Rebecca's Visit Day Two: Climbing The Seat!

The Cuz & I at the top of Arthur's Seat!

Rebecca's second day fell on Easter Sunday. We thought that Edinburgh would be crippled by the Easter practices, but that was not the case (except for the number 15 bus!) Edinburgh was bustling with tourists from all over. Our original plan was to go to Rosslyn Chapel in the morning. We waited an hour for a bus 15 that never came. Defeated we decided to explore the castle and meander.

We stopped by at the Elephant House (where J.K. first wrote Harry Potter). The castle was too crowded so looked at the grounds without paying. We walked along the Princes Street Gardens, which was lovely. We stopped to listen to the 1:00 cannon, but on Easter it was suspended. We window shopped along the Royal Mile and went for lunch at authentic Scottish food, Howies. Rebecca got Cullen Skink (a creamy fish soup with potatoes and bacon. Though I HATE seafood, I must admit, it is divine) and I got haggis spring rolls. It was interesting to say the least. It was very tasty but I would never have thought of it. It was haggis stuffed into spring roll shells and pan fried with a marmalade tangy sauce. It was tasty though!

Princes Street Gardens

We met with Semeli and made our way down the Royal Mile to the base of Arthur's Seat. We paused at the Museum of Childhood. Never again. It was chock full of creepy porcelain dolls and other dolls that stared into your soul. I did not approve. We walked past the unique Parliament building and started the climb. Oh and climb we did. I took some photos of the ruins. Rebecca and I were snailing behind Semeli. Semeli was a Arthur's Seat expert. We were taking breaks every twelve feet! We passed one particularly nasty uphill bend when I heard some Spanish tourists behind me. The girl had stopped her entire party, swung her head around taking in the rest of the climb as she uttered, "AY DIOS MIOS!" and continued upward. It was HILARIOUS. I cracked up. Rebecca's lung capacity was failing, breaks were necessary. She became huffy puffy. We inched our way to the top. When we finally reached the seat, it was well worth the exhausting climb. As soon as we did reach the top I threw my hands up in the air and yelled, "YATTA!" Some of the seat was trickier than others. At the very top, there was no real path, so you had to scale the rocks. It was beautiful. So HAH, Dad! I climbed the seat!

St. Anthony's Chapel
One of the lakes
Making our way up to the seat
A view of Leith
The climb to the very top!The Meadows!
A Stunning View
Us
All Smiles

For Easter Dinner I roasted a chicken and made garlic mashed potatoes. It was divine. A excellent meal! Rebecca was pleasantly surprised, as it was the first time she ate my cooking. Sara made an apple crumble and we played our favorite game. Semeli once again outdid herself and impersonated a pumpkin in a very unique way. Though it started out in a Chew fiasco the day was salvaged due to Semeli's helping hand on Arthur's Seat and the rewarding views it offered.

"YATTA!"

At the TOP!

Semeli's HILARIOUS pumpkin impersonation among other things!