Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a magnificant city and can hold its ground in comparison with any major European capital. Spreading out over several volcanous hills, it impresses with stunning views and its homogenous archicture and towering above all is Edinburgh Castle.
The streets were flooded with huge crowds of people, who had come to the city to experience the Fringe Festival, this celebration of creative energy. Artist were performing throughout the city, on the streets and in all kinds of event locations. We went with the flow, stopping here and there to watch the performances of musician, standup comedians and magicians. And I was able to secure for us tickets for the Military Tattoo, a sound and vision spectacle with piping, music, marching and choregraphed dance performences. Everything in view of the grand setting of eluminated Edinburgh Castle. Awe-inspiring even for the committed pacifist.
The Military Tattoo
Of all the historic buildings, of which there are plenty in Edinburgh, I specially wanted to see Holyrood Palace. In this palace Mary, the hapless Queen of Scots, lived in the time of her regency from 1561 to 1567. And it was from here that likewise hapless Bonnie Prince Charlie orchestrated the Jacobite uprising of 1745.
Granton Dock, which is quite close to the centre of Edinburgh, is not an attractive harbour for a sailor, as it dries out in large parts, so we chose Port Edgar for mooring. It lies 5 nm upstream of Edinburgh in the very pretty old town of South Queensferry, conveniently connected with Edinburgh by public transport (bus No. 43 running every 20 min takes you to the city in 30 min). It turned out that here too was festival time. The Ferry Fair Festival took place, with parades and music and piping. We were happy to get another dose of Scottish culture.
Ein Gedanke zu „Edinburgh“
Yes, and don‘t forget to have a Whiskey in the bar on top of the Scottish Museum opposite the castle!