We went to various museums and galleries, we went to Belfast Zoo, we went to Leith, which is the latest trendy Edinburgh district, and we met up with our old friend Sheila. Sheila was one of my oldest blog mates until she gave up blogging but turned into a long-term friend.
We stayed at the Premier Inn, which we've stayed at several times, but this time the standard had slipped a bit. The shower temperature was either very hot or stone cold, the fridge door was hanging off its hinges, and the windows hadn't been cleaned for a long while, which rather spoiled our view of Edinburgh Castle. But the hotel was warm and clean, the staff were friendly, and we had some great cooked breakfasts.
My favourite animals at the zoo were the meerkats. I love the way they stand on their back legs with their front legs drooping, watching what's going on. I also love the lemurs, which I'm told are the most endangered species on the planet - 95 per cent of lemur species are at risk of extinction.
Some facts about Edinburgh:
- The city is built on an extinct volcano
- It has more trees per head of population than any other UK city
- It has more listed buildings than anywhere in the world
- Grassmarket has a history of executions. Thieves, murderers and political outcasts were regularly hanged in the 18th and 19th centuries
- A unicorn is the national animal of Scotland
It sounds like a lovely time. Those were some interesting facts, esp the unicorn!
ReplyDeleteBijoux: It's a bit odd having a mythical creature as your national symbol, rather than a real-life animal.
DeleteSeeing the sights and meeting up with a friend...an ideal break!
ReplyDeleteHelen: We had a very long chat with Sheila and as usual learnt a lot more about each other!
DeleteThis sounds like fun! I would not have guessed a unicorn being the national animal of Scotland.
ReplyDeleteSandra: Apparently unicorns have been linked to Scotland for centuries. In Celtic mythology the unicorn was a symbol of purity, innocence, masculinity and power. Wales also boasts a mythical animal, the dragon.
DeleteNow I know!
DeleteSounds like an excellent break. Good for you!
ReplyDeleteLinda
Linda: Apart from the minor failings at the Premier Inn, it was a very enjoyable week.
DeleteTrees and heritage buildings. Sounds like a perfect combo. I'm guessing "listed" means old and protected?
ReplyDeleteKylie: Spot on. Old and protected because it has national historic or architectural interest.
DeleteOh lovely. Ive been thinking of taking a trip to Edinburgh to visit their national gallery and do some sightseeing. And I do love the zoo. :)
ReplyDeleteLiam: The Museum of Modern Art is worth a look as well. Not to mention all the beautiful old houses.
DeleteWe only had 3 days in Edinburgh last fall and it was not nearly enough. The Royal Mile was our favorite place to explore as was the castle on the hill. Unfortunately, the weather was not cooperative in terms of much sunshine but we made the most of the time we had.
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