Auld Rekkie

We have just returned from a fabulous weekend away in Edinburgh (sans enfants).

As usual, Kimmy managed to find us some excellent accomodation, in a self catering flat, on the 3rd floor of the above building, overlooking the Grassmarket, Edinburgh's version of Swansea's Wind street, or London's covent garden (sorta). We were right in the hub of things, just a stones throw (upward) from the castle, The Royal Mile, but on the other side of the town from Princes street, and the modern shops. You can rent the flat from rosalind.hume@btinternet.com, and the link is 25 Grassmarket (some nice piccies, too)

I was really suprised to see how compact Edinburgh is. Everything is within walking distance, or just a short bus ride away. Basically, it's built on a long inclined ridge, culminating in the castle rock at one end. The main road runs along the ridge, from holyrood house palace to the castle, the last bit near the castle being the royal mile.

Historically, the main shops fronted off this road, with 'closes' running at 90 degreees, down the ridge on either side. these were narrow alleys, leading to five, or six story accomodation blocks. one such close is Mary Kings close, uncovered recently, and now a guided visitor attraction, you can read about it here. We also visited royal yacht britannia, and hollyrood House Palace (which doesn't have a website)

you can see more piccies using google's new web album programme, picasa, here