Monday in Edinburgh.
The weather has changed. It is cloudy. There were showers over night.
I am a person of habit. I need coffee and a biscuit. The hunger is immediate when I wake up. Hotels are often expensive. Ten Hill requires their full breakfast menu in order to get a coffee (@10 pounds sterling).
I awake normally about 6AM. That also presents a problem since most coffee shops do not open to 8AM at the earliest or later. The exception - drum roll, please - Starbucks. I would prefer local. But, Starbucks works for the first cup.
A benefit of this search is that I wander the early morning streets. There is not yet the rush as people move to work and school.
Edinburgh appears to be a young person's city. Attendance at Edinburgh University influences the perception. As I spend more time in Scotland, my belief is that World War I and World War II decimated the population. Today, Scotland's population is @ 5,254,800 (2018) and is increasing by 0.6% per annum.
As people pass, I note that the Scots are tall and fit people. I am not short. I feel the need to improve my posture. It does not work, but a week of effort cannot hurt.
There is no shortage of coffee bars. But, it 7:15M. I keep walking. With no crowd, I see things. J. K. Rowling loved coffee and was universal in her patronage to Edinburgh coffee shops. I think I found four, maybe five plaques with "J.K. Rowling slept here". Oops, drank coffee and dreamed of Hogwarts.
All closed. I am retracing to High Street. Of course, Starbucks is open. It appears small. I take my order and find a seat. Typically, I finish and realize that there are stairs to a second level where there is a large sitting room.
I meander back to the hotel. I had a sweet roll at Starbucks. But, I need to find something for Betty. Ah. there are limited choices. Gregg's and Tesco Express. Tesco Express has Krispy Kreme. I pick Tesco.
I share the language. I am somewhat familiar with the British monetary system. But, that first time you buy a donut in a strange place, you are nervous. The uneasiness is when you speak or fumble for money, everyone within a mile will know you are not a world renowned traveler. You are to be ignored, or graciously, forgiven.
I actually do well. Normally, I use the self service out. But, with the donuts, I must use the cashier line. Very helpful. Very nice. I am now committed to mastering to British coinage.
Our routine is to leave the apartment or hotel about ten.
The coffee shops are open. We are hungry. Nothing appeals to us on The Royal Mile. We turn on George IV Bridge Street and shop for a restaurant. It is not easy. With government offices, banks and professionals, Edinburgh eats well.
We select the Elephant House. The restaurant fills quickly. The mussels and beer are tasty.
There is a light mist and chilly. After a adventurous crossing of George IV Bridge Street, we turn left onto Chambers. Destination is the National Museum of Scotland.
The museum is remarkably small. The exhibits are sincere. You can pace yourself to move quickly. I would to have seen more of the history of Edinburgh as a city. Obviously, the city itself is the best museum. You are walking in the streets of poets, scientists, body snatchers, heroes and villains. As a small city, it is more immediate.
It is a great way to spend a quiet, chilly afternoon. This museum is adjacent to a newer structure - same museum. There is an elevator to the top and an observation floor with a panorama view of Edinburgh.
It is cloudy. A brief chat with others on the tower. Elevator down. Coffee at a bookstore.
Blackwell Bookstore is a well known name in the UK. Our first experience was in Oxford. The coffee shop is Nero (again) - London. Blackwell seems to be University oriented. The University of Edinburgh is across the street.
The titles are seminars in college. I look for Christie and Austen. Not academic. We do buy a few souvenirs (books and paper/notebooks make great souvenirs - you actually, use them)
We walk back to the hotel. It is shopping at Tesco Express for supper.
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