Scotland Trip Report--Day 4--Edinburgh

Another good night’s sleep and no leg cramps. I think I may be adjusting to the time change. I did hit the snooze button twice, but then got up and went out. I checked the coffee shop nearby but found nothing interesting for breakfast. I ended up at Burger King, opting for a bacon and egg sandwich. It was missing the most important part--the cheese!
It was another nice day, cool and breezy, but partly sunny. It’s funny--you can tell who the locals are. They are the one in shorts and capris, and only a T-shirt. The tourists are all bundled up in our coats and long pants! I walked over to the Waverly Bridge where the tour buses line up, and boarded a city tour bus that makes a loop around the city, stopping at all the major sights.
My first stop was The People’s Story, which was several floors describing the history of Scotland and Edinburgh from medieval times to the 1980s. It was really interesting, but I noticed it had a definite Socialist perspective! They were actually advocating the Welfare State!!
While waiting for the bus, I wandered into a shop and found a backpack! It was exactly what I needed, and only 5 pounds. I shoved my bulky bag inside and was immediately assured that I had made a good choice. Back on the bus, we made our way up the Royal Mile toward the castle. I hopped off and went to see Gladstone’s Land, a middle class residence from the 17th and 18th century. I love looking at stuff like this! Afterward, I killed time waiting for the bus by grabbing a tomato & cheese sandwich for lunch, along with some mango juice (yummy!)
I returned to the bus, and we wound our way through the city. The guide was great, and as we passed the spot where many hangings took place, she told us that rather than use a gallows, they just had a bar atop a pole. The condemned person would stand on a bucket, and the hangman would toss the rope over the bar. When he was ready, he would yank on the rope and kick away the bucket. That’s where the saying “kick the bucket” comes from to describe someone dying!

After the tour, I walked up into the New Town, stopping in some shops along the way. I went to see The Georgian House, a rich family’s town house from the 18th century. It was really beautiful, and well restored and presented. I’m amazed at the opulent lifestyle people had, even without indoor plumbing! Walking back toward the hotel, I picked up fudge and shortbread for the kids, and was delighted to find a Johnston crest plaque for myself. I made another stop at M&S for some water and a snack for tonite, and then headed back to the hotel for a rest and some computer time. My feet hurt!!! I am probably walking about 4 miles a day, and these poor tootsies just aren’t used to it.
At 7pm I set out to find some dinner. I didn’t want anything fancy, but I did want real food. I found a nice pub called MacGregors. I ordered tomato and lentil soup, and steak and ale pie. Both were delicious! There was a man there who was looking at some photos he had, and he came over to my table. “Excuse me, but is this you?” It WAS! He had taken a photo of me in the parade! He gave me the photo, which I will scan into my computer when I get home.
I walked back down to the hotel, and picked up a few more souveniers and postcards. I looked through a book of Scottish names, and there, along with names like Alastair and Hamish, I found Wendy!! All these years I have hated my name, and now I find out it is a Scottish name! Thanks Mom & Dad--you did good!!
I returned to the hotel and packed my bags. I had to figure out what I need to take with me for the next 9 days, and what I can leave here in the smaller suitcase. Tomorrow I check out and head for Dumfries. And I will be driving. On the left!