in Edinburgh, for the next two nights which is rather swish. It has all the modern facilities that Greg likes, free wifi, buffet breakfast and a pool., but is out of town, which is rather normal for a Cosmos tour!
We leave at 8 am, after Buffet breakfast - we are both feeling like tweddle dum and tweddle Dee, ie fat.

Greg wore his tartan check shirt today- to look a little Scottish.

We meet our local guide ( it is a requirement in some countries, that local guides are used ) who takes us around this impressive city.

He tells us stories of Kings, Queens, Royals, villains, poets, scholars, writers doctors, body snatches, and Bobby the famous dog, all who their origins in Edinburgh. Robert Louis Stevenson was born here, as well as Alexander Graham Bell (who invented the phone, of course. But did you know he invented it to help deaf children hear ).
Edinburgh Medical School, is the one of the most prestigious medical training facilities in the world, and it was here that Chloroform was discovered to help reduce the pain of child birth. It recently has been involved with cloning of sheep.

Body snatches were men who removed dead bodies from the cemetery at night, to sell to the Medical school for research. They were rewarded handsomely with £10 a body, which was equivalent to a years wage.
Bobby the dog, is a story about a loyal dog, who's master leaves for market 25 miles away. After 3 weeks his master has not returned, so he sets off to find him.
He remains by his side until the death of his master, he is the only one at the funeral and for the next 14 years sleeps every night on his masters grave site. He is given free range of the town, and is known by everyone. A sculpture was commisioned for his loyalty to his master. How cute.

Arthurs seat is a large rock, resembling a sleeping elephant dominates the horizon.

Edinburgh Castle, is built high on volcanic rock and is an imposing sight on the sky line as you enter the city. It dates back to 3,000 years and was built as a fortress . It contains a Royal Palace, The Scottish Crown of Jewels, a prison, banqueting hall, St Margarets Chapel ( Mary Queen of Scots) and national war museums. The panoramic views from the top are rival the views from the Eiffel Tower. It is also the site for the world renowned Military Tattoo, an annual event of pipe bands.






We are given the afternoon off, so enjoy walking around the town, taking in the views, museum and magnificent gardens. Lunch is at the "Amber Rose ", a quaint and friendly pub, where Australia is discussed at length .

We arrive back to our hotel at 3:30 and sleep till 5:30. Other members of the tour have gone out on an optional tour to the Royal Yacht Britannia.

What a great day, filled with so much history . It almost makes me want to get out some books and study the history of England and Scotland. Mmmmm

Hope all is well back home,

Lots of love Leanne and Greg xxxxxxxxxx


- Posted using BlogPress

Location:Edinburgh - Scotland