Cheers!: Edinburgh Day II

We started off the day with probably the number one tourist attraction in Edinburgh, Edinburgh Castle.

The castle on the edge of a cliff and has gorgeous views

The castle was filled with history, it was absolutely lovely. We eventually decided to cut our audio-tours short though because it was absolutely freezing and windy on the top of the hill.

From there we walked down the Royal Mile. A mile-long street with restaurants, shops, and beautiful churches and buildings.

Along the way we passed David Hume's statue. You're supposed to rub his big toe for luck!

We stopped along the Mile into St. Giles Cathedral, a must-see in Edinburgh

Inside there was a smaller chapel off to the side of the main nave, with the most intricate and beautiful woodwork I've ever seen

Some clever graffiti

At the other end of the Royal Mile sits Scottish Parliament. Perhaps the weirdest, ugliest building I've ever seen. Unfortunately, it was closed for recess that week so we didn't get to go inside, but the tour book tells me that they have guards stomp up and down the halls inside so that people can't overhear officials' conversations.

At the very end of the Royal Mile is The Palace of Holyrood House--where the Queen stays when she comes to visit Scotland. It was lovely inside, but we weren't allowed to take pictures.

The inner courtyard

Attached to the palace is an ancient Abbey, that's only ruins now, but breathtaking.

After we decided on a whim to climb Arthur's Seat since the weather was holding out. Arthur's Seat is a amazing mountain right in Edinburgh, it takes about an hour to climb and give you breathtaking views of the whole of Edinburgh.