Edinburgh 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

With each passing day, my affection grows for the city of literature, of culture. A city of delight.

Here is what I love about Edinburgh.

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The duality of city and countryside at Blackford Hill.

And how it makes me feel like I am in the heart of somewhere special.

The towering church near Edinburgh Castle.

And how it makes me wonder about what is inside. I know nothing about this building but a feeling of awe.

St. Giles Cathedral

A place of quiet contemplation in the heart of the bustle.

The bagpiper outside the Cathedral.

His music imbues a sense of connection between us all.

The quaint cafes in Stockbridge.

And how they make me feel cosy.

Dean Village.

You feel like you have traveled to another land. Until you look higher and see the characteristic material of Edinburgh houses in the distance.

Victoria Street.

And all the beautiful colours.

Calton Hill.

With its beautiful views of the Castle, Princes Street, the water.

Arthur's Seat.

A day of exercise. Slightly scary as one walks up. Then, beauty as you see the city, the water, and the countryside around you.

The Writer's Museum.

And the desks of poets whose words have lasted centuries.

The National Gallery.

And its new exhibit showing the beauty of Scotland.

The Royal Mile.

On which Kings and Queens have traveled.

The Milkman.

An Instagram phenomenon. Delicious coffee. Terrific snickerdoodles.

The Advocate's Steps.

To what advocate does the path refer, I wonder?

The Castle.

The crown jewel of the city. In which the Crown Jewels of bonnie Scotland are stored.

The cherry blossoms in spring.

And how they bring pink to the city.

The lone street performer.

Who brings joy to their surroundings.

The street cat in a quiet neighborhood.

Whose grace is imprinted in my memory.

The Meadows.

And the mix of old and new buildings visible from the park.

The sunrise.

And the way the reds and golds light up the horizon.

Kind people.

Who make the city what it is.

Portobello beach.

Edinburgh is grass, cobblestone, and sand.

The crowns atop buildings.

A royal presence.

The spires in the skyline.

That inspire curiosity. What buildings are they? How were they built?

Edinburgh makes me feel like I am living in a fairytale.

- James