Edinburgh, Scotland

As many of my trips go we arrived in Edinburgh, Scotland in the late afternoon and by the time we changed clothes, found an ATM, and hopped in a cab we arrived at Edinburgh Castle 15 minutes after it closed for the day. However, the security guard was ex-military (Scots Guard) so he let us past the barriers and we walked to the front door. It was magnificent to say the least. This is the "Mecca" for all Americans of Scottish desent and I made it...yeah! This piece of land has been occupied since 600 BC. The castle dates back to around 900 AD. It has been fought over several times in its history and is still the home of the Scottish Crown Jewels. After we thanked the security guard we waled down the "Royal Mile" to a good restaurant and had a nice late supper. Who knows if or when I will ever see Edinburgh again but to see it at night, with all the churches and streets lit for the summer festival was amazing. On the way back to the hotel one of the guys started whistling "Scotland The Brave". A fitting end to a great experience!