Edinburgh part 2

The locals pronounce their capital city "edinburah".  The lilting Scottish twist on the language we share sounds fun and melodic. But sometimes you have to listen closely to understand it.  Our tours around the city reveal an historic locale with amazing archetechure and a strong sense of national pride.

The North Bridge connecting Old Town and New Town 

Terri samples haggis, the national dish

A busy street

Below is a photo of a post card depicting the Palace of Holyrood House.  It was founded in 1128 and is the official residence of Queen Elizabeth when she visits Scotland.  It is immense, and no photos are allowed inside.  The Queen is expected to spend about 3 weeks here this summer as Scotland celebrates her 90th birthday.

Greetings from Edinburgh, Scotland!

We arrived yesterday morning and have spent two days in this World Heritage city. The weather has been outstanding ---sunny and around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Edinburgh has about 500,000 residents, one million counting the suburbs.   It's a bustling, hilly, cosmopolitan city which sits on volcanic rock.  The city is divided into Old Town and New Town.

Here are a few of the sites we've seen so far

Calton Hill, site of historic battles
and currently home of government offices

Spire of St. Gile's Cathedral 

Getting a proper welcome

Spire is a monument to Scottish author Sir
Walter Scott

Wrapping up Rome

We are safely home and back to Internet reliability.  This was a fabulous trip.  I especially loved walking through the ruins of ancient history I've read so much about.  We're already thinking ahead to a trip that would introduce us to northern Italy! Here are a few last glimpses of Rome.

Balcony from where
the Pope addresses
the people

Photos from the public areas of the Vatican

Sorry, no photos allowed inside the Sistine Chapel.

The Pantheon, built between 317-325 to celebrate
all the gods of pagan Rome 

Area where the Circus Maximus was

Arrivederci, Roma!

Roma! part 3

The Roman Collosseum  

Built between 72-80 A.D., it was an oval amphitheater built in the center of Rome.  It is the largest amphitheater ever constructed and is considered one of the greatest examples of architecture and engineering.

The Vatican

Photos cannot be taken inside the Vatican except in the museum areas. About 1,000 people live in the Vatican, mostly members of the clergy.  100 Swiss guards are there also.

Roma! part 2

  Along the Apian Way, the most famous strategic road built by the Romans in 312 A.D.

Italy ' s tribute to 911

St. Peter ' s Bascillica at night

Rome ' s umbrella pines

Fresh water from an
aquaduct built in 19 A.D. !