2023 England and Scotland - Day #28 - Edinburgh

For the first time in four weeks, we stayed three nights in the same place. This gave us two full days to explore Edinburgh. I intended to take full advantage.

Planning to spend the day just the two of us, Sharon and I had breakfast at the hotel. I had salmon and scambled eggs, while Sharon had french toast.

Afterwards, we headed back to the top of the Royal Mile. Sharon wanted to shop in the multi-story complex at the Tartan Weaving Mill and Exhibition. While she shopped I started down the Royal Mile. I explored all the way to the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Scotland Parliament building.

Starting back up the Royal Mile, I met Sharon at St. Giles' Cathedral. It is the cathedral for the Church of Scotland. We toured the church.


Afterwards, we started down into the Grassmarket area. Sharon continued shopping. I made a quick side trip to take a picture of Greyfriar's Bobby.

For the first time in the trip, it started to rain! I had made an ill-advised decision to leave my rain jacket at the hotel. After a false start at The White Hart Inn, we had a nice lunch at O'Oliviero. Sharon and I split a Caprese Salad [Fior di latte with fresh tomato and basil, rocket, oregano and extra virgin olive oil.] and a Capricciosa Pizza [Tomato sauce, mozzarella, ham, mushrooms, olives and artichokes]. It poured while we ate.

Sharon decided to take an Uber back to the hotel. I struck off on my own. My plan was the Rick Steves' walking tour of New Town.

I started by visiting the Scottish National Gallery. Although small and very crowded, it included a few Titans, Raphaels, Ruebens, El Grecos and Rembrandts, including a Rembrandt self-portrait.

Continuing to follow the Rick Steves' New Town walk, I took a short detour to the Scottish National Portrait Gallery. Given all the different stops on the trip, I enjoyed the Jacobite room. I found the Sean Connery portrait unusual.


I finished the walking tour wandering down Thislte and then Rose Streets. After a futile attempt to find a shirt to wear home, I headed back to the hotel for a short nap before dinner.

Anna-Marie, Tom, Sharon and I finished the last night of the trip with dinner at La P'tite Folie. The restaurant occupies a beautiful, half-timbered Tudor house that once housed a Polish Catholic church. We started with a drink at Le Di-Vin Wine Bar in the nave of the church.

Sharon and I had both Pan-Fried King Scallops [Horseradish Pomme Purée, Crispy Pancetta, Jus] for a starter. Tom, Sharon and I all had Roast Rump of Scottish Lamb [Gratin Dauphinois, Aubergine Caviar, Beetroot Purée, Black Olives and tomato Veal Jus] as a main. It was not the best lamb of the trip. For the first time on the trip, the four of us finished the dinner with two cheese plates.

Back at the room, Sharon and I started packing. We are heading home tomorrow.