I found Edinburgh charming. I've been hearing a lot about the city on numerous occasions. Majority from conversations I've had with Mel and Will who I met in Zakopane, Poland. When I got there, that's when I understood why they loved the place so much. Apparently, Scotts have their own Gaelic language, different from what the Irish. That was one of the things they'd highly emphasize on.... "We are Different!", as if spelling the last word out loud.
The architecture around, most especially of the Old Town, was amazingly intact. It definitely gave people the feel of transporting back in time. I guess that's always the effect when you walk along cobbled streets and surrounded by gothic-designed buildings.
I passed by a Catholic church adjacent to the Edinburgh's Castle. I quietly took out the breakfast I bought from a nearby supermarket and munched on it while I watched people pass by. The setting was peaceful. To my upper right was the castle and right in front of me were graveyards. Now, I know it might sound weird. But a few friends of mine are fully aware that I have this weird liking for such places.
My stop in Edinburgh was very relaxing. I took my time walking up the road till I got the castle. It's been said that there were evidences of human settlement on the castle rock that dated back to the Bronze Age. And according to readings, Edinburgh was the first UNESCO City of Literature. Awarded the European Destination of the year in 2012 and also one of the best places to live in the UK, this city has lured and attracted over a million of visitors per year, thus making it the 2nd most popular tourist destination in the UK.
Just below the Castle is the lovely Prince Street Gardens, ordained with the lovely green trees all around and an ornate fountain surrounded with blooming flowers. The whole park was busy with people resting under the shade, as they licked their ice creams or sipped their afternoon coffee. I lingered for a while and appreciate my own ice cream as I people watched again. Oh yes, I did take my time.
Edinburgh also hosts the well known month of festivals, that being August. That includes the massive Fringe Festival, giving way to all kinds of artists, from comedians, musicians, buskers, street artists and the likes. As I arrived there, I was able to catch a glimpse of the remaining acts around. Each corner in the Old town, just along the main street from the castle, showcased different acts, from jugglers, clowns, solo musicians and comedy acts.
One of the acts I would never forget was of a guy, not dressed as a clown, but was outrageously hilarious in his own way. He was from Argentina and according to his introductions, have been practicing that kind of show for years. It didn't really require him much material. All he did was to cajole people who passed by, using more of his quirky remarks and funny actuations. Some were game enough to allow him make fun of their presence. However, some just couldn't be bothered. The whole crowd laughed and even grandpa's and grandma's enjoyed the show.
I went back to the hostel and met Arthur, a Kiwi guy who just retired from his job of so many years as an Aircraft worker with Air New Zealand. As always, I quickly get comfortable talking to Kiwis/Maoris. We ended up having a few beers at the pub in front of the hostel, talking about New Zealand but more about flights and the technicalities of being an aircraft worker. There we also met a few locals who were our next door neighbors. We got kicked out when the bartender had to close for the night. I didn't expect an early closing time though in Edinburgh. But we couldn't be bothered to move to another pub. It was another day and so we said our goodbyes and Arthur and I went back to the hostel. I was happy to find my dorm room with only 4 people that night.
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