Return to Scotland ~ Random Memory #28 ~ Edinburgh

It had been a long time since our last trip to Edinburgh, when we first walked the Royal Mile, saw the wonders of the National Gallery and visited the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The window and garden view from Mary Queen of Scots' chambers still sends shivers down my spine. It was in that place, David Rizzio, private secretary to the queen, succumbed to fifty stab wounds while the pregnant queen watched in horror. The atmosphere is dark and heavy and I would have loved to be alone in those haunted halls with my camera, but photography is not allowed.

Random Memory #28 ~ Edinburgh

In 1984 we arrived with two young children on the overnight train from London and by the time we arrived the first red spot appeared, a harbinger for violent cases of chickenpox...although it wasn't clear that's what it was and the children felt well enough. I remember the train was a great adventure and their wide eyes as I tucked them into berths, cozy and snug, with the sway and rumble of the car and black night beyond the window. I shared their excitement and I don't think any of us slept.

JCB and her brother were seasoned travelers by then and they followed us through museums and up and down the Royal Mile...JCB considerably more enthusiastic while John trudged along, usually hungry, or thirsty. We stopped for copious amounts of tea, biscuits and thick slabs of buttered brown bread between visits to the Greyfriars Bobby Memorial and other sites.

More spots erupted causing some consternation from fellow travelers on the trip home to London...followed by two miserable weeks for my young ones.

Holyrood Abbey, Edinburgh, Scotland.

Along the Royal Mile, Edinburgh, Scotland.

I relived that earlier trip with every step along the Royal Mile, this time with our lovely grown up daughter and her gentleman. She is exactly the age I was then. Past and present rolled in and out just as the clouds and mist do in Scotland. How wonderful it was to be back in this beautiful old city and to savor this time with JCB and Joel, our old friends and the haunting music of bagpipes at the wedding that called us to Edinburgh.