LaShon:

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Emily and I were up early in London to begin our official first day. We left our hotel on foot to find the train station. You would think something that size would be easier to spot! A little trial and error before success! We took the Victoria Underground to King's Cross for the train to Edinburgh. I spent the entire trip gazing out the window to see as much of England, and then Scotland, as possible. We arrived at Waverley Station and walked along Princes Street to our hotel. 

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We met our spectacularly energetic tour guide Liz and the rest of our group. Could I really learn everyone's name? I thought not, but surprised myself at how quickly we got to know each other. Our first evening was a walk around the neighborhood and the first of many delicious meals.

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Our first full day in Edinburgh began, appropriately, at Edinburgh Castle. Liz shepherded us through the main parts and let us explore on our own. Emily and I saw the royal rooms where Queen Mary of Scots gave birth to James I of England.

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After the castle, Liz led us on a walking tour of "closes" - small courtyards behind the front buildings. We learned how most of the old tenements were torn down and rebuilt in Victorian times. Emily and I were really excited by Greyfriars Church. Who wouldn't love the story of Greyfriars Bobby and the little Skye Terrier who was so faithful?

Liz also pointed out some plaques in the church yard which may have been inspiration for J.K. Rowling in her Harry Potter series. Finally, we stopped at the National Museum of Scotland. Having read the Lewis Man series by Peter May, I was eager to see the chessmen amongst the other treasures. On our way back to the hotel, we went into the National Gallery. Here I got my biggest surprise - the Monarch of the Glen is not a person! It's a stag! 

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