Our day started -after nine hours of sleep- with a spectacular breakfast at Minto Cafe. The barista told dad he looks French. When he brought my Cortado, it was more beautiful than I could have imagined.
Dad and Grant loved their eggs Benedict. My Greek yogurt pot was something I’ll be thinking about for a few weeks. I then decided to buy a bottled water so I don’t have to carry around my huge brumate. My Apple Pay wasn’t working, so I asked dad for his card. After it worked the gentleman said, “Always use dad’s card.”
We made a quick at our airbnb to plug in some power packs because we had to buy another adapter at the general store first. Mom and I waited outside, and down the street was a man unloading whiskey down into the basement of a restaurant.
We walked up through the meadows and I saw this darling little coffee shack and I knew that I’d seen it in my research. There was no queue so obviously I went. As soon as I ordered the line was full; I took that as a sign I needed to go. The barista had a beautiful smile, and the hot chocolate tasted even more perfect than it looked. I must try to re-create the recipe when I get home. My family had continued walking down the path, so I had moments to myself. There I was in the park; leaves swirling at my feet, hot chocolate warming my hands, and people enjoying themselves around me. My eyes did water a bit because how is this real and how am I here experiencing it?!
We continued through the park and up to Greyfriar’s Kirkyard. A few people, including the man from the train station and miss Ella had told us it’s a must.
Bobby was a terrier who reportedly refused to leave his owner’s grave for 14 years.
After meandering about the graveyard, we waited for the church to open and look inside. The church first opened in 1620.
They were using a drone to power wash the windows. I think that is a proper way to do it in America, but it felt out of place here.
We explored inside the church that was built in 1620.
Since it’s free to visit National Museum of Scotland, we popped inside. First Grant and I walked up to the seventh floor rooftop terrace while dads took the lift. It was quite windy but I was impressed with the nearly clear skies. I climbed on a rock thing to get a better view, and soon someone told me and another man to get down. At least I got some pictures first.
We explored to the first floor which had Scottish history, some church history and a bunch of things I didn’t see. I’m not a huge museum person but it was so fun to read charts of things that intrigued me.
Grant and I waited on the steps for our parents to come. We were walking on the same street that we came from last night and so we switched to a different one for views sake.
Dad and Grant popped into a little store to find newsboy caps. Mom and I continued down the street.
I decided to go up some little stairs in an alley, or as they say “close.” When they wanted shortcuts to places, they’d cut through buildings, hence: close.
A man with camera came and told me to go check out this art gallery that has a great exhibition. There was a long line of people getting Photo Booth strips, but I happily went past to see the framed black and white photos.
While the family ate gelato, I stepped into the milkman cafe for a latte. The barista was so kind and when I said I don’t want sweetener she told me, “you’re sweet enough already.”
After strolling through Princes Street Gardens and seeing the Scott Monument, we were stopped by a hop on hop off bus tour guy. I always think such things are scams, but he was so kind. He was a proud Scot and happy to answer any questions. Most of Scotland’s history is sad but still very interesting.
This clock has been set five minutes fast since the 1920s, so people make it on time to the trains.
Our first bus stop was at Edinburgh Castle that was closed due to high winds. There was still a herd of humans. At this moment in time, 14:00, my phone was at 16%; so I decided to turn it off. But then I used the loo and came out to no people so I had to turn it on again. It was at 6% so I called dad because his phone was more alive. I also decided then was the time to voice message my last words of the day to my people in the USA.
After reuniting, we ate lunch at Deacon’s House Cafe’ (a place connected to a man who inspired some of R.L. Stevenson’s writings).
My salmon quiche was 4/10. Mom’s carrot and red lentil soup was something worth recreating at home. And the tea. I love tea.
We popped in to the Writer’s Museum (also free) after having been lost the first time we looked for it. You had to use a close to get there, and Apple Maps is incompetent for such things. It included a cabinet made by the deacon and lots of Stevenson’s belongings and writings.
I saw an open door with a spiral staircase up. Obviously I had to investigate. It was someone’s flat but I got some photos from the balcony.
Dad was waiting on the street for us, but we couldn’t find him. Since my phone was deceased, I grabbed my journal and scribbled down what I wanted to remember. It’s a bit difficult to read words I wrote while walking though.
We hopped on the bus again and the above is the only picture I took while aboard.
At this stop we saw a cemetery on the hill and wondered how to reach it. With dead and dying cellular devices, we wanted to try to find the way without Google Maps. A man at the bust stop directed us up the street.
Down the street was this close, so obviously we popped through it. There were some people coming out and they said it’s quite beautiful back there.
They were more than right, it was amazing; and a shortcut to our destination.
We came out at the cemetery and climbed up to explore. The autumn leaves beginning to fall completed something inside of me.
The muscle in my legs that walk up steps were quite sore so I walked up backwards. A gentleman asked if I knew what things were and I said no. He pointed out the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Scottish Parliament.
He seemed unimpressed that they spent so much time and money on the parliament building, and it doesn’t even match the rest of Edinburgh. It is quite sad. Why wouldn’t you want to continue the beautiful architecture when you have the best place to begin?
We walked down past the palace (where King Charles comes for meetings) and parliament.
Back at the bus stop, we considered our options of further transportation. Grant wanted to hike up Arthur’s Seat, but being alone in this idea he decided to forgo it. I asked the one bus if they’d take up to our house’s street, but the driver said no. Walking it was. Thankfully Papa’s phone had life and could direct us towards our apartment.
I wanted to go to at least one bookstore while we are here, that wish was granted. Mom found a cute book and I got a canvas bag. I love the shop owners in this city, always kind. I forgot my phone was dead and tried Apple Pay and then she said, “It’s so disorienting when your phone is off, isn’t it?” Yes ma’am, you are correct.
Mom wanted coffee beans so she stopped at the shop on our street. They didn’t sell any so her and dad went to another shop.
Grant and I popped into a grocery store. I bought two apples and a sourdough soda. The grocer asked if I’d tried it because he thinks it is strange. Then since it was near closing time, he gifted a loaf of bread!
The parents were nowhere near us, and as previously mentioned ten times; our phones are dead. I wanted a photo of my treasures so Grant had the honor. Apparently my camera wasn’t focusing. So as he was photographing my bread, my sourdough soda, (which was amazing btw) blew off of the windowsill I set it on. It took me a couple seconds to register and pick it up. Just then come mom and dad, laughing up the street. I was able to drink ten more sips of the soda while I charged my phone, ate some bread, and looked through my photos.
After refreshing at home, starting laundry, and charging our devices; Mom found a vespers service. It was a short, blustery walk to the Orthodox Church. Honestly, one of the most interesting hours of my life.
The pub I wanted to eat at was so busy, we decided to eat at Mangal, Taste of Anatolia. The lamb chops were delicious, of course; and the tea and appetizers were free. Some may say the pita was nothing to write home about. They are not me. I write home about everything. I hope you don’t get bored of me.
After dinner we grabbed chocolate and ginger root at a grocery shop. Then home it was. After my shower I’ve been here finishing this.
Cheers,
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