Day 116 of international places giving smiles – Remembering One day in Edinburgh-capital of Scotland

Day 116 of international places giving smiles – Remembering One day in Edinburgh-capital of Scotland

It was a cold morning in Mar 2012 and I was in Edinburgh, completely covered in layers of sweaters. (I remember being covered in jackets even during my previous visit in 2008) I enjoyed the hot cocoa and my vegetarian subway sandwich at the Princes mall at Waverley bridge. I got out and stared at an imposing tower with pointed spires. Was surprised to know that this giant monument was dedicated not to a politician or an army chief but to a writer! – This Victorian Gothic styled Scott Monument with its numerous carved figures was memorial to the Scottish author Sir Walter Scott. In front of that was another building with beautifully carved figures and this was just a department store called Jenners. We walked past the art galleries called the Royal Scottish Academy and the Scottish National Gallery with their many majestic pillars.

The first impression about Edinburgh was that almost all the buildings seemed to belong to some other era, having the same dull brownish grey colour. We were next on the Royal Mile a succession of streets where I really felt as if I was transported to another older time zone. On one corner of the Royal Mile was the highlight of this city- the Edinburgh Castle standing majestically on top of the Castle Rock. We spent our whole morning there gazing with amazement at the nation’s crown jewels, the impressive weapons in the Great Hall, the mighty medieval siege gun, the cannon which still fires at 1 p.m. and the stone coronation seat of ancient Scottish kings called the stone of destiny. I was surprised to see the place of Serangapatnam engraved in the war Memorial which contains the names of every Scotsman who died on duty. I almost relived the experience of the 18^th century prisoners of war when I entered the dark and dusty dungeons. I hurriedly went through the regimental museums and the chapel and was more interested in enjoying the stunning view of the city from the castle.

We got out of the castle and onto the open grounds called the castle esplanade. There was no time to see the modern illusive wonder called Camera Obscura. I would rather get a feel of the ancient times on this Royal Mile – like watching the impressive gothic styled churches called the dark Tolbooth Highland St. John Church and the medieval St. Giles Cathedral.

This high street was crowded with tourists and street performers. I saw shops with attractive local wares and I just had to try the delicious butter scones from Starbucks. I also saw a traditionally dressed Scotsman, playing on his bagpiper and asking for money, a juggler with knives, a street painter using spray cans to turn out works of art! People were openly enjoying their drinks in the mid-afternoon on street cafes. (It is acceptable here to socialize at all times with a drink at the local pub!) We were now at Parliament square which used to house the old parliament of Scotland, but now it is home to the Law courts of Scotland.

At the lower end of the Royal Mile we saw the Canongate kirk a parish church and the resting place of several Edinburgh personalities, including the poet Robert Fergussan whose statue was just outside the church as if he was walking on the pavement! The new Scottish Parliament seemed to stand out in contrast as a weird architectural disaster. We had reached the other end of the Royal Mile called the Palace of Holyroodhouse, where the Queen of England still resides whenever she comes to Edinburough.

We then climbed up the Calton Hill to the Dugald Stewart monument of the famous Scottish philosopher to get a new panoramic view of the city. There were some other impressive architectural structures like the government offices of St Andrews house, the Nelson Monument, and the Observatory tower.

It was time to go back to where we started from – the main shopping street called Princess Street. After a cold beginning it was good to enjoy the warm sunshine. The weather plays such an important role in determining the general mood of the day. Just like the other locals, we decided to bask in the warmth of the sun at the Princes Street gardens. I was thrilled to see so many beautiful tulips and other flowers in full bloom in this place.

We then walked past the many churches, pubs, theatres and concert halls to get back to our hotel at Lothian street. It was time to give some rest to the overworked feet…we did manage to cover on foot in one day, almost the whole of the old town of Edinburgh!