I always wanted to visit Edinburgh so when my nephew Steve married Karen and moved to this beautiful city I knew we had to plan a trip. We finally made it happen. As a bonus my niece Suzanne and her husband Chris from St. Peter Port, Guernsey, joined us. We rarely have my sister Patty’s children altogether so this was great fun. The image above shows the lovely “West Princes Street Gardens” and the Royal Scots Greys Monument.

Steve and Karen were our guides to Edinburgh. They picked out the fabulous “Chaophraya”, a rooftop Thai restaurant Street. The Edinburgh Castle sits majestically on “Castle Rock.”

It was wonderful connecting with Steve and Karen again! They joined us last year at our apartment rental in Port Soller, Mallorca. 

Suzanne and husband Chris. We last visited them in Guernsey in 2014. Both Steve and Chris are photo gear-heads and fun to talk about photography.

Tired from a big day of travel, but great to be with family! What a fun surprise to begin the journey with wonderful Thai food and great views from this rooftop jewel.

Marla and I wanted a large place for all of us to comfortably gather and talk about family. We booked The Chester Residence, one of the finest hotels we have ever stayed in! The chic designer townhouse apartments provide all the benefits of serviced apartments combined with the luxurious glamour of a five-star hotel. I can’t think of a better place to stay in Edinburgh and all the famous sites are very walkable.

I brought lots of letters and pictures from my sister Patty and my Mom, Amalie, for everyone to explore. There were a few tearful moments as Suzanne and Steve’s Mom passed away in 2000 and my Mom this past February.

Steve ordered in Chinese food.

We all went for a walk in the beautiful “Lauriston Castle Gardens.”

Steve and Karen brought “Slinky”, their loving rescue Greyhound.  Slinky loved Marla and the feeling was mutual!

They have a beautiful Japanese Garden at the park.

The Lauriston Castle.

One of my very favorite areas of Edinburgh is Victoria Street.  With JK Rowling crafting the Harry Potter books in Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh’s Victoria Street with its higgledy piggledy array of vibrant buildings, shops of all sizes and descriptions, noteworthy arches, cobblestones and general air of eccentricity, it’s no surprise that Victoria Street is the inspiration for the ever-so fabulous “Diagon Alley.”

Steve leads the way as we pass fascinating Victoria Street shops and a few colorful citizens along the road.

Victoria Street leads into the famous Grassmarket. Once a bustling marketplace from the 15th century right up until the early 1900’s. The street’s darker chapter began in 1650 when it was the place for public executions.

We all decided on “Biddy Mulligan’s”, a classic Irish pub, for lunch. I had “bangers and mash” with a “Heverlee”, an amazing Belgium beer.

This is the smallest pub in Scotland!

The pub’s name says it all! The “Last Drop.”

This is Edinburgh’s oldest pub.

Saint Cuthbert’s, where Agatha Christie’s second wedding took place.

Marla takes a look at “Oor Wullie,”a famous character in an old Scottish comic strip.

The majestic Scott Monument to the Scottish writer Sir Walter Scott is the second largest monument in the world dedicated to a writer. Suzanne recommended Jenner’s Department Store across the street for a traditional Cream Tea.

Ah,…scones, jam and cream!

We took a tourist bus ride around the city.

The Greek inspired “National Monument” in the upper left is dedicated to soldiers who died fighting in the Napoleonic Wars.

The top of Calton Hill is perfect for viewing the city. The monument on the left was erected to commemorate Dugald Stewart, a famous philosopher.

We could have spent a full day in the Scottish National Gallery.

Steven pointed out this painting of Dunnottar Castle by Walter Patton. It is located near “Stonehaven” the place where my Great Grandfather, Captain William Brown was born.

His 1899 obituary in the San Francisco “Morning Call.”

This painting by Alexander Nasmyth depicts “Princes Street” in 1825.

A view of “Princes Street” today.

I love this view of Ross Fountain in the “West Princes Street Gardens” with the Edinburgh Castle high above.

For our final dinner we chose this restaurant named after a famous person in Scottish folklore, “Ghillie-Dhu.”

I was sad to say goodbye to the family on our last night together. We all raised a glass to finally having Scottish food! “Thank you” Steven & Karen, Suzanne and Chris for making our Edinburgh trip so fascinating, fun, and memorable! It was too short an evening as we had to get up super early for a 6 AM flight to Nice.

 

Photos: Dick Gentry