Day 2 - Edinburgh
The jet lag seemed to really take effect overnight. At around 4 am, I awoke and struggled to fall back asleep, only to return to my slumber shortly before my alarm went off at 8. With very tired eyes, I reset the alarm and decided that a little extra sleep was better than barely functioning for the entire morning.
Once we finally dragged ourselves out of bed and got dressed, a good portion of the morning was gone but we would not be deterred. We walked across the street and grabbed a couple egg rolls to snack on.
Masses of people walking through the Christmas Market.
Our first stop was Calton Hill. On the way we passed through the Christmas Market once again and meandered our way through the stalls. After walking up the hill we found ourselves perched above the city centre. Looking down at the market, Waverley rail station, Old Town and across at Edinburgh Castle.
The view from Calton Hill.
The view was excellent and the weather was crisp and warm. We walked around the hill settling down on a bench overlooking Salisbury Crags. As we gazed out across the city the sun finally poked through the clouds. Light rays poured out as if a knife sliced open the belly of the clouds. It was an incredible sight.
Light rays pouring from the clouds.
After sitting on Calton Hill, enjoying the view, we made our way past The National Monument and the Nelson Monument and over to The Old Calton Burial Ground. We walked slowly through the grounds, marveling at the age of some of the graves before setting out across North Bridge and up the Royal Mile.
Looking straight down Princes Street.
Along the way we grabbed lunch and walked around the downtown area before heading back to the apartment to take a break for a short while.
Once night had fallen, we headed back out to walk through the market at night and take a couple pictures of the spectacle.
We finished the evening off with dinner at the Kitchin where we enjoyed the tasting menu until we were the second to last people in the restaurant. It was an excellent meal and included great local ingredients. By the time we got home for the night it was past midnight and we were ready for bed.
The rides at the Edinburgh Christmas Market.