The End of the Adventure

Friday, September 27th, I walked on the cold, windy, rough North Sea beach.

Then we caught a train to Newcastle, ate lunch in a greenhouse hookah bar, and enjoyed a beautiful train ride up the North Sea coast back to Edinburgh.

Saturday we shopped yarn, fabric, and pretty Scottish woolen clothing. We walked into a Turkish restaurant that was full and got seated alone in a loft with kilim rug covered benches. It was a cool experience, and we enjoyed delicious food and a good chat with the server/proprietor.

Sunday we returned to the Unitarian church, and then saw a Lavery exhibit at the art museum. Neither of us had heard of him but enjoyed his paintings and his story.

Monday Cathy left and I visited Edinburgh Castle. Mostly used for defense with wild stories of Scottish/English fighting and all the usual Scottish/English fighters, the site is large and sited on the end of a ridge.

Occasionally soldiers stay there but the royals stay at Holyrood Palace when they are in town. King Charles stayed at Holyrood Saturday night. Edinburgh Castle does not have the feel of luxury.

Here’s a picture of the Great Hall, site of many significant events including dinners, and restored after Cromwell trashed it. It’s still used for formal state events.

Saint Margaret of Scotland (1045 - 1093) died here and her son had this charming little chapel built in her honor.

Tuesday, I walked to the Royal Botanic Garden. It was a treat, as were these two Andy Goldsworthy pieces.

Lastly, I thought the Le Creuset bowl was a nice touch.

Fly home tomorrow, 10/2. An awesome experience.