Day: April 26, 2026

Edinburgh day 2

This morning was the first time in a while that breakfast hasn’t been included in our hotel reservation. It was kind of a nice break.

We had coffee and fresh pastries at a Pret A Manger around the corner from the hotel. After breakfast we took our time walking up to Edinburgh Castle. A few weeks ago we purchased tickets and audio guides with a timed entrance between 10:30 and 11:00.

I love Edinburgh Castle. It is my standard by which all castles are measured. It has so much history. It’s in a commanding position overlooking the city. It has been attacked multiple times over the centuries and it is the iconic center of Scottish history.

I thought the audio guide was really good. There were some great free museums inside the castle too.

Robert the Bruce next to the entrance
There were great views from the walls of the castle
Saint Margaret’s Chapel is near the top of the rock that the castle sits on.

I was at Edinburgh Castle almost exactly 60 years ago.

With my brother a one of my sisters in May of 1966
My return to Edinburgh castle in May of 2026
Just before we left the castle the sun came out.

Next we did part of the Rick Steve’s walking tour down the Royal Mile.

The Royal Mile with St Giles church

For dinner we walked to an Indian Restaurant called Celestia and had an excellent meal.

Celestia

Tomorrow weren’t a car and head north. To read that blog post click here.

Belfast, Northern Ireland to Edinburgh, Scotland

Saturday morning we caught a plane for the short hop from Belfast to Edinburgh. Then we took the Airlink Express bus into the center of Edinburgh. Our rooms at the Le Monde hotel weren’t ready so we left our bags and went to a nearby pub for lunch.

Milner Bar was below street level.
Luckily it wasn’t too busy.
Duke and I shared the Steak and Ale Pie with buttered mash and charred cabbage wedge.

After lunch we were able to check in.

Our room is small with a very low roof but it has a great table for playing cards.

In the afternoon we rested and played cards. About 7 we went to a wine bar for dinner.

Our pizzas and wine at Veeno were great.

To read tomorrow’s blog post click here.