photo essay: edinburgh one

i have been sifting through photographs for the last two days, reflecting on my amazing trip to scotland as a i ponder each one. the country is amazing, breathtaking, and one of my new favorites. the capital, edinburgh is full of culture and history, and always has something going on. populated by it's many university students, the city always seems to be bustling with activity and life. 

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here is the first batch of numerous photos taken the past weekend in edinburgh, scotland.

i loved the 'witchery' sign and these gorgeous handmade leather bound writing journals.

my first day there was really just an evening, seeing as i arrived at the hotel around 4:00 in the afternoon.

however i still enjoyed some time walking about the royal mile, the main street in the old town, before grabbing dinner at a local pub. 

the following day i woke up early, prepared to tackle the royal mile, grass market, and a few museums.

this gorgeous church tower is situated between the old and new town; the tombstone shows one of the many 'hay' families and or clans i came across. and well, you know,'hay'...i needed a picture of course.

at the top of the royal mile is the edinburgh castle, shown above. i chose not to go in, because it was 20.00 pounds entrance, and i knew there were other things i would like to enjoy and explore. however, looking back i regret doing that a bit because i am sure that the views from the top are amazing. shoulda, coulda, woulda...now i'll know to do it next time.

as i continued my walk down the mile, i was so intrigued with all of the little, authentic shops. of course, there are a ton of touristy 'scotland' shops where you can buy the same things: kilts, whiskey, shortbread, and souvenirs. but, one of my favorite shops was the 'ye old chritmas shoppe', shown above as well. i haad seen this highlighted on the map my dad had sent me, and knew it was a must see. if you don't happen to know my mother, grandmother, or aunt personally, then you don't know that they we love christmas shops.

i was very pleased, and the three of them will be too. 

[souvenir spoiler!]

police information station, iconic red phone booths; one of the many cathedrals situated in edinburgh

 i loved this statue , right outside of one church and it's beautiful cemetery.

also, the quote above, 'their name liveth for evermore' has become a new favorite.

things i love to photograph: ancient cemeteries, giant quotes, and doors.

i'd like to live in this house. please, and thank you. 

and who doesn't love a heart in the middle of your walking path?

red building for mom; part of the before mentioned cemetery

above you can see a glimpse of holyrood park, at the bottom end of the royal mile. the weather was absolutely perfect, i was a bit warm but thankfully there was a nice breeze. the giant hill-like thing in the background is part of a huge set of crags. really like mixing a hill, plateau, and cliff together.

anyway, there were walking paths to the top, and i really wanted to do it. however, i don't think my skinny jeans, flat sandals, and satchel (without and water) would have agreed with me.

when i come back (because i will) i'll be bringing along some running gear to tackle those babies. with water, and camera, of course.

the gates in front of the holyrood house are so intricately designed. i would kill to have a gate like that, maybe of smaller proportion, in front of my home.

again, i decided not to pay to go into the holyrood house, only because it was so glorious out, i didn't want to waste it, and i had other things on my agenda. i don't regret it at all, so it's justified.

but, that's the great thing about solo vacations. you can literally do whatever you want to. there is no one to answer to, no one to consider, no one to agree with. it's nice. just doing your own thing. people, try it, i'm telling you that you will not regret it.

 looking up at a cathedral.

 i have a thing for old clocks.

statue in the castle promenade.

walking down the royal mile.

which is quite steep by the way.

gorgeous view from waverley train station.

'johns', 'hay'...catch my drift?

 again, a view from the bottom part of the royal mile

 stunning architecture.

i'm a sucker for vintage lettering.

again, in the castle promenade.

businesses and homes on a street of the the royal mile.

 i spy the top of the holyrood palace.

i could live in this building.

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this is just a first set of photos and collages from the trip.

you can see more, full size photos here on my flickr acount.

i just set it up, and am not sure if i did it the right way...so if not, all you flickr users better let me know :)

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make sure to check back tomorrow for the next set of edinburgh photos

i mean...only if you want to...no pressure.

xoxo, hay