This trip, #OurMilesThroughtheIsles, almost didn’t happen. Mom and I had been talking about it, but not yet planning it, since last year. However, when she got sick in February, this trip seemed like an impossibility. In truth, I wasn’t sure Mom would be around to take another trip again.
But, here we are and luckily I do have a story with a happy ending. Thanks to the folks at St. John’s Providence and her own grit and resolve, our big road trip through Scotland and Ireland did happen, along with a LOT of brown bread and scones, a few mini-heart attacks about driving on the left and a lot of fun. And, I think it’s safe to say that there are more trips to come.
We started our 12 day road trip in Edinburgh and since both Mom and I had been before on separate occasions, so we didn’t have a ton that we wanted to see that were the big, obvious sights (the castle, for instance). We did, of course have a ton that we wanted to eat, and with a day and a half to play and overcome the jet lag, Edinburgh was the just the way to ease into a new time zone.
This trip, we generally stayed from downtowns and I opted for Air BnBs since Mom would rather not be trapped in a concrete jungle. We stayed in an area just a little north of the city called Leith in a cute flat by the water. Mom and I are the same, and the water makes us whole, calms us down and fills our lungs with sea air that powers us like nothing else can.
If you, like us, only have one day to see Edinburgh, here’s what we suggest:
Hop-on, Hop-off
Do you do these bus things? I don’t generally if I’m alone, but I know Mom loves them and they really are a great way to get an overview of a city with limited time. Plus, it will generally save you a bus or train ticket purchase if you plan your day wisely. Most of them will take you exactly where you want to go and tell you all the secrets of the city, from it’s famous inhabitants (Sean Connery, JK Rowling) and gruesome tales from the past. We went with the local tour company and chose the Majestic option since it did widen the berth of areas hit and fortuitously picked up right in front of our flat! It’ll also drop you at the Royal Yacht Britannia, the Botanic Gardens and the Castle.
Free City Tour
Because we chose not to combine the Majestic with any of the other bus tours, we supplemented our bus-earned knowledge with a free walking tour! This lasted approximately 2 1/2 hours and our guide, Stuart, was fantastic. An enthusiastic Potterhead like me, he added a few fun HP tidbits, which more than one of us appreciated.
We saw the real life inspiration for Hogwarts and Diagon Alley.
And even came across #HeWhoMustNotBeNamed…
We learned the tragic history of conquests, a tale about some hi-jinx and the Stone of Destiny, other local lore, and a story that will melt the heart of any animal lover, that of Greyfriars Bobby.
They have other tours with other themes, like a Ghost tour and an actual HP themed tour. But, if you have time to do only one, we suggest the general city one.
It may seem a bit long, but don’t worry, there are many a treat stop along the way.
And a few adorable allies to peek into.
Fancy some tea?
You know afternoon tea is one of my favorite things in life, and making it fancy is one of my favorite indulgences. We did just that on day one at The Witchery by the Castle.
It’s really one of the things I miss most about not living in Chicago any more. Pinkies up!
Get ready to eat
