Looked online to see if the Modern Art Museum was actually open on a Sunday. It was thank God. And it's close to my hotel. Checked on the castle and other things. Still didn't want to go to the castle after seeing the price. I was also looking at tours, and there are a lot of haunted ones to go to here. Did you know the Loch Ness monster originated here, in the Highlands? They call him Nessie. A cute, green, cartoon sea monster in all the tourist shops.
Oh! I almost cried this morning. I woke up, as I usually do when it's earlier than I want to. I checked the time on my phone and couldn't. I was frantically trying to turn it on after the fifth time trying the top and home button. I struggled getting my case off and then held the two buttons together (I have a iPhone). It turned on and turned off. Tried again, did it again. Almost started crying but after third times the charm. It finally turned on and was okay. Worked all day.
So the National Scottish Modern Art Museum has Building One and Building Two. I have no idea why. I went backwards, starting with two. I think the best part was seeing a Roy Lichtenstein exhibit. Oh! I also say a Cindy Sherman print. Spent two hours there. Actually took my time because I had time and it was still raining (misting).
Left for High Street (the shopping street usually) and remembered that Mollie told me to go to The elephant House. The cafe where J.K. Rowling started writing the Harry Potter books. When I was a block away, I heard the cafe name said like three times so I started walking faster. I actually, hahaha, walked to the back of the place where all of the dumpsters were and was thinking maybe I had to find it, maybe it was a fun hidden place. Nope, just dumpsters. So I walked around, and there it was with tourists taking photos. I looked inside and walked to the back, because Mollie told me to. She didn't tell me why but she said it was amazing. When I got to the back of the small cafe, there was nothing to make me go "wow". I got in the line to order and messaged her in the mean time to get what was so special. Sat down with my cheese panini and salad, and cucumber water in a large circle table with strangers. It was packed. Ate it. Packed up. Went to the bathroom. This is where I say, "Wow!" The entire inside of the bathroom was covered with writing. The hallway walls, the ceiling, the floor, the doors, toilets, sink, mirror, just everything. And no, it didn't look bad. You know how you see that kind of stuff in park bathrooms of kids being obnoxious? Well, no. This bathroom was filled with tourists from around the world saying thank you to J.K. Rowling and saying how Harry Potter changed their lives, and how they will never forget the memories. Yes, I did some graffiti myself. It was so amazing, I forgot to pee. I locked myself in one of them and just read for almost ten minutes. There were only two stalls and the place was crowded. Yikes. Sorry.
Leaving that place satisfied, I headed towards High Street or The Royal Mile. Some tents up and tons of people and shops. Also, the tiny, really tiny streets between buildings are called "____ close" and some of them turn into markets. I went into one and it reminded me a really small Borough Market. Then, there are like over five major shopping streets in Edinburgh that I know of. Rose Street, The Royal Mile, Princes Street, Queen Street, etc. Oh and two shopping centres (malls). I was proud of myself, didn't buy any clothes. And I only bought a flag to add to my collection, postcards to send, and whiskey for a special someone. So in the end, I bought a flag for myself and yes, I bought a ring. I can see Michaela saying, "of course you did". I always run towards the rings. But it took me a while to decide to buy one. I only gave in because it's the Scottish celtic knot. I gave in when I thought about regretting it when I come back to the States and when the guy I talked to said he made it and told me the meaning of mine. Apparently the one he was telling me about (the one I bought) represents the body, the mind and the soul. I love it, and it is worth it. Yeah, I'm trying to cut back on my spending. I also found out that they have their own printed money, but same coins as England. Although you can still use England's paper money when purchasing. I'm keeping a Scotland five pound. And hey Grandma Sue, I saw rings that have the blue willow pattern. They were really expensive and gorgeous, reminded me of you!
After finding The Elephant house, I just walked around. Didn't touch my map. Which, hey, I have not used my phone's GPS. I only use maps when I go on trips now. The only time I use it, is to find where the nearest grocery store is.
Ran into the Fruitmarket Gallery. Quick look around. Also saw the Light Works exhibit in a square for the International Science Festival.
When finding myself back to Princes Street, I went straight to the Scott's Monument, paid four pounds, to climb those stairs. All 287 steps straight to the top. Well, the last set of stairs, I had to climb down four times because people kept coming down so I had to start over four different times. Why not go around them? Way too narrow. All of the stairs were spiral and I didn't get dizzy until I was flying down them. So easy going down, even thought about sliding down. Anyway, It was gorgeous. All these places I go to has something to get high enough to see the entire place 360 degrees around. I love that. The castle may have been prettier but this only costed me four pounds. While I was up on the monument, I say this huge mountain this and a roman structure further towards the water. I really wish I knew what they were. I just thought it was be a long walk and probably cost more money and time. I did start walking towards that way until I thought about it and turned around.
I don't think Scotland has Tesco. My favourite grocery store. Sucks.
Started going into any tourist shops because after the first one, I had to. I found soft-core Scottish porn on postcards of men in kilts posing seductively and I couldn't get enough of it. It was hard to keep my laughing quiet. Look out grandma, I think you may switching from those Hawaiian boys to these Scottish men. The last tourist shop, I decided to look at the whiskeys. I asked a girl who was working that I have no idea the differences of whiskies and that the only one I really really know about is Jack Daniels. She was amazing. This girl pulled whiskey out of her purse and was letting me try some. Telling me about Lowlands, Highlands, Islay, and Speyside. The palette, the fruit tastes, salt, the smoke. I still don't know but I bought two tiny bottles for someone who loves whiskey and I am trying a small taste of it when he tries them. One of them is secret, I don't know if he reads my blogs so I won't be explaining until we try it and the other is literally a secret. Again, I have to explain later. Come back and read my blog in early June to find out. After buying the little bottles, the girl was telling me to come to this pub for half priced cocktails. Too bad I can't go because that would be a bad idea to go out alone and drink.
Never in my life, will I again see that many wool scarves, kilts, and whiskey shops.
Went down in the West Princes Gardens, ran into a man with two Scottish terriers. Instantly asked if I could pet them and he said yes! Like every girl, I fall in love with any dog that I see. After that, I picked a white and orange daffodil and sat on a bench to enjoy the view. After a few minutes, it started to rain (mist). Started to walk back. Lucky me, I ran into a market! Just in time for dinner I bought some stir fry and dumplings.
Tomorrow, I take a bus ride to Glasgow. Wish me luck!
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