Edinburgh

The beginning of the week I took a trip up to Edinburgh for a few days for another interview. 

Edinburgh Castle.

The beginning of the week I took a trip up to Edinburgh for a few days for another interview. My hotel was very nice and quite impressive. Though I think they were slightly optimistic having a terrace bar. It is Scotland after all. The weather on Tuesday (when I was on a train and in an interview) was lovely though still not sitting outside weather really. On Wednesday, when I was walking around the city, it was freezing! I even brought a hat and scarf. 

Grand ceiling

Terrace

But it was very beautiful. I really wanted to go around the castle, so got there first thing.

On the way to the castle

The castle entrance.

The only way up to the castle is up a hill. (The other 3 sides are cliffs.) The band arrived while we were waiting to get in. 

The band

I got in early so it was fairly empty. It did not stay that way for long.

Canons.

I also somehow managed not to spot one of the canons and walked into it. I now have a very nice bruise on my shin. :( At least there wasn't anyone around to see my graceful moment.

At least it was not the giant canon I walked into. That would have just been embarrassing.

Mons Meg

View over Edinburgh

The castle

St. Margaret's Chapel.

Window to St. Columbus

Window for Queen Margaret

View from the canon portal.

Laich hall

You couldn't take photos in the crown jewels room or the war memorial. The crown jewels were very cool, but if you go, ask the person there to give you some information. They don't put much up to read but the staff really know their stuff and the stories were great.  Like the 4 students stealing the coronation stone from Westminster (where it was put until the coronation chair) and tried to repatriate it back to Scotland and managed to stay on the run for 4 months with a giant stone hidden.

War memorial.

Shy horse. :)

The great hall was good. There is a grated window in the top corner where the king used to hid and spy on the courtiers and the queens.

Great hall

There was also some changing of the guard type thing. I honestly am not sure as I missed the start, but I did feel sorry for them in the kilts. It was seriously cold, despite being May!

Chilly in the kilt.

Dark skies.

There are numerous museums, most related to wars of some sort. Interesting but some of the figures were a bit creepy. Not realistic, just a little demented.

Playing the bagpipes.

A little too happy.

The room with rows on rows of medals was cool. I only took a picture of one of the many windows.

Medals.

Stained glass window.

Man and his horse.

Over the city.

There is also a prison, which most people seemed to miss so was quiet. The punishments seemed a bit excessive in the past.

Punishments.

I had a hot chocolate over looking the city, and timed it well, before all the crowds.

Views

I decide to have a look the other side of castle and walk around. (It seemed like a good idea to see as much as possible at the time. Later, 13km later, not so much.)
But the park was nice and quiet.

Puppy!

Cliff up to the castle.

They still had bluebells!

Colors

Fountain.

My knees were killing me at this point so I decided not to climb the Scot's monument. Next time.

Looking up the Scot's monument.

Posing squirrel.

I had some time to kill before lunch so sat and read my book. Until I couldn't feel my fingers. (Summer has been postponed in the UK at the moment.) I had a look inside the Church of Scotland, but it was very boring inside.

I was then wined and dined by some recruiters. I have to say it was a lovely feeling, compared to astronomy where you fight for everything. The guys were brilliant and have been really helpful. 

But thankfully that was the last interview. I have now accepted a job! :)