Finally, after the disruption of the pandemic in 2020, I had the chance to complete my long-awaited trip to Scotland. This time, I traveled without the looming threat of COVID-19 and without the exorbitant $1,500 plane ticket back home.

My journey began in Kaiserslautern, where I caught a 6:00 am train to Paris Est. From there, it was a quick 15-minute walk to Paris Nord, before taking the Eurostar to London St. Pancras International. I decided to spend the night in London before continuing my journey. After arriving, I grabbed some food from Marks & Spencer on my walk from the station to my hostel.

London to Edinburgh

The next day, I walked to London Kings Cross, which is conveniently located right across the street from St. Pancras International, to catch my train to Edinburgh. Back in March 2020, I had visited Scotland but had to cut my trip short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I had traveled to Glasgow, the Isle of Mull, the Isle of Skye, and Inverness but missed out on Edinburgh as I hurried to catch one of the last flights from England to the US.

Upon arriving in Edinburgh, I checked into the High Street Hostel, dropped off my bags, and began my exploration by walking up the Royal Mile towards Edinburgh Castle. I purchased tickets for the next day and, on my way back, stopped at the Lady Stair’s Close to visit the Writer’s Museum. The museum, though small, was a delight. I wished my younger sister, Faith, who is studying literature in college, could have been there with me. I particularly adored seeing Robert Louis Stevenson’s riding boots and Samoan ring, having read and memorized poems from his “A Child’s Garden of Verses.” For those who prefer a more dark academia persuasion, the museum also houses a cast of Robert Burns’ skull.

I visited St. Giles’ Cathedral, taking in the stunning stained glass windows and historic art. Founded almost 900 years ago by King David I, the church played a critical role during the Reformation, with John Knox preaching there. I spent a significant amount of time, enjoying the ambiance and people-watching the other tourists. As evening approached, I grabbed some inexpensive, handmade samosas from a small store off the Royal Mile before heading back to my hostel to complete and submit my homework on the history of peacekeeping.

A Day in Edinburgh

The next morning, I woke up early and had breakfast at the Brunch Club. While I love living in Germany, sometimes I crave a hearty breakfast of fried eggs over potatoes rather than a sandwich that I didn’t have to make myself. This place, definately hit the spot.

After breakfast, I attempted to hike up Arthur’s Seat. Unfortunately, a foot injury forced me to turn back, so I took a more leisurely walk through Dean Village towards Bell’s Brae Bridge and the Water of Leith Walkway. From there, I took a bus to Victoria Street, a gorgeous, colorful, cobblestone street believed to have inspired Diagon Alley. I visited a few “nerd” shops selling Harry Potter memorabilia and other fantastical items, as well as several bookstores. Despite the touristy atmosphere and inflated prices, the fast-casual restraurant Oink stood out with its delicious pulled pork sandwiches. You can choose from sizes like Piglet, Oink, or Grunter, with your choice of bread, stuffing, and sauce. They also offer a gluten-free option, making it a perfect stop for a quick and tasty meal. They only do one thing, but boy do they do it well.

Next, I visited the National Museum of Scotland. As a fan of national museums, I found this one somewhat disappointing. The historical side felt disorganized, with Roman, Ancient, and Viking histories mixed together in a rather confusing manner. I also witnessed several instances of visitors ignoring “Do Not Touch” signs, including a child being placed in King James’ childhood cradle (!!!) and another jumping on an early 1800s bed. Despite its informative exhibits, the museum’s lack of security and organization made it less enjoyable than anticipated.

In need of a break, I headed to Hoot the Redeemer for Happy Hour. The entrance, designed to look like a fortune teller’s shop, leads to a basement bar with some of the best drinks I’ve ever had. The bartenders are incredibly talented, and after chatting with one of them, she offered me a new drink she was testing for the menu, which I loved. Even if you don’t enjoy alchol, I still recommend stopping by, grabbing some small bites, and enjoying the ambiance.

Traveling alone, I often find it challenging to meet people for dinner. While some, like my friend Darling, easily make friends in hostels, I tend to be more reserved. That evening, I opted for British donner, though I preferred the German döner, it sufficed after a long day of walking nearly 12 miles.

Final Day in Edinburgh

On my last day in Edinburgh, I slept in a bit before checking out of my hostel, as I would be staying in a different room that night. My first stop was the Holyrood Palace, located at the opposite end of the Royal Mile from Edinburgh Castle. The palace, once home to Mary, Queen of Scots, is now used by the Royal Family during official engagements in Scotland. Visitors with children should note that while most rooms are accessible by elevator, some areas are quite small, making it difficult to maneuver a stroller. I spent a considerable amount of time exploring the Holyrood Abbey, palace gardens, and various art pieces.

Afterwards, I browsed several tourist shops for souvenirs and considered buying a child’s bagpipe for my youngest nephew. However, knowing it sounded just like a real bagpipe, I decided against it to avoid the potential wrath of my brother-in-law and sister-in-law.

My evening concluded with an early, cheap dinner from 7/11 and an early bedtime, as I prepared to catch a 6:00 am train up to Oban the next day.

Conclusion

Finally completing my journey to Scotland, which began in March 2020, was a fulfilling experience. Despite the challenges and interruptions of the past, my trip to Scotland proved to be an adventure worth waiting for. If you ever get the chance to visit, seize the opportunity – you won’t regret it.