Today we were met by our guide Karen. She is originally from Wisconsin, married a Scot and has been here more than 40 years. She was very knowledgeable about the history and the city. We first drove around to an area of Georgan buildings stopping in front of one that is owned by the crown. Karen explained the house was given to one of Victoria’s ladies in waiting upon her retirement to live out the rest of her life, rent free. The building is currently unoccupied waiting for the King do decide what to do with it, Karen suggesting they might put it on the market. As we might consider leaving the US I asked if she knew the price.
In this area there were several other houses of interest including where Robert Louis Stevenson lived as a child. The house is marked by a plaque.
Then on to Edinburgh castle. We walked the castle grounds and entered its buildings and heard the stories of the many kings and queens. Particularly Margarete and Mary Queen of Scots and her son James VI / I.
From the castle we went to Holyrood Palace, the residence of the King / Queen when in Edinburgh. Here we picked up an audio tour headphone device which explained the history of the many rooms. No pictures are allowed inside, however the palace was built on the grounds of an old Abby whose remains are still evident.
We finished the tour about noon and headed back to the hotel to refresh and get ready for the Tattoo. Since we were in the Royal Gallery, we were told the dress was formal. What we did not realize was that we would have to walk to the castle, and Cathy in heals was none too happy.
After dinner, we were shown to our seats. We were right in the middle with a terrific view of the esplanade, so we saw it all. Many bands from all over the world. We really liked the New Zealand band, especially when they did the Hakka!
