Didn’t do a lot today. Slept in–needed that! Then around noon we decided to go exploring a little down in Edinburgh. Ryan was voted in as driver again…once we got into downtown proper, we were glad he was–with his superior experience over Ben and I (1 days worth, that is). It would have been bad enough had we been driving on the right-side of the road but having to navigate in streets undergoing construction, taxis zipping around in mad-capped fashion, the dreaded round-a-bouts every 3 blocks–it seems like, etc, etc. The most unnerving things it seems is pedestrians crossing the streets just where-ever they want to and you don’t know whether they are going to walk out in front of you or not. Added to that, we’ve discovered that you can park on either side of the road facing either direction!! VERY unnerving—you turn down a street and you don’t know if you’re on a one-way street or not sometimes. At one point we suddenly had an Ambulance with Blue lights and siren on our tail!!! We didn’t know which way to pull over, it happened so fast–in the middle of Edinburgh–but somehow we managed to get out of the way.
We’ve discovered that the locals know we’re tourists…..there’s a sticker on the back of our car that says “Arnold Clarke”–our car rental place. We occasionally get “helpful” warning honks to let us know we’re doing or about to do something wrong….ah….we assume…..
What we decided to do today was to go up to Calton Hill, which overlooks Edinburgh with some spectacular views of the city, New Town, the Port of Leith, the Forth River, Holyrood Park, Arthur’s Seat, etc. Took us awhile to figure out, once again, just how to get there—this time WITH the GPS, but we finally made it.
Took some photos and am posting a number of them here for you today—can’t vouch because I’m processing these on my Netbook. Will have to wait until I can get home and process them properly on my computer. But here are a few for your viewing:
Today has just been kind of a take-it-easy day to just recoup from the trip over. Not sure what we’re doing yet tomorrow. Better close this post and get to planning that……..
Cheers!! (new word I learned 🙂 )
Howie
howardgeorgephotography.wordpress.com 
BEAUTIFUL, HOWIE,
NOW, HOW ABOUT ONE OF THE THREE OF YOU AT A PUB AND I WILL BELIEVE YOU REALLY ARE IN SCOTLAND… GRIN.
Howie, I suggest that you walk the Royal Mile from fort to palace in the old town and check out all the stops along the way. Then check out one of those tourist info centers near the bus hub. They’ll give you lots of ideas of places to go and how to get there — and they even speak English. And then, Yes, I think a picture in a pub as proof that you three are in Scotland is called for. Keep the post coming.
Yes, picture in a pub!! Need proof!