Edinburgh
On this day, we had our local guide, Sheila, who first took us on a driving tour through some "rich" neighbourhoods on our way to see the Royal yacht Britannia.
To board and explore the yacht you actually go though a shopping mall. Up, up, up several escalators you go to first board the yacht at the Admiral's steering deck. On that deck you see where the Royal family might give a wave "hello"... Quite a view for them, too!
Down one deck (and one storey) you go to the Admiral's living quarters and dining room (forward) but aft, you pass by the Queen's Phantom Rolls Royce and come to the leisure area where you find the ship's bell. Here the Royal family could relax, sun, and even take a dip in a collapsible pool. Go inside to the lounge to see a bar, stereo, etc. Most notable for me were all the (many signed) family photos of the family, MANY of the Queen's sister, Margaret.
On the same level are the royal bedrooms... the Queen, Prince Philip, and two others, All have single beds except for one... the double bed was supossedly put in for Charles and Diana's honeymoon.
Down another level and forward is the Officers' lounge and dining room. The galley, which is still functioning for the Tea Room and special functions, separates that from the State dining room. Scattered around the room are gifts from heads of State who were guests on the Royal yacht. Furthest back is the Drawing Room complete with grand piano.
Down another deck are crew quarters. In their lounge: ale on tap! Bunks were small but there was a small store where crew mwmbers could buy essentials. They sell fudge there now! There is a mail room, sick bay, and a laundry room as well. When you walk off the ship at that level, you catch sight of the Royal tender. Pretty nice way to get to shore when anchored! You can also access the engine room and go alongside the Bloodhound (Royal racing yacht) to get a better look at it.
On the way out of the mall back to the bus, I saw that Scots have a good idea... a doggie daycare to leave your dog while you go in to shop!
The bus next took us to Holyrood Palace, the Queen's official residence in Scotland. June 2nd happened to be the 65th anniversary of her crowning! We also learned that she would be coming the following week to the palace thus making public visits a "no!". No pictures were allowed inside but it was good to see the official banquet room as well as rooms with a "past"... The public (of course) is never allowed in the part of the palce where the royals reside but it does make you wonder if those rooms are more modern in decor. Despite being lovely, the rugs, tapestries, etc are old, showing wear, and thus modern fittings might be more comfortable!
After our tour of the Palace, we were able to visit the Abbey ruins and the Palace gardens... sort of. The area was beautiful BUT the flowers were on the other side of an expansive lawn which you were not to walk on. In the distance you could see Holyrood Park which Arthur's Seat is a part of.
After leaving the Palace, Roberta & I were dropped of a the far end of Princes Street. There were great views of the Castle from there as well as many beautiful trees and flowers. We walked back to the hotal and after a brief rest, we went to the Jolly Botanist (a gin bar and eatery) that Peter, a fellow we met on the plane ride from Newark to Edinburgh) suggested. The food was good, the atmosphere upbeat and I STILL can't believe how many types/brands of gin there were to pick from!
