We flew from Rome to London without incident.We then took a train into London Kings Cross station to continue to Edinburgh.It is the home of Platform 9 3/4 from Harry Potter’s books,and a long line of people waiting to have their picture taken beside the sign!The train was delayed,and Eurorail had sent a message on line that there was an anticipated train strike in November..3,5,7.IT did arrive later and our arrival was delayed.We have decreased the frequency of pilgrims dragging our suitcases,and we took a taxi to the Crowne Plaza.We were now in the UK with their classic taxis….seats facing each other(capacity was 6) and luggage usually also in this space.The taxis are longer than in other countries.
It was a beautiful city and in the morning fall colors and the weather warm.
We were close to the old city and spent a couple of days walking.It was a pleasure to hear the Scottish accent and the bag pipes and such kindness and warmth from those we met.
As Remembrance Day approached,the city was preparing the cenotaph.Many wreaths had already been placed and there were multiple small crosses placed with individual names.It was a miniature graveyard.
We had considered visiting the Edinburgh Castle,but as we approached the line was discouraging.We could see the protective advantage of the steep rocky hill as well as the wall surrounding the castle.
In the rest of Europe the majority of churches were Catholic.But we were now in a city with as many churches as most cities,and most are Protestant.The majority of the churches had steeples,but rarely a cross.We visited St. Giles Cathedral,a medieval church.It had been a Catholic church and with the Scottish Reformation,all the statutes were removed.John Knox’s statute was there and was the churches minister after the Reformation.He promoted and protected the Presbyterian Church,wanting the church to belong to the people.He had spent time in France with John Calvin and was influenced by his works.
In 1637,King Charles I attempted to draw the Scottish Church,which was Presbyterian in line with the Church of England by introducing (imposing) their prayer book.one member of the congregation threw a stool in protest and incited a riot!
The church has been the site of many national events,and the location of Queen Elizabeth presentation of the Honours of Scotland and the Crown of Scotland in 1953.
We walked the Royal Mile(High Street).It was lined with Shops selling woollenScottish,hats,sweaters,scarves,ties etc as well as lots of whiskey.Michael got a new hat….quite nice and saved shopping for it in London where it would be twice the price.The Royal Mile leads to Palace Holyroodhouse.This would be the palace to which current Royalty would stay if in Edinburgh.It had been home to both Mary,Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie.
Throughout the city are statutes of Scotland’s literary icons,and they have given much to literature world wide.They would include such authors as Robbie Burns,Sir Walter Scott,Robert Louis Stevenson,Alistair MacLean.
WE did enjoy a good Scottish pub;food and beer.We met a gregarious waiter,who had the kindness that we have received from many throughout our time in Edinburgh.
Tomorrow we head off to the Highlands……an uairsin(till then)
Europe 2022 
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