By now we are pretty much ready to move on to the US and continue our travels there. We miss being on a closer time zone with our family and friends. We have decided that we are liking the big cities less and less. Europe’s bigger cities are looking more and more alike and less authentic, with tourist buses by the droves that make the cities crowded and fuel the many tourist shops with items likely made in China. We try to find the things within the city that separates us from the crowds, something that is getting harder and harder to do. And we traveled in shoulder season. We couldn’t imagine what these places would be like We both said during the heaviest tourist time in July and August.
Yet despite the crowds, we had a good day in Edinburgh. Relinquishing bed and breakfasts for convenience, we stayed at an airport hotel which was conveniently located next to the tram that takes you into the city or the airport. Very easy to get around. We walked about 8 miles around the city, this included taking a walk up Arthurs Step after dinner, a little hill top overlooking the city. The National Scotland Museum could take up an entire day (free entrance and also free tours throughout the day). We were able to spend about 3 hours here and felt like we only saw about a fraction of the Museum. We suggest splitting the Museum up over a couple of days. Overall, after wandering its streets, hills, and sites, we agreed that Edinburgh had a special charm that invited more exploring, perhaps next time in the off-season.
