off to the big city!

We took the train to Edinburgh today.  We had a very frank conversation the night before about my capabilities these days.  It was difficult for me to be so honest about my limitations, especially since she is so vibrant and full of energy.  She kept saying we needed a minimum of six hours in the city, or it wasn't worth the half hour train ride.  I didn't understand that logic and said that six hours in the city was really pushing my limitations.  Yes, I can force myself to do it, but I've learned that future Wendy will pay that price.  I even explained the Spoon Theory to both of them, over a few embarrassing tears.  I don't know why it should be so painful to explain how my body reacts to too much stimuli, but it was.  And I didn't want to hide anymore from one of my closest friends.  It appeared she didn't believe me, which hurt, but we both promised to compromise.  I would push myself, and she said she would be fine with leaving as soon as I needed to.

Before I continue, I want to express how utterly grateful I am that she is my friend and how much effort she and her husband put into making my trip easier and making me feel welcome.  She's not the bad guy here.  It's just another reminder that able-bodied people can't always comprehend what people who live with chronic disorders experience on the daily.  How much thought and planning we go through.  How much anxiety we have about 'ruining' things, if only for ourselves.  How we hate letting people down.  Enough whining, let's go explore the Royal Mile!

My first sight after climbing out of the train station was this eye-catching building.  We didn't go in because I had my most energy for the day and wanted to go walking.

She had been to Edinburgh numerous times with various visitors, so she knew the places to see, especially all of the Harry Potter attractions.  I realized my conversation the night before had put her a little on edge because she was carefully plotting shortcuts and such with her phone map.  I told her to put that away, and we would make the best of it.  She was also extremely stressed out about the train schedules.  Apparently they had been known to cancel later trains without warning and leave people stranded for hours because of ongoing strikes.  I cleared her of any responsibility for that and said I'd be fine taking the bus back as long as I could sleep on her shoulder if need be.  That appeared to relax her tremendously.

We first noticed that parts of the streets were barricaded off, and St. Giles Cathedral was closed to the public.  I saw a friendly-looking police officer standing guard and played up the dumb tourist bit and asked what was going on.  He explained the Order of the Thistle Ceremony and that Prince Charles was inside and due to come out any minute.  We missed the beginning and the crowds.  Not many people waited around for the exit, so we had front row seats to all the pomp and circumstance.  A London tourist was nearby and between the both of them, they explained in detail who everyone was and what they were doing.  It was nice having a running commentary. 

As an American, I'm not particularly enamored of their royalty, but it was still fun to see the hoopla.

Prince Charles

 Not sure why the Sea Lord wears spurs, but there you are.

Sea Lord in feathers and spurs

 

We also got to chat a bit with the highest ranking woman officer in Police Scotland, Fiona Taylor, when she came over to chat with our tour guide.  Do you see all of her medals??

 

After a bit, we went looking for a public restroom.  The easiest way to do that is to buy something at a local pub and use theirs.  My friend wanted to eat and walk, but I much preferred to rest and eat the steak pie there.

Various interesting photos.

Converted telephone booth into ATM

Edinburgh Castle in the background

A few blocks away we stumbled upon the Royal Band preparing to leave after they'd played at the Thistle Ceremony.  Of course we stopped to talk to them and take selfies.

We went through a few touristy Harry Potter shops, taking pics in witches hats and plague masks, before eventually getting back to St. Giles Cathedral, which was now open to the public again.  It was a beautiful place to rest and people watch.

Giant organ (hehe that's what she said)

surprisingly comfortable to chair from which to rest and people watch

We walked to the other end of the Royal Mile to Holyrood Palace, where the Queen was in residence, hence all the heightened security.  Across the street, in front of Parliament, there were a handful of peaceful pro-life protesters because the US Supreme Court Decision of Roe vs. Wade had just been overturned.

Holyrood Palace

We walked a bit more and came across an old cemetery.  I have no idea the significance or whom was buried there, but it was a beautiful sunny day, and it was quiet and lovely to lie back on the grass and rest and chat.

We slowly made our way back to the train station and had a bite and an adult beverage at a rooftop cafe with a stupendous view.  The grilled Scottish salmon was exquisite, and it was a perfect way to end this adventure.  We caught the rush hour train back home but still managed to find the last two seats.

grilled Scottish salmon in miso glaze