Day three in Scotland was spent exploring Edinburgh. I visited some new to me places, as well as places I had been before. Pam and I started the day with a tour of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, a new to me location where the Queen spends her time when she is in Scotland. The weather was nice while walking to Holyrood, and continued to stay nice with breaks of sun when we finished with our tour.
From here I ventured off solo to climb up to Arthurs Seat, something I wanted to do last time I visited Edinburgh, but did not have time for. I gave myself a window of three hours, which turned out to be two hours too many. The sky was clear as I began heading up the hill, but the higher I got the sketchier the path became.
There were spots of thick ice, so I literally grabbed onto bushes and climbed up the sides of the path. This seems to be a theme for me.
Then with the snap of a finger, the weather changed for the worse. I was more than halfway to the top and I’m too stubborn to quit, so I kept going. By the time I made it to the top the snow was so heavy I felt like I was in a small blizzard. Had I not been surrounded by handfuls of other idiots like me, I would have been more concerned.
Needless to say, I didn’t have a summit view and I didn’t stay at the top longer than a minute. I snapped a photo of the summit marker and quickly scooted back down unsure if the weather would continue to get worse. When I say scooted, I literally mean scooted. I crab walked down the path sliding as I went and laughing to myself imagining how ridiculous I looked.
Alas, in typical Scotland weather fashion the storm blew through in less than an hour, and the remainder of the day was dry with sun breaks. I was annoyed at first, but then I realized this just gave me yet another excuse to return to Scotland. As if I needed a reason to return, I’ll go back and climb this again in nicer weather.
After this true Scottish adventure, I headed back towards the Royal Mile to find Pam. We (and by we I mean ME) needed Kaffee und Kuchen, aka a German afternoon tradition of coffee and cake. I knew exactly where I wanted to go, it was a place I had been once before.
A place with delicious cake, hot espresso, and one of the birthplaces of a famous novel series you might have heard of.
The Elephant House is a fun cafe in Edinburgh, known for being one of the birthplaces of Harry Potter. I came for the history of the cafe, and stayed for the delicious cake. After filling our veins with sugar and caffeine we spent more time walking around the city.
Around 1600 Pam and I split off again and I ventured towards Calton Hill to watch the sunset.
For dinner, Pam and I had another grocery store picnic date in the hotel we were staying. My dinner included grilled chicken, veggies, and hummus, as well as a new to me food that Pam bought for me on our way to The Elephant House earlier in the day. I’d heard of Scotch Eggs before, but wasn’t sure what they were exactly.
After being in the U.K for four days without consuming ANY black pudding, this was the perfect opportunity.
Basically this is a hard boiled egg, wrapped in black pudding, and fried. Wow. Just wow. This was literally one of the best things I have ever eaten. My tastebuds danced like sugar plum faeries. (I’ve been doing better lately eating any and everything and handling the repercussions without spiraling. I used to get extreme anxiety if I felt my autoimmune disease flare up from something I ate, but now I just let it pass. It always passes.)
This was a great trip to Scotland with even better company, and a perfect way to welcome turning 31. I hope to continue the tradition of spending my third decade of life in Europe for my birthday.
I’m still just as in love with the U.K as I was the first time I visited in 2017. Something about this area of Europe makes me feel calm, and this trip was a long time coming for my friend Pam and I. Sometimes the universe brings people into your life you’d never expect, and Pam is that person for me. What started as a “business relationship” (I watch her adorable kitty) turned into a friendship I will cherish forever.
Thank you to Pam for spending my birthday with me, and for coming all the way to Scotland.
Q: Do you have an unexpected friendship like Pam and I?
20 thoughts on “Exploring Edinburgh”
Poetpas
Love it there. It’s my favorite city. Thanks for sharing!
Brittany
I can see why!
Thistles and Kiwis
My home town! Though I haven’t lived there since 1998. Next time explore the New Town and Leith.
Brittany
You have a BEAUTIFUL home town!! I adore your country.
pam
Happy 31st Brittany 🎉
Us older folks have to have younger friends to keep us tuned in , active and aware😊👍
Truly as they say, Never judge a book by its cover….Always allow for new people to come into Your life, You never know the contribution they will make ❤️
Stay safe , Be Well and keep Us posted on the local news….till we see You again
🙏🙋
Brittany
I NEVER judged you by your cover, I just never would have expected you wanting to be my close friend!! But I am so glad you chose me as your kitty sitter!
hyddyr
Edinburgh is such a beautiful city and the history is amazing! So glad to see it with you. Now keep yourself safe out there among the Scots.
PS: Yes I have a friend who (I think) is completely surprised that we are such good friends and I appreciate her so much!!
Brittany
I love that friendship for you!
B
The snow looks beautiful!
Brittany
It sure is pretty to look at, not so much when you’re stuck in the middle of it! HA.
Amy
Oh my gosh… I want to do EVERYTHING you did on this day in Edinburgh! Well, except the snowy hike… You know how cold + Amy don’t mix. At all. 😂🙈😉 But the castle, the coffee and cake (and Harry Potter!), the sunset… It all looks SO fun and magical!! And a happy belated birthday, sweet friend!!! 🎂❤️
Brittany
It was a lovely day, something I enjoy reminiscing on in this wild time right now.
Josh dV
These are lovely photos! I love the snow! Probably because I don’t get much now and I don’t have to deal with it.
Your smile is infectious friend! So much joy.
Brittany
You are too kind! Thank you! I honestly could live a happy life without ever seeing snow. I don’t think I would like constant heat though.
gpavants
Hi Brittney,
Those eggs look great. I wish I had s travel companion like that. You are blessed. Safe & healthy travels!
Gary
Brittany
I am blessed indeed! Thank you Gary.
gpavants
Just remember that when this all passes the outdoors will be waiting for you. Thank
Brittany
Thank you Gary. All in time.
E-Gusta
Just found your blog and loving it!
Brittany
Thank you!! 🙂