Edinburgh

This past weekend I ventured out of London. I took a nine hour overnight bus north to Edinburgh. 

Feeling well-rested and not at all like I needed to shower, I arrived at 8:00 AM. We were unable to check into the hostel until 2:00 PM (good thing I didn't need to brush my teeth or anything), so we locked our bags up at the bus station and ventured out to find COFFEE. 

Managed to kill two birds with one stone by getting delicious coffee at a must-see: the cafe where JK Rowling wrote Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.

Food & coffee were yummy and (believe it or not) reasonably priced

The walls of the bathroom are completely covered in HP quotes

With the stunning view of Edinburgh Castle out the window, it's easier to see how Hogwarts was created

Saturday's highlight was visiting Edinburgh Castle. The admission fee is steep (and no student discount), but it's worth it. There are several complete museums within the castle walls, as well as stunning views of the city.

 

 

Sunday was a busy and tiring day. In the morning, I completed the most difficult hike of my life: Arthur's Seat. Legend has it, this was the location of Camelot. 

Climbed up to the very highest point you can see

                           

And was rewarded with spectacular 360 degree views

It was a tad windy at the top

Finished Sunday with a trip to Holyrood Palace: the Queen's summer residence. It's essentially at the base of Arthur's Seat. Of course, it was amazing.

 

Attached are the ruins of a 12th century abbey

                                       

Other fun bits included...

Pubs crawls with the 13 other friends there

The Baxter: the wonderful, spotless hostel we stayed in

More spectacular views

The National Museum of Scotland

Calton Hill

This cute little guy

It was a wonderful first trip, and great way to ease into the whole exploring Europe thing. Didn't have to worry about another language, dealing with border patrol, etc. 

I did miss my beloved London, however.