During the day we went to a museum and some shops. Mom loved this little Indian shop where they sold very unique hand made items. I think Mom bought one of everything, Dad got a chess board. I showed them a few sights like the Elephant House. It is a restaurant where supposedly J.K. Rowlings wrote much of the first Harry potter book.
In the evening we did an underground tour. As I have mentioned before Edinburgh is a city built on top of an old city. Long ago they knocked off the tops of buildings on a hillside and built on top to make a more level city. The tour we took focused on Mary Kings Close. You actually go underground and walk down a street that is still largely as it was. You can even go in old houses and shops. Very spooky.
At midnight the city shoots off fireworks from seven hills around the city. The folks decided to stay away from the drunken fools and stay inside. The younger of us also decided to get away and watch the fireworks. We climbed the Salisbury Crags that overlook the city. Normally this wouldn't be a big deal, but on that day there were gale force winds. It was the most unbelievable experience. We walked up the back side of the hill, so the wind wasn't too bad (gusts would still knock you over). But as soon as we approached the peak, standing was nearly impossible. As we belly crawled to the edge the most amazing thing happened. About five feet way there was a pocket that was almost calm. You could still hear the roar of the wind, but we were able to lay down and enjoy hot chocolate (with Baileys) and watch the fireworks. I just wish the pictures could do the experience justice.
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