Travel Tips & Adventures

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International Travel Planning…on your own…without a net…Part 10

Scotland: Fall 2009

DAY 13
EDINBURGH

At this time, we will be nearing the end of our trip. There are still enough things to see that we could probably spend another week in Scotland, but that’s not going to happen. So, we have to make some decisions about what to see and not …

With the variety of sightseeing attractions in the city it really comes down to what your personal preferences are.

Are you … all museums … all the time?

Maybe … a day at the zoo … key word “day”

Or, are you … can’t get enough of those castles …

And of course … sightseeing? I just want to shop!

Whatever you wish to do, Edinburgh has it.

Even though we are coming into the city by car the evening before we are not dumb enough to use it to get around the city. It is well documented that driving in Edinburgh is not only difficult, but extremely frustrating!

It seems the street designers came up with all sorts of magic tricks to confuse and baffle the driving public. And besides all of that, parking is not only difficult to find, it’s expensive. (Think New York City)

*** Although there is no underground/subway, at this time, a Tram (Light Rail) system is “under construction” which will run from the airport through city centre and out to Leith, which is also a cruise ship port. Completion date is set for the end of 2010 with revenue service commencing in 2011. So, to add to the already congested traffic is light rail construction!

When it’s done, it’s great! When it’s not, it’s annoying!

http://www.edinburghtrams.com/

Although a little late to the party, as many cities throughout Europe and the world have been running light rail for years, this will definitely be a helpful feature in moving both residents and travelers through the city.

So, until then it’s buses, or your own two feet for the really budget-minded traveler. Of course, there are taxis if you have a bit more change in your pocket.
There are day tickets for unlimited bus travel for 1 day at a cost of £3.00 adults.
www.lothianbuses.co.uk

(At this time, I am not going to give you the exchange rate in dollars, as it continues to fluctuate upward rather quickly in the last few weeks. Great for the “£ “, not so much for the “$.“

This sort of reminds me of when I lived in Mexico for a short time and the Peso went into wheelbarrow mode against the dollar. Maybe it was that 60% interest they were giving on savings accounts that caused that little hiccup!

Anyway, Toto and I are no longer in Mexico, so let’s get back to Scotland.

TOUR BUS

As with many cities in Great Britain there is a hop-on, hop-off bus that circles Old and New towns. Three tours (Edinburgh, City, and Majestic Tours) tickets are currently £12 for adults; £5 for children and are good for 24 hours. Other tickets include a family pass for two adults and up to three children at £28.

For the month of September, tours run every 20 minutes from 9:25 – 5:45
http://www.edinburghtour.com/


If you need information, there is the Edinburgh Information Centre near Waverley Station (Train terminal). Tickets for just about anything are available, and there are enough free brochures to wallpaper your house.
So, where do you start?
They say it’s impossible to see all of Edinburgh in three days, so what do you do if you only have one?
Well, it’s pretty simple … the Royal Mile and Old Town (which by the way isn’t much older than New Town!)
Old Town: circa 1500’s
New Town: 1766 – developed to relieve congestion in … wait a minute! Let me guess! Hang on! Ah … Maybe …
Old Town?

WHICH WAY TO GO?

Next you have to decide which way to walk … are you an early morning hiker? (early morning stamina)
Or, are you an afternoon hiker? (a lot of energy left, not sitting in front of the TV watching Soap operas)
The reason for the question is simple. As The Royal Mile is actually built on a hill, it can be a Royal Pain on your feet if you are not used to walking uphill.
Reality based: it takes about 20-25 minutes to walk … down hill.
Of course, shops and people will be going by you at a speed rivaling the USS Enterprise (the spaceship, not the aircraft carrier).

So, we’re going to start at the top of the hill and work our way down the mile.

(Actually, for you mathematicians and street engineers in the bunch, the Royal Mile is just a shade longer than a mile). For the rest of us, we don’t care!

Edinburgh Castle

Not to be mistaken with every other castle in Scotland, it takes the name of the city over which it guards. (Don’t worry; there won’t be a quiz about which city…)

Although not the first castle on the hill, this one began sometime in the 12th century. But if you are looking for those original structures (with the exception of still standing, St. Margaret’s Chapel (1130 A.D.)), you might want to find an H.G. Wells time machine to go back over 300 years.

What you see today is basically what was built as a military garrison which still barracks soldiers. So, consequentially, most of the displays are that of military history. But even if you aren’t a military historian, the views are great and there is a lot to see.

Check out the website: There is an interactive 3-D model of the castle which turns to show different angles and brings ups photos and info of selected areas.

Hours: April – Sept 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Admission:
Adults: £13
Senior Citizens/Students: £10.50
Children: £6.50 15 & Under

www.edinburghcastle.gov.uk

At the other end of the Royal Mile is the Palace of Holyroodhouse

If you just can’t enough of those Royals’ … well, this is the place.
This is the Queen’s official residence in Scotland.
Formerly the home of Mary Queen of Scots, this is where the other half lives, or actually, vacations briefly during The Queen’s Holyrood Week. This spectacular runs from the end of June until the beginning of July including a traditional garden party with few of her “closest” friends (about 8,000 of them).
There is a lot of antique furniture, and lots of history. There is also the Queen’s Gallery (separate admission) which displays works from the royal collection. So, if you and the queen are on the same page with tastes in art, this is definitely your place.

Hours: Apr-Oct daily 9:30am-6pm
Nov-Mar 9:30am-3:45pm

Admission prices

Palace of Holyroodhouse
(including an audio tour)
Adult: £10.00
Over 60/Student: £9.00
Under 17: £6.00
Under 5: Free
Family: (2 adults, 3 under 17s) £26.50
Joint Admission – Palace of Holyroodhouse and The Queen’s Gallery
Adult: £14.00
Over 60/Student: £12.50
Under 17: £8.00
Under 5: Free
Family: (2 adults, 3 under 17s) £38.50
http://www.royalcollection.org.uk/default.asp?action=article&ID=36


In between the castle and Holyroodhouse are several tourist attractions and lots of restaurants and stores.
Personally I’ve got my eye on the Whiskey Experience adjacent to the Castle. If you haven’t set foot in a single distillery in Scotland, this place just might make up for it. There’s a tour, there are tastings, there’s even a shop with over 300 whiskies for sale, even those miniature bottles you get on the airplane.
http://www.scotchwhiskyexperience.co.uk/index.html


As time permits, you can stop at Gladstone’s Land or St. Giles Cathedral, as well as the much talked-about, and often maligned, Scottish Parliament building. You can be the judge if it really fits in with the rest of the surrounding area.
There are also narrow alleys that take you down the hill on either side of the street.
Stop, as you like, relax at a pub or restaurant, but whatever you do, have a good time.

Next Week: Heading out to Stirling Castle and a famous Scottish Battlefield. And, we’ll look at the real Braveheart, William Wallace, or at least his statue.

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