(Edinburgh, Scotland) Awake. 7:45a. A bit of BBC news. Time to find breakfast. A rainy day in Britain. And cold this morning. The Elephant House Cafe for breakfast. This is where J.K. Rowling wrote Harry Potter book 1.  There is a grave out the window for a Tom Riddle. Inspiration perhaps. I ordered a ham/cheese croissant and a coffee. Tiffany bought a bacon/sausage roll and a coffee. Done with breakfast. Absorbing the genius. Time to visit Edinburgh Castle. I feel alot better after getting some food.

Just arrived at Edinburgh Castle. Old. Very beautiful. Purchased our tickets to enter. History. The Scottish people are filled with Passion. Free Tour! Great! Walking. Starts at 10a. Great view of the city. New Town to the left. Old Edinburgh to the right. Cold. 30min walking tour was fantastic. Our guide was very knowledgeable. Now to roam. “To the Glory of God and in Memory of the Scots who Fell.” A large military memorial. Every known name for the past few hundred years. Time to find the crown jewels. I’m in a Chapel from the 12th century. 300 years before Columbus.  Amazing. I’m looking down the barrel of a cannon from 1447. Know as “Mon’s Meg”. Two mile range. Glad we arrived early. Getting crowded.  Crown Jewels were gorgeous. Exploring the catacombs beneath the castle.

Time to visit the shops. Kilts, hats, buttons, whiskey, and beer. They drink quite a bit in Scotland. Pubs are chalk full by 11a. Drop in at the Tran station to activate our BritRail Passes for tomorrow. Train leaves at 8:33a tomorrow morning for the north of Scotland. Train station is big. Exactly what I imagined.  The correct escalator is on the left side. Same way on the paths people walk on the left. Everyone is super nice over here. It is also much quieter. Even in a large crowd. Off to climb the Walter Scott management. He is credited with reviving Scottish heritage. Record store. New Muse Album. Great! A bit more walking in new town. Time for a snack. Two coffees and a jacket potato to split from the coffee republic. More shops. Back to the Hotel. Rest. Prepping for a hike up “Calton Hill”. The hill is awesome. All sorts of ruins. Another great view. Super. This area was known as the Athens of the north. Unique. Back to the Royal Mile. Shops. I bought a flag. hmm. What next. Food. Third meal. Another local Italian cafe. Popular over here. Bella Italia. Done. Sore an tired. We return to the hotel. 7:45p. Now to pack and sleep. We wake early tomorrow for a train ride to Northern Scotland. Peace.