2004.09.07 in Edinburgh

We left King's Cross rail station for the 10am trip and passed through northern England. Passed by lots of farmland and sheep but the eastern coast of this island was a nice sight to see for a change. As usual we headed for the "i" in Edinburgh Waverley station for some maps and tourist info. We found a nearby hostel for 11 pounds which was cheap but you do get what you pay for here. As our Highlands tourguide would say (the next day), it was a "manky" place to stay. Later checked out the park and Edinburgh (pronounced "Edin-borough" like "scar-borough") Castle to kill some time. Found a day tour for the next day which allowed us to leave right afterwards saving a night's stay in Edinburgh.

I have to mention the weather. The 5 days we were in London were unbelievably sunny and warmer than usual. Edinburgh was sunny too but cooler - the locals considered it to be like summer here.

We ate haggis for dinner - officially, "haggis, neeps, and tatties" (meat that was cooked inside a sheep's stomach, turnips, and mashed potatoes) - it was good and very filling. I tried some Carling beer and it wasn't bad - I give it 2.5 stars (out of 5).

Notes from London: Where are the drinking fountains? Garbage bins? and public toilets?? Drivers are more polite here and they really do pay attention to pedestrians at crosswalks. Roundabouts are efficient ways to move cars at an intersection - it's all about yielding!