Again, the cab arrives on time.
I got up early and tried to find coffee at 7 AM. Apparently, Temple Bar parties hard and sleeps to 9 AM. Nothing appears open.
After about fifteen minutes of walking, I find a shop just opening. The two guys at the counter are quick to help. If we ever go back to Temple Bar, definitely added to my list of places to eat.
We have packed last night and we are ready to go. I go down to check out. I check the cab progress on the app. He is around the corner.
Where are Betty and Bill? It is a small hotel with one way up and down. Betty's foot is still sore so she is not using the stairs. I hurry back to the room. They are gone. Where are they? I tell the cab driver that we will be there shortly.
Apparently, there are two elevators. That makes sense - two buildings. Both Betty and Bill followed the corridor to the left and used that elevator which took them to the back of the building. They had to retrace their steps. They appear in the lobby.
Quickly, we load the cab. We have plenty of time. It is Saturday so we are not certain as to how crowded the airport will be. Bill is flying home and, therefore, security will be tighter. We are flying to Edinburgh, Scotland.
My concern is that we are flying Ryanair and all that implies. Media is full of horror stories. Trouble with carry on luggage; over booked and etc. I did purchase upgrades. The price even with upgrades was great.
We drop Bill off at the Aer Lingus terminal. We circle around to the terminal for Ryanair. Shannon Airport is much bigger than I thought it would. From my limited experience, Major European airports are huge. I know that we are told that US airports compare unfavorably to European. I will take O'Hare any day. Plan to walk a mile.
We enter the security line. The line is jammed but it moves well. All the airports use full body scans. The security is well staffed which contributes to the efficiency. The security is more intense that our trip in 2016. Shoes off. Toiletry bag out. Pat downs are often.
Now, we march. After leaving security, you follow fellow travelers to the "duty free" zone. As opposed to US where airports have become mini-shopping malls on the way to the gate. European "Duty Free" is a circular route that you cannot avoid. It is more of a bazaar. A temple to "Duty Free". There is no direct route.
You ignore temptations, but you are still no closer to your gate. You have entered the Food Zone. The Zone is really a general and large seating area. In Europe, they do not post the gates until twenty minutes before boarding. You have no choice but to sit and wait. You watch the screens for the gate announcement.
Betty and I find seats. Stow our carry-ons. And, get something to eat.
Our flight appears on the screen. Now, you walk. I am guessing about a third of a mile to the gate area.
Now, this is when I will find out if I did the reservations correctly. And, travel Ryanair.
It goes very smoothly. We have reserved seating and priority boarding (important to gain that all important overhead luggage storage space) The gate staff are efficient and helpful. The seats are better than US air carriers - more space.
There is no question as to the dimensions of our carry-ons. It appears that everyone complies. We know that Betty's luggage will pass. Betty purchased specifically to conform to EU limits. I purchased with a less attention to details.
There are a lot larger luggage being carried on. If it fits the overhead bin, you seem to be fine.
The flight to Edinburgh is a little over an hour. The flight is quick. Our first view of Scotland, it is green and pastoral.
Edinburgh airport is more of a regional airport, They use a stairway to exit the plane and walk to the gate.
A quick walk through the airport, we now face that constant problem - how do we get to the hotel. Edinburgh has no Underground. Transportation is by auto or bus.
The airport has a Tourist Kiosk as you exit the airport. The bus is cost efficient, but since we are not familiar with Edinburgh and the location of hotel. The decision is cab. You guessed correctly - more walking.
The cab driver is a nice guy and proud of his city. It is a dialogue as we move through suburban Edinburgh. The population of Edinburgh is about 483,000. The route into Edinburgh is by local streets.
Ten Hill Place Hotel is owned by the Edinburgh College of Surgeons. The location is excellent. The hotel is located on the edge of New Town (18th-19th Century) and very near to Old Town (Medieval and Reformation).
The room is spacious by European standards. We have mixed opinions. The bathroom is very large. It is a handicap room. The shower (there is no bath tub) is designed for a wheelchair.
We unpack. I am on the Internet to locate a self serve laundromat. It has been two weeks and there is a lot of laundry. There appears to be two. Now, where? Tomorrow is Sunday. When do they open? Remembering the Dublin experience, are they really self service? Can I find one?
I decide to have a congratulatory drink downstairs. The barmen are friendly. It appears that the younger bartender is in training.
On any bucket list of Scotland, a whiskey tasting is in the top five. I want to learn but tastings are expensive and I am confident that a sale pitch is on the agenda. Also, Betty is not interested. My decision is to visit various bars during our Scotland tour and taste one whiskey at a time.
I order a beer. It is local. After Ireland, I am interested in local beers. And, after a long travel, a beer works.
Then, I have a whiskey. I did not realize how many whiskeys there are. I was aware of Highlands (smokey) and Lowlands (smooth). There are about four other regional types of single malts ( the single malt saved Scotland) and that does not include the blends. The regions can be loosely defined (by me) as to the amount of peat (smoke taste) in the drink.
My first whiskey is from Campbeltown. I am not a fan of whiskies with strong peat favor. Campbeltown region is a good compromise. I had seen a television travel log that a drop of water releases the flavors. I am not sure about that, but it does smooth out the smokey taste.
Dinner is takeout in the room.
Tomorrow - body snatchers.
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