Our Day in Edinburgh

Castles, hikes, golf courses, and ghost tours...a little of everything today in Edinburgh!  Read up on the adventures from Josh K., Jacob, and Aziz below!

The whole group in front of Edinburgh Castle.

Through castles and haunted slum tourers, Edinburgh has it all! The beautiful city is filled with so much culture and excitement, it is hard to think we fit it all into one day. On our second day, we truly were at the heart of the city, as we went inside the castle of Edinburgh. The castle was made out of a beautiful stone and sat on top of a giant rock. Inside the castle, which in its day was primarily used for soldiers was a series of smaller buildings of which were converted into museums and one, a tea room. The tea room was stunning, overlooking the city with dramatic views and offering typical Scottish meals, such as Eggs Benedict and porridge. 

Later at night, we went into a haunted slum, in which the homeless of the medieval times would sleep, and rather live, as homelessness in Scotland was illegal and to multiple offenders, punishable by death. The place was rather spooky and haunted, as many perceive it to be one of the most haunted places in all of Europe. Hopefully I can sleep tonight! Anyhow, the city is beautiful and I am really enjoying the stay!!

- Josh K.

The group gathers around our guide, Anya, as she takes us through the castle.

 After a long relieved rest of being awake, we started are day off with a traditional Scottish breakfast. It is both similar in some ways and different from the typical American breakfast, in that while both contain eggs and toast. However the unexpected items were haggis, beans and black pudding. Following this we traveled to Edinburgh Castle, which we walked to yesterday. The castle is very beautiful and historic as it serves significant role in the royal and military history of Scotland. It contains the Crown Jewels, a few crowns, swords and jewelry, which are very ornate.

More so, we spilt into groups having the option to hike or stay around the city, and see some of the sights in town. I chose the city. We visited the royal college of surgeons in Edinburgh museum which displays some innovations of medical history over time as well as preservedbones,organs, and other body parts related to the body. Interestingly, many of the items here are relevant to Scottish history of war involvement and famous Scottish doctors. After having some more time. In the city center and eating dinner at a golf club, we finished the night off at a ghost tour. They took us underneath a bridge where the tour guide explained stories of potential sightings. Though not totally believable, it was cool seeing the type of environment where poor residents squatted and hid during the 18th century, as not only are these spaces dark, small, slippery but they are wet and muddy. So looking for the fun in store tomorrow!

- Jacob

Some of the group visited the museum of surgeons.

I woke up late this morning due to jet lag. I missed the Scottish Breakfast so I couldn't try the breakfast food. Instead I got a croissant  and tea which tasted alright. We ventured off onto the bus and Fred drove us through the city to pick up our tour guide. We took a tour and learned about the city's history. We went to the residential palace of where the royal family stays when they are in a Scotland for official business. Then we set out to the Edinburgh Palace and explored the grounds with my group. We set out to lunch and me and my friends went to a restaurant called Tang's and ate some great Japanese food. Then we split up to groups and one group went through the city and the other went hiking up the hill. I went up the hill and got to view the city and take some cool pictures. We walked down and went to dinner at a posh golf course and ate meat pie. Went on an underground tour Then came back to the hotel.

- Aziz