Goodbyes always sound melancholic when referred to a destination, still, our trip to Scotland must end this way.
Far from the glitz of cities like Vienna or Paris, Edinburgh mirrors the culture in which it was born into: essential, liveable and straight to the point.
I must say that it was not at the top of my destinations list, but since we were invited by two too cool friends of ours, Johnny and Raoul, in joining them in a quick trip to Scotland and since Alice went crazy about the idea of going back to the U.K., it looked like I had to reconsider it.
Barely four days and four travelers with completely different interests for a tight schedule which included: Edinburgh, Stirling, St. Andrews, Loch Ness, the Highlands, the Firth of Forth, the haggis, salmon, beer and whisky.
How did we make it? Cheating.
Although it was early November, the marvellous Edinburgh’s Royal Mile was enriched by a clear sun that accompanied us throughout our journey.
We suggest you to enjoy the beautiful sight of the city from the castle, but not to visit it and instead direct yourselves to the Holyrood Palace or to the HMY Britannia.
Twilight came early during those days, so as we were ending our walk through Dean Village, which was “ok”, we decided to be back off to the convivial practice of Royal Mile’s pubs tour. Food and beers were simply amazing.
Despite being all of us, of course, acknowledged historians and masters of the left-hand drive, but not willing to apply ourselves too much, we preferred booking one tour to visit Stirling’s castle, St. Andrews, the Firth of Forth and Famous Grouse Whisky’s distillery. Money well spent.
We didn’t just absorbed all the historical events of Scotland starting from Robert the Bruce to the present day, but also all the whisky we could taste in the distillery.
Not hiring an Aston Martin to discover the Highlands will be our greatest regret from this trip.
Imagine a stunning autumn scenery shrouded by a gentle drizzle welcomed by a soft heavy mist. Skyfall as soundtrack. Just perfect.
Needless to say what it felt like when we realized we couldn’t stop our bus to Loch Ness.
The loch, deep black mirror with a double face (the vegetation differs from one shore to the other and the dark color is due to the high content of peat particles present from the surrounding land), is home of the most famous among all the engaging legends of Scotland.
The young guide on the lake’s cruise, with his irresistible and exhilarating enthusiasm, confirmed our self inducted willing to believe in the real existence of Nessie. You can’t miss it!
So with a renewed faith in pop mythology, we spent our last day walking through Edinburgh with the perception that this city, more than a tourist destination, it’s a great place for anyone who wants to start a new life elsewhere.
Goodbye Scotland, see you soon Highlands.
P.S. Thank you Donatella for your precious time! You’ve been an amazing guide for the perfect evening’s spots around Edinburgh.
Do you think we should add the list of the restaurants and clubs we went to?
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