Edinburgh

Yesterday we spent the day in Edinburgh, a city located near the east coast of Scotland. The first thing we saw was the Edinburgh Castle. I can't remember exactly how old it is because parts of it are rebuilt every century. However, the oldest building in the city is located in the castle, so I think it was 1200s or something like that. I've never been in a castle before, and it was way different than I always pictured it. I thought it was a building, but it really is more like a tiny city. From the top of the castle you can see the entire city of Edinburgh. It was rainy and foggy, but still beautiful. I couldn't take pictures of it, but I saw the crown jewels, crown, scepter, and sword of the Scottish kings and queens! It was so cool!

War memorial inside the castle.

They had some lovely wax figures inside to teach us about Scottish history. So creepy...

This ceiling is 500 years old!

The Great Hall

Just one building inside the castle.

These were carved by prisoners of war that were held here in the castle. They are made out of the bones of the food they were given. The prisoners would use these to make fake money to bribe the guards to let them escape.

Where the prisoners of war slept.

After touring the castle, I walked down the "Royal Mile," which is basically this mile long road with a ton of shops and restaurants. At the end of the mile is the Scottish parliament and Holyrood House. We were planning to tour the Holyrood House, but the Queen is staying there this week so no one is allowed on the grounds.

Inside a Gile's Cathedral on the Royal Mile.

They have the most beautiful and delicious chocolate here. I will miss it so much. However, on the bottom left corner you can see Kirkland Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. Like the Cosco kind. What?

Carolyn and I got some delicious fudge!

The Queens Gallery. Apparently there is a museum but it was too expensive.

Scottish Parliament

The Holyrood House

After the Royal Mile we all hiked up to St. Arthur's Peak. This is my favorite thing we've done so far! I LOVE the landscape here. This is the first hiking I've done, so I loved it! This isn't the actual peak, but it's right by it.

On top of the peak! You can see everything from up there!

The North Sea

Sooo windy!

Ruins of an old chapel near the peak.

I can't believe I took this photo. This is stuff I've only seen on Google and now I'm living here. I'm so blessed! That's all I keep thinking these days!