Even though today is only the second full day here in the UK it somehow feels as though i have been here for longer. I think it's because we have spent so much time in transit. We spent four hours today on the train from London to Edinburgh and while that wasn't much work for us, I still feel a bit tired. I think staying in high-occupancy hostel rooms also makes a difference. It will be nice to have two nights here in Edinburgh, to be able to settle down and leave some stuff in a locker while we explore.
While we were out wandering the streets today, we happened upon a tartan weaving place, which was pretty touristy, with lots of kitschy doodads, but in the basement they had a few real automatic looms set up actually making cloth. It was pretty cool. I found the Ferguson/Fergusson tartan and coat of arms, which was kind of neat. The clan motto is "sweeter through difficulty" or something similar, depending on the translation.
A few things I've noticed about Scotland:
The Scottish accent is much nicer. Somehow it seems friendlier, maybe more musical?
There is something about Edinburgh that just feels like Scotland. I can't really describe it. Maybe it's the field under Edinburgh Castle covered in daffodils. Maybe it's all the tartan in every storefront window. Whatever it is, Edinburgh is a wonderful city with a great Scottish flavor and lot to offer, without feeling overwhelmingly touristy.
Single-malt whiskey is serious business here. Today I saw a bottle worth £10,000. Tonight I am enjoying something much cheaper, but still quite delicious: Dalwhinnie. The description:
"from the Highland region. 15-year old gentle, delicate malt from the wild and windswept Highlands. Subtle, smooth, delicately smoky malt with a heathery honey finish."
It does not disappoint.
We are planning on hiking up to Arthur's Seat in the morning, which promises to be a few hours of good hiking and magnificent views over the city and castle, providing the weather cooperates.
