Thursday, May 8, 2008

Edinburgh, Scotland


Last week I had to travel to Edinburgh Scotland in order to apply for a visa to travel to the Netherlands. A a Colombian, I don't have the privilege of traveling freely around other countries. Long story short, Sandy who is the wife of another medical student, who also happens to live in the same apt complex as us was kind enough to come with me. First thing in the morning we took a train from Newcastle to Edinburgh. The train ride was only an hour and a half but the best part of the train ride was the scenery. We were able to see the beautiful English country side. There was a section of the ride where we saw a huge mass of trailers. I felt I was back in the US...weird!


Once we got to Edinburgh we explored the city and we tried to visit all the "touristy" areas. We walked down the popular street the Royal Mile. The Royal Mile is the main street for Edinburgh's "Old Town" and it holds very posh-like stores. As we walked down the Royal Mile we explored through some closes, which are very narrow streets that hold houses on both sides of the close. Back in the mid 1700's the Edinburgh council decided to build new buildings in the same area where the closes we situated. In order to make this building project affordable they tore up the top part of the houses and left the lower areas. We visited Mary King's Close, an underground close that gives an historical account of the people who lived in these closes in the seventeen and eighteen centuries.

In the afternoon we kept exploring the city and climbed all the way up to Calton Hill, Edinburgh's first Public Park. From there we had a great view of the city. As we were heading back to the train station to go back home I took some interesting photos. Take a look.


The view of the Calton Hill Park from the city




On our way to the Calton Park we were able to get a better view of the Palace of Holyroodhouse. This is the summer palace for the royal family.


A view of Edinburgh from the Calton Hill Park



In order to avoid fights in bars... Football is everywere!

English in a very Scotish way.

7 comments:

Elisabeth said...

It looks like you guys are having a great time. It's so nice to be able to check up on you and see what you are up to now that I have your blog address. keep us all posted

Jess said...

all i can say is, whoa! you are so lucky to be able to see all of that stuff! thanks for the update. keep them coming!

Nathaly said...

It looks beautiful! That's so cool that you're getting to see different places. I'm glad to hear you guys are doing well! Miss you!

-Nathaly

Britt said...

So beautiful. You should have worn your yellow Colombian kit, ya wee lass.

Heather said...

Wow, gorgeous scenery! One day I really want to see all of these things. Stephanie's husband Greg went on his mission to Scotland, and I know that he dying to go back for a visit. Thanks for sharing the photos.

Stephanie said...

I am so jealous! Greg served in Scotland and we were supposed to go back later this year, but that is not going to happen. Sad. I am glad you got to go. Someday we'll make it there!

Jill and Kevin said...

How fun! I love Europe. Edinburgh was a cool city too. Kevin told me your blog was listed on Heather and Matt's, so I decided to check it out. Good luck with all your adventures. Florida is still sunny. We'll soak it up for you!