The New Newport News News 143: Edinburgh Hill, Dale and Dinner edition
Ron was determined to do the ‘Grass Market’ street market [flea market, only open on Saturdays]; he discovered sadly, that it was more street than market. The other 4 Buckitts bussed to, and then climbed Calton Hill in the middle of Edinburgh. The city has 3 dramatic hills, each from a volcanic plug left over from eons ago. The Castle has 1 such crag, the other is open and empty and enticing for hiking, and the 3rd is Calton Hill. Crowned with various monuments [see below], it can be seen from all over town, and is touted as an ideal view of the cityscape.
The day dawned very windy and cool and it began to rain as we climbed. Horizontal rain, each drop blown to a white froth and therefore, very visible. Only slightly daunted, the mad mountaineers shared the hill with a solitary dog walker.
The city stretched before us in every direction, including a clever architectural design that surely was made long before the poop emoji became a thing.
On the summit, there is a partial reconstruction of the Parthenon of Athens, which apparently bankrupted the city long before it was half-way done. [ That reminds me, the original Parthenon was constructed with funds intended for the defense budget.] There is also a Nelson Monument, looking rather like a lighthouse, from which they used to signal ships in the harbor.
Since we were keeping our heads down because of the rain, we saw a wild bramble of blackberries, from which the Buckles grazed like goats. They were unusually delicious and sweet. Volcanic soil is wonderful for growing tasty food.
We walked down the opposite side of the hill. Carol gathered a baggie of Queen Anne’s Lace seeds only to realize she could not smuggle them into the US. Of course, these laws have prevented all sorts of horrible bugs from invading our country, so I can’t quibble.
The weary wanderers bussed back to the heart of the city, to meet Ron at the Museum of Scotland to finish our tour. Cleverly, we left time to enjoy second breakfast at our coffee shop we discovered on our fist day. We had lattes, cappuccino, fruit smoothie, Victorian sponge, hash browns and more, keeping an open tab till we were replete. Thanks, Andrew.
The first time Ron and Carol visited the Museum of Scotland, we were in awe and delight the whole time. That was 20 years ago [!] and they did not like the changes in the meantime. Carol paid the price of mountaineering and had a great deal of knee and back pain. Borrowing Zoe, who was overwhelmed by the exhibits, Carol headed for drinks and 3rd breakfast for slim / teenaged Zoe.
After lunch, Ron and Carol teamed up to tour the Scots’ science exhibits. They found folding chairs to carry around, provided by the museum, but Carol had continuing pain from the concrete floors and found it hard to get out of the chairs! <whining>
We learned that 90 million people around the world are descended from Scots. Me too.
Edinburgh was even more crowded on this Saturday; both freaks and fancies were attending various festivals. Well, we could understand why coming to Scotland in August is appealing: the weather was lovely, breezy and cool. But we really didn’t want to share!
The Buckitts bussed back to their flat for a lie down and pain medication.
That evening, Ron had booked us a Folk and Haggis Scottish dinner. Andrew was the only one to order haggis [it was very good], 3 of us had fish and chips and Theresa had Scots salmon. Most had Cullen Skink to start [“fishie-leakie’]
Ewan Johston and Sarah MacGregor entertained us. The room was far from full, but were enthusiastic Americans and Canadians of all ages. Ewan soon had us singing along—many of the songs were familiar to Carol through her Folklore degree. Later, Andrew and Zoe joined the medieval style dance, doing very well indeed. Sarah accompanied Ewan on the fiddle. It was clear they had not played together much, if at all. But fabulous results—they communicated with eye gestures. Truly impressive.
The evening finished with a shot of whiskey. As well it should.