Finally in Edinbourgh

Well after a short plane ride from Amsterdam to Edinburgh, I have arrived at the city center and I am currently at the hotel I'm staying at, the hotel Ibis. When I went through security, they confiscated my adjustable wrench and my screwdriver. It dangerous to the Britons, but not to the Americans(San Francisco security). I didn't really sleep on the plane, as it was really bright and all. I got in at about 8 40 am local time. I passed through the passport check with no problems and got my luggage quickly. I was pleased because a little part of me was nervous that they would lose my luggage. I mean, I did do 3 plane rides and 2 transfers and I've heard of them losing luggage doing less. I took a short taxi ride from the airport to the hotel, costing about £20. It was a beautiful ride. Here's a shot of the place as seen from the airport terminal...

 So this is Scotland.....

 I got to the hotel and unfortunately, the room that I am going to stay in was full. So I dropped off my bags and just decided to explore the city. Here's a funnyly colored alligator that I saw on the sidewalk. It suppose to raise awareness about endangered species I think. It said you could adopt it or something. I don't know. I thought it was funny. Anyway, just a little bit up the street, there was a rather imposing staute of Adam Smith.

 "You'll feel that invisible hand of the market if I have to beat it into you". I guess people here in Scotland are really tied to their heritage. It makes sense though. Everything is really old here. There are lots of statues and lots of memorials. It seems like everything here (at least downtown, touristy Edinburgh) is just build on something else. Its a far cry from California's newness. One of the things I really like about Europe though are all the old churches. For some reason, those towering spires are inspiring to me.

 One thing England also has is a lot of rolling hills and green hillsides too. This is a shot of just a view I got from the top of a set of stairs. Quite spectacular in person, in case you can't really see it in the picture.

 Another view of a tall church.

 One of the things I also really like about Europe is the presence of these random really narrow alleyways that go random places. It gives the city a sense of mystery and you want to explore it. It's neat. It feels really old.

 I wandered into a graveyard, and true to form, everything was really old. Most of the graves that I saw were from before 1850. People just kept adding "here lies John Johnson. Also, Jonathan Johnson, his son" and stuff like that. It cracked me up a little.

 But there's no way I would want to be here at night. That seems really scary. I mean, I swear ghosts would probably rise from the grave and play shuffleboard every night, its that old.

 I also like that there are castles here. There aren't too many in California. The only one I can think of is Hearst Castle, and that was built in homage to these castles. You feel like you're in a old place, which you are.

I like that they had a staute of Abraham Lincoln. In remembrance of all the Scotish/American soldiers who fought for freedom from slavery. I thought that was really neat. Also, what I've learned is that the dollar store has a much different feel here. It doesn't bring down the property value of the stores around it, if you know what I mean. I was able to get a new wrench and screwdriver (I need someway to put my skateboard back together) at "Poundland", as well as a power converter....Also, whenever I can't understand something that a Scottish person is saying, I just remember the Beerfest line where the British team are yelling at the American team, and the American team just turns to each other and says "Do you have any idea what they're saying?".

So now I'm just sitting around waiting to check in. While I was writing this, I tried out another kind of beer....well not beer, its cider. But it's Irish cider, so I think its a local. And even if its not, I haven't had it before. Also, they advertised it as "extra cold"...is there another way people serve it?

After this, I'm going to check in, take a nap and take a shower. I really want both of those things.