Edinburgh Enlightenment

First time in Scotland and a good way to begin it. Met up with some friends and enjoyed the sights of an impressive city and its surrounds.

6th-7th Sep, 2008

Location: Scotland

Arthur's Seat in the background overlooks the city.

First view of the city centre and the Royal Mile.

The Scottish Enlightenment began in Edinburgh and many of its dignitaries are now buried within its confines.

For example, none other than David Hume.

Yeah, see, David Hume's tomb in the background.

So stereotypical...sigh!

Sir Waltar Scott - or at least a close approximation of him.

The Old Town centre.

First proper sight of Edinburgh Castle rising on its monolith of rock.

Meetup time with Benni and Sean, friends from my 2007 Summer Camp experience. Out for the night afterwards. Good mates shot.

Contemplation...

Start of the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle works its way down to the Holy Rood Palace and the Scottish parliament.

St. Giles' Cathedral or the High Kirk of Edinburgh is a Church of Scotland place of worship. Considered the mother church of Presbyterianism.

Canongate Kirk.

An unusual and stylised inside.

Grave of the famous economist Adam Smith in the church graveyard.

End of the Royal Mile - Holyrood Palace, the residency of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II when she is in Edinburgh on official business.

Off to the side - the aptly named Arthur's Seat.

I decide to climb it.

Aye, its a loch.

The summit crown approaches - bloody glorious climb.

A captivating view. Scottish ancestry and now a bit of Scotland in my blood.

Seizing the moment.

A centre of great learning, of history and change - an Athens of the North - stunning in tapestry and encompassing landscape.

The New Scottish Parliament House.

Edinburgh Castle at night - what a view. And still I feel, Scotland call me back...

great time.