Auroragirl Adventures: Cycling, Skiing and Traveling: Tuesday: churches, crypts, castles and palaces

Well, we packed a 10 hour day of sightseeing. there are a lot of tourists, I love to people watch. I did see the bad kids throwing candy at people and almost did my school counselor thing but decided to go into a book store instead.

We started out at a beautiful cemetery beneath the high gaze of the Edinburgh Castle. I guess I was sleeping during the bus commentary yesterday but soldiers had to stand guard so people wouldn't dig up the bodies to sell to physicians who were learning anatomy. It is also the site of St. Cuthbert's Parish, the first church in the 7th century. This began Kathy's weird obsessions with churches and my crypts and cemetery obsession. Next stop the castle. What a magnificent view and stronghold for the Scottish kings. The Crown Jewels are there, the stone of destiny, fabulous arms and armor, I love this also as you can tell by my sword photo, St Margaret's chapel which is the oldest building in Edinburgh. There were informative and artistic displays with life size dioramas depicting life during the reigns of the Stewart kings. I didn't realize Sir Walter Scott played such a prominent role in the discovery of the Crown Jewels which were hidden or lost for 111 years.

We walked to Royal mile but not finishing at Holyrood Palace until we went to....guess where????More churches and crypts. Greyfriar's Kirkyard is steeped in history. ... a 14 year vigil on his masters grave, both dog and his master, John Gray are buired here. Grey Friars Bobby is the much beloved dog. There are ghosts and crypts. Then off to St.Giles, a church since the 9th century. This church has amazing stained glass windows showing scenes from scottish history. My favorite part of this church was the special room for the Order of the Thistle, the highest honor in Scotland given by the Queen. the chapel has intricate carvings on the ceiling and walls.

Sir Walter Scott memorial, with 287 steps to the top.