Edinburgh - the Royal Mile and the Tattoo

Royal Mile * Arthur's Seat * Tattoo

When we first planned out our trip we knew we wanted to see the Edinburgh Tattoo.  We even joined the "Friends of the Tattoo" so we could purchase tickets early and insure great seats.  Today is the day!

We started out our day with a 2 hour, very historical walking tour of the Royal Mile in the old city of Edinburgh (from the Castle to the Palace).  I wish I could remember all the history I've been taught on this trip.  I've really enjoyed learning about all the rulers, Kings, etc. etc, but I feel I forget it as soon as I've been told.  Perhaps just too much info or my brain is tired.  Ann, a former teacher, did a great job giving the tour and I do remember seeing the graves of Adam Smith (famous economist), sea shells in the bricks on the sides of homes to guard against witches (apparently a problem in Edinburgh), the really new, really modern Parliament building built to house the Scottish Parliament just recently allowed to return to Scotland), a lot of tiny streets called "close" leading off the mile, a possible home of John Knox, and a really good bakery.

The weather changed from rain, to sun, to clouds, to wind, and then back again for the tour.  We lucked out and had enough sun to picnic outside by the new parliament building and climb Arthur's Seat - a rocky outcropping that over looks the ocean and the city.  Because we knew we'd be up late, we returned to our apartment early for a nap and dinner.

We arrived at our seats for the tattoo just as a rain storm hit - the worst we've seen yet in Scotland.  Lucky for us we had bought 2 over priced plastic ponchos that we ripped along the seams and put over our legs - the rain jackets we have were enough to keep the rest of us dry - kind of.  We hunkered together and gratefully right at 9:00 the tattoo started and the rain stopped.  The kids were troopers and no one complained even though we sat through the show with wet shoes and bodies.  It wasn't too cool though.

The tattoo was amazing - I didn't know what to expect and I loved every minute of it.  Charlie said it was the best thing we'd done yet.  One of many highlights of course were the bagpipe bands - but there was also a military band for the Canadain Mounties that involved motorcycle stunts and scenes right from the book Bears on Wheels.  Part of the motorcycle driving was even done by children - Charlie's age, all while the band played music from Star Wars and space battles were projected onto the castle wall.  Another favorite part was the American military band playing and singing swing and jazz music.  Another favorite was the New Zealand band who played contemporary songs and did the now famous war chant.  We were continually surprised by fireworks, gun fire, cannon fire, and dances, music with many marching formations.  We loved ever minute of it and soon forgot we were wet, until we stood up at the end and sang God Save the Queen and had to walk back to the bus stop 

view from Arthur's seat