As you might guess from the title of this entry, today we made our way down the rest of the Royal Mile - all the way to the Palace of Hollyrood House. On the way we checked out St Giles. The interior of the Kirk contains a bizarre Thistle Chapel where the Order of the noble and ancient Chivalry congregate in 16 elaborately carved gothic style stalls. It is all very odd - I don't get it and I am not sure where it fits in with any religious theology. I liked the bagpipe playing angel though. We also dropped by John Knox's house (dating from around 1490). Knox brought the Reformation and Presbyterianism to Scotland. He was a bit of a radical, preaching against Catholicism (and Mary Queen of Scots) and advocating social justice and education which were to be supported by using the wealth of the Catholic Church. Naturally some people, mainly staunch Catholics, didn't like him.The castle is on the edge of Hollyrood Park (rood means cross) and Arthurs Seat (an extinct volcano). It is my guess that the street near mum and dads is named after this place. We decided to give the castle a miss although we did scope the edges for a good photograph. Instead we went on a long walk along the base and up the top of Salisbury Craigs. The view of Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth (ocean) was beautiful and it was lovely to enjoy nature, although, it was not so fun almost being blown off the edge of the craig.
Eventually we ended up what seemed like miles away on Calton Hill. This hill is scattered with weird Romanesque style monuments and was not so exciting since we were knackered and had already seen good views. By the end of our hike we were knackered. We are not ready for Machu Picchu.
In the evening we checked out Mary King's Close which is a real close that lies hidden deep beneath the Royal Mile. We descended underneath the council chambers for a tour of the houses and streets that have lain abandoned since the chambers were built over the top a few hundred years ago. It was pretty cool to think that there is a town beneath the town that time has forgotten. There are probably lots of them underneath Edinburgh. I believe guides get their kicks out of scaring their tour groups as ours certainly managed to get a few screams out of us and it wasn't supposed to be scary - not impressed.
3 comments:
Hi Jon and Karen
Just got on to your blog. Very impressed with the photos (very good indeed) and the journal. What a journey. Well, in Scotland and not one word on whisky?? My favourite is Laphroaigh on Islay a little out of the way I guess. Hope your legs get better soon. When we were in Scotland with friends a few months ago, they got free medication on prescription via the "National health Scheme" as they got themselves classed a "temporary citizen". Maybe worth a try if needed. Keep it up, All the best
Phlip & Hans
Hi K & J,
Just wondering if you have seen the ghost of Jamie Fraser yet?? Any stones? Saw you on the BBC Jon, didn't realise that you were into celebrity chasing!!
Glad to hear that you are both well and released from Egypt!! Say a big hello from us all to Elissa & Bapi when you get to London and have a great time together.
Love to you both,
Mumxx
Jon is loving his moment in the spotlight. Christy must have way too much time on her hands to have found that photo. It made us laugh for a long time.
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