Edinburgh in the rain.

As we drove north to Edinburgh the weather turned sour.  The wind kicked up and the rain started to come down.  Heavily.  We had the top down on the convertible we had rented and there was no exit off the freeway for some time.  Thankfully we were going fast enough that hardly any rain got into the car, but it was pretty funny.  From that point on I wore the same sweatshirt, jeans, and scarf for the rest of the trip.  And sandals.  Because it is August for heaven's sake!  My advice; you might as well go to Edinburgh in the winter and definitely bring your wellies.  

Face time and/or Skype on the phone with the boys.  Love that technology.

The summer flower beds in Edinburgh are full of the most astounding begonias I've ever seen.  They thrive beautifully in the land of little sun. 

Tourists.  

The view from Edinburgh Castle down the Royal Mile and the ocean beyond.

St. Margaret's Chapel, the oldest standing part of the castle.  

Hotel Missoni.  Fun and somewhat psychedelic modern decor.

Yowza!  

August 2nd.  Seriously?

Holyrood Castle.  Residence the the Queen and site of the reception for the royal wedding of Zara Phillips,  held on the same day as Niall's wedding.  We just missed it!  They were taking down the enormous party tent in the central courtyard of the castle while we toured.  

Ruins of ancient Holyrood Abbey.  So, so beautiful.

This is the church up the street where the wedding was held and the flowers were still adorning the outside.  Inside was really beautiful and different than anything I've ever seen before.  All white with all the woodwork and pews painted dark sky blue.  Stunning.

White roses and hydrangea with green and blue thistle (the symbol of Scotland).  

Greyfriar's Bobby.  The true story of the most loyal dog.

My cute husband having a pint.  

Gastro-pub called The Dogs.  Matt is eating lamb with haggis stew and mashed peas.  I'm having fish pie with a whole sardine peeking out to say hello.  To be honest, the haggis was delicious and the fish pie a little too fishy for my liking.  

Local yarn shop.  

Local cheese shop.

Drinks and late dinner at the famous Balmoral Hotel.

 The ladies bathroom at the Balmoral.  Super prim and proper.

The illusive fish and chips, ever popular HP sauce, and crisp cider.  And peas.  Everywhere in Edinburgh you get peas.  Let's just say, they are not as good as the ones we grew at home and not even as good as frozen peas!  

And that is all.  The end.