Edinburgh-half day- 1

It was a long travel day!  We arrived to overcast skies and a mild temperature. We checked into our hotel Ten Hill Place in old town which is also next to The University of Edinburgh. Tons of students. 

We walked around to get oriented and headed to the Scottish Parliament. It is a new and modern building. Not what you would expect. Parliament was in session and members were debating so we couldn’t take pictures of the really stunning chamber interior.  

Then we hiked up Carlton Hiill. Calton Hill gives incredible views of the city. The acropolis is  an unfinished monument - originally called the "National Monument". Started in 1816, a year after Napoleon's defeat at Waterloo, it was meant to be a replica of the Parthenon in Athens, as a memorial to those who had died in the Napoleonic Wars. But funds ran dry and celebrated Edinburgh architect William Playfair only saw a facade of his building completed. It was dubbed "Edinburgh's shame”.

Passed through the New Carlton cemetery on the way down the hill. 



We found a place for yummy Guinness and fish and chips and will try to stay awake until 9 to get on Scotland time. It may be a stretch. If we look tired - it is because we are. Only 4 hours of sleep in about 30 hours.