Finally made it to Edinburgh! Met up with Kirsty, a local friend who I met whilst she was travelling Australia early this year. Kirsty kindly took me to several charity stores, where we ascertained that thermal clothing is unlikely to be selling this time of year. We visited the top storey of the museum, where we had a great view of the palace. Most importantly, she took me on a gorgeous walk up to Arthur’s Seat.

Arthur’s Seat is the top of a hill, right in the middle of the city. There’s a 360 degree view of Edinburgh, including both lochs, and all the tall, ancient buildings that complete the city. Kirsty assures me it was just a hill, but it’s a bloody big hill, with lots of stairs, and I realise my fitness isn’t quite what it could be. The sun was shining for once, but it was also incredibly windy. Somewhere towards the top, with the wind blowing me sideways, I suddenly remembered that heights are not a great friend of mine.
What was amazing, were the slanting slopes, the green grass, and the way the hills stood out above the city below. I got very snap happy today! The lookout itself was ridiculously busy. Swarming with tourists, and some who insisted we move for their photo, despite the fact that it’s a small peak, with limited moving room. We stayed.

On the way down, we took a small detour past St Anthony’s Chapel. A 15th Century ruin, the chapel (or what’s left of it) made for a very picturesque view. We sat next to it on the grassy slopes, before heading back to town for an all-important ice cream. I had lychee rose and a scoop called “speculoos”. Apparently they’re a type of biscuit. It tasted a little like gingerbread, and I may need to try it again…just for quality assurance.

The bus back from Linlithow to my temporary house sit was most pleasant. The bus driver noted that I wasn’t local – maybe it was my accent? Maybe it was my wild, lost look – and took it upon himself to give me a local tour. I now know where the old local school used to be, and he even showed me a photo he took of the Bridge of Forth. The locals here are all incredibly friendly and helpful, many have gone above and beyond a simple direction, and I’m so grateful.
The man buying a ticket with me at the station this morning told me he’d walk me towards the castle, as he was going that way anyway. Just lovely people I’ve met so far.

There are so many places to see and visit, I'm wondering how I'll fit it all in with such a short time frame!