I'm still feeling joyful, and I'm going to do my best to keep that feeling going. Here are some photos of the little joyful man that I saw all over Edinburgh when I was there in July 2019. The statues were part of a countrywide project, featuring Oor Wullie, a Scottish comic character , to raise money for children's hospital charities.
 Here we were at Logan airport less than 24 hours ago. No we are in Edinburgh, but no picture to prove it. I'll take one tomorrow, but right now the rest of the group is on its way to Glasgow to attend the World In-Door Track Championship. Next stop for the lucky runners is the Summer Olympics in Rome. I chose to stay in my second favorite city to wander about, and stop for fish 'n chips before an early sleep. Our hotel is on Princes Street, just around the corner from St. Andrew's Square, which was showing signs of spring, even on the second day of March.  Off to Edinburgh with my son and family. It was a trip planned for late March 2020, but that didn't work out. Before we had considered cancelling, we received emails from the hotels, beating us to it. Four years alter our itinerary is different but enthusiasm the same.
We'll be staying in Edinburgh for seven nights, at a hotel right on Princes Street. All five us have special spots we want to visit: I figure we'll hang out together most of the time but also go our own ways when the time is right. Here are my five: 1. Climb Arthur’s Seat 2. Tour Holyrood Palace 3. Go to a service at St. Giles on the Royal Mile 4. Explore cemeteries, including St. Cuthbert’s 5. Walk along Dean Village, the Water of Leith to Stockbridge  Afternoon walk to Stockbridge, a little village just down the road from New Town where I am staying. When I see the Scott Memorial I know I am almost home. Amazing how this idyllic town is so close to the 'downtown' of Edinburgh.  I'm here in Edinburgh. The flight from Boston took off on time and we arrived 30 minutes ahead of time; even the dinner was acceptable. The tram from the airport stopped right in front of my hotel on Princes Street. Alas, this was at 8:30 and I can't get into my room until 3. So, I've walked Royal Mile , enjoyed eggs Benedict, walked along Princes Street, took pictures of THE CASTLE, and now I am resting in one of the hotel public rooms. Even fell asleep. Maybe the room will be ready a little early.  Tonight: Direct flight: Boston--Edinburgh. Yes, now that winter is over, the weather warmer, and more daylight hours, there is a daily direct flight from Boston to Edinburgh. I'll be spending 7 nights in a hotel on Princes Street overlooking Princes Street Gardens.
There is so much to do in Edinburgh, all within walking distance. I know, because I was there in June 2019 just before the…..you know what. Very grateful to be going again. The picture is of the Scott Memorial taken from my hotel window. I'll send another in a couple of days.  With my niece Kristin in front of St. Giles in June 2015. I watched the service for the Queen at St. Giles Cathedral today. The scene was familiar, well somewhat, because I’ve walked the Royal Mile many times, and have attended at least three Sunday services at St. Giles. I can picture where the Royal Family sat, where the choir was located, and the placement of the casket. That circle you may have noticed in the center was where I stood to receive communion, maybe in June 2015.
I hope those who watched, regardless of their faith, heard the message expressing the way the Queen did her best to reign—be honest, loving, and fair to all people.  My last morning in Edinburgh. My flight is delayed until 1:00 and thankfully Delta let me know of the change via email. So here I sit at the go-to café I discovered on my second morning here, enjoying coffee, croissants and other breads, porridge, fruit and easy internet access.
For those of you who sometimes like to be alone (and live on the east coast of the U.S. or in Europe), Edinburgh is the perfect city for a get-away week. There is plenty to do; everything is within walking distance of the city center, and there is also the hop-on-hop-off bus to give your body a rest while taking in the scenic views and learning the history of the city. As many of you know, I love to get away by myself for extended periods of time. I love not talking with anyone or having to make plans with a fellow traveler. I am never lonely. This isn’t the only way to travel, nor does it appeal to everyone. The point is, however, to figure out what works for you. If you are reading this blog, you probably want time extended times alone. Search for the solitude that feeds you. I’m refreshed and ready to return to a busy summer, both social and solitary.  Less than 24 hours ago I was sitting in my sunny backyard before heading to the airport and on my way to Edinburgh. Now I find myself warming up out of the rain in the reference room of the National Scottish Library. My suitcase is waiting for me at the hotel for a 3PM check-in. I’ve wandered across Waverly Bridge, enjoyed Eggs Benedict with smoked salmon, and now I am here in this silent place. I could be annoyed that it is cold and rainy and that I couldn’t check into my room, but I’m not. Would I be more content if it were sunny? I don’t think so. With a certain equanimity I’ve come to accept whatever presents itself during my solitary travel. I‘ve come to expect the unknown as part of the known. From my hotel window: the Scot Monument, Princes Street, and the Royal Mile in the distance.  |
