Wasn't sure where to put this, so am putting in the closest cousin. Arrived yesterday in Edinburgh via London. No sleep on the overnight across the pond, but out cole for the hour flight from London to Edinburgh. By the time I got to my hotel (The George) and unpacked, little left to do but hit the lovely hotel bar for late launch/early dinner and cocktails, then collapse.

After about 12 hours sleep, awoke refreshed and ready to explore. Spent a couple of hours exploring Edinburgh Castle--very fortunate to have overcast but dry weather. Fascinating place, with quite the history. Then the
World of Whisky--really worth skipping, particularly of you've ever vpbeen to a real distillery. Explored the upper part of the Royal Mile, then hopped the HoHo bus out to Dean Village and the Museum of Modern Art just as the rain set in. A circle round town on the HoHo, the back to hotel for feet up time.

Wandered around the New Town ( built in the Georgian period of the late 1700s, and not to be confused with the Old Town of medieval times), and had dinner at a great Italian place.

It's been several years since I traveled solo, and am re-acquainting myself with the experience. It's good to spend as much time as I want where I want, but I do miss the LMAO at the end of the the day, and in between.

Tomorrow's plans include a boat trip on the Firth of Forth (thus earning my slot on the sea mail forum), and I hope a tour of the Royal Yacht Brittania. Monday I join the Royal Scotsman.

Crystal, Glad to hear the weather held out for part of your day today. It sounds like you made the most of the day. Looking forward to seeing pictures, especially of the Royal Yacht.

Hi Crystal: So glad you're enjoying yourself. Your post sure brought back some memories. It was the Brittania which fostered my interest in cruising - I was just fascinated by it. Pardon my ignorance (everyone else does) but what does LMAO stand for? Keep having fun. Lee

Laughing my a** off.

I bet once you get on the Royal Scotsman you'll find some people who will make you LYAO!!!

I'm sure you will, like Beth said! I am eager to hear about this adventure. Last time I was on one of those trains was in the 80's, on the Andalusian Express. I loved it, but was with a bunch of gal pals, we had so much fun meeting others in the bar car after dinner, who were eager to do so! Before you know it, a bunch of German co-railers will have you LYAO!

OK kiddies! I can figure out Beth's abbreviation now you've given me a clue! I'm just 'Pearl Pureheart'! I hope we are able to LOAO (plural) the Orient Express! Lee

Seems the lady just can't resist a boat.

The HoHo bus system in Edinburgh is impressive. A48-hr ticket gets you a choice of 5 different bus routes, each with it's own character. In two days, I managed to cover four of them--the fifth being the same one you see in many cities around the world, including Washington. I managed to cover its route with the other four, so no need for it.

Today started with a 45- minute ride through the suburbs to the port town of Hawes. The towns we passed through we're darling, with cute bungalows and beautiful gardens, at the height of bloom. At Hawes, in the County Fife, I boarded a boat to tour the Firth of Forth. (As Beth well knows, I love the Scottish propensity toward alliteration and rhyme).

The boat went out to inchcolm island, featuring an ancient monastery and lots of sea birds. On the way out, we spotted one seals, and as we headed back I had my first-ever puffin sighting!

What had started as a cold and drizzly day turned out sunny and just a bit cool--perfect weather in my book.

Next was yet another HoHo bus, this time out to Leith and the Royal Yacht Brittania. Definitely worth a trip out if you're ever in Edinburgh. The royal quarters seemed more like an upscale cabin than a ship. The crew quarters were tight, but did not lack for bars. The laundry room was massive. Size-wise, comparable to a small cruise ship like the Song of Flower.

I did take tea in the tea room there, so now I can say I've eaten on the royal yacht. Alas, not at the invitation of the queen!

Well, tomorrow is the Royal Scotsman. There is no Internet access there, so I will report on it after my return to Edinburgh on Friday.

The Queen's loss. (Your Grace)
I hope you have a group of fun rail companions & will look forward to your return post.

PS-despite the above, I do know proper usage if it's vs its. Curse you, auto correct!

Crystal, it sounds like you are having a grand time in Edinburgh. We have seemed to have good luck with HOHOs. Glad you got in your boat adventures today. Will be thinking of you this week and look forward to your Friday report. Have fun on the train!!

Crystal, sounds like you are packing every moment full. I love the gardens in the UK, nothing like them. And tea on the Brittania, what fun!

Can't wait to hear about the Royal Scotsman and your adventures while aboard.

VERY common mistake! As a reminder for those who need it: it's means it is or it has.

The possessive is simply its!

I still have habit, in my head, if I use it's to say it is or it has to make sure I do not want the possessive - its! (except when I forget.)


Thanks Crystal for taking us on your adventure. As a boat lover I'd love to see former royal yacht. Saw it twice from afar - in Belize when queen was visiting and from the air in Jamaica.

Crystal--if you need a LMAO moment, just think of the parasailing; and the evening before

Diane, I remember the night before and can still see the two of you walking back to the ship after parasailing!!!!! She can laugh about it now.

Am off the train now, with plenty of LMAO moments. Though the parasailing-- before , during and after--stands in a class by itself. It still amazes me that Beth agreed to share a cabin with me for 72 days after that little adventure.

I will do a full review of the Royal Scotsman soon. For now, I will just say it was a truly wonderful experience. It was the inaugural trip of the season, with some of the service crew of 10 brand new, but the service was impeccable. We had a grand total of 27 passengers, and a truly great bunch of people. While Americans made up a plurality of the group, we were far from a majority. The mix of Aussies, Germans, French, Swiss, Swedish, Canadians, and U.S. made for a lively time.

It is much like a luxury cruise, except across land. I am very glad I did it.

Thanks for checking in, Crystal. Glad you had a great train trip. Looking forward to hearing more!

So glad you are having a great time Crystal - thanks for the updates! Lee

Oh Crystal--so glad you are so happy