Old Town

Old Town Edinburgh has been occupied for over 900 years. Most of the structures in Old Town are still standing. In Europe, if something is 20 minutes away, or maybe even 30 minutes away, you walk. Liam and Riitta do not own a car anymore–they sold both of theirs when they left Orlando.

Edinburgh has a vast public transportation system of trams and double-decker buses within the city that is used by many people. Riitta cautioned me on day one to also watch for bikes, and of course cars. All crossing of roads is done at a crosswalk. You press the button and wait patiently, trying to remember the traffic is coming from the right. Very importantly, the “walk” sign only takes you to the center of the street. Once you are in the median, you have to press another button and wait. I never got completely used to it, and several times I would turn around and run back to the curb like a scared duckling. Twice during our trip Liam came back to get me as maybe wasn’t going to make it across at all–good grief.

This monument to writer Sir Walter Scott dominated the park area in Old Town on Princes Street. Thousands of people walked to the hundreds of shops and restaurants across the street, as trams and buses zipped by.

There are dozens of “closes”–narrow historic alleyways that allows you to cut through to the next street. Much of the walking included steep stairs and many of them!

The weather was spectacular for our first week! Highs in the 60, no rain, even quite a bit of sun.

The train station is sandwiched between Old and New Town, so it is easily accessible to all of the city.

It was very busy in Old Town, with locals and tourists exploring the city, stopping in pubs, eating great food, and shopping. For several blocks I could hear bagpipes in the distance; when we got to the main street, there was a bagpiper in traditional kilt and clothing. The droning sound suited the city as it echoed off the gray stones of the buildings, churchs, and streets. Nearly every day there was a bagpiper; one day there were 3 middle school-aged pipers and I was happy and surprised that the instrument is still being taught.

We walked the Royal Mile, which runs through Old Town to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, where King Charles stays when he is in the city.

It was already apparent that we were going to be great vacationing buddies! We all love to walk and were happy to go alone, all together, or small groups–perfect!