Home  Destinations  Edinburgh

Well, I don't know much about the world, but I can tell you about the United Kingdom. I think it is my favorite country; as matter of fact, London is the most expensive and larger city in Europe. It is also a cosmopolitan city, the weirdest stuff is there, the best history too. The tourist sites (at my criteria) are: The National Gallery and the Portrait Gallery (which is free) are awesome, there you can see Van Gogh's famous sunflowers. The British Museum, were we can see the old Rosetta Stone translated and interpreted by Champollion... Located at south-west London is Stonehenge, which are the famous circles of prehistoric stones, no one knows exactly why they were built but they are still there.

But really my favorite place, to which I would always go back, is Edinburgh. I think that the most ghostly, bloody, brutal history is there... it's a city that posses a almost mystic acoustic. In August there is a very important cultural festival (world class), there is a lot of life during that week. The city does not rest.

The forum were concerts and other activities are made performed, is under the "Edinburgh castle", "the heart of the city". It is built on top of an extinct volcano, and believe me it is impossible to pass unseen. My first reaction was: "My God, I must get in there", Maria Estuardo Queen of Scotland lived there. The entrance fee for adults is £7.50 (this was the price for August 2001). When you enter there is people wearing medieval clothes and ancient instruments... for one moment one thinks to be on those old times; I stop to take a look at the sea and listen the choir that brings the wind... A Black Raven settled in the tip of a tower... this castle is covering all my expectations... it was a magic moment.

Inside of this castle in one of its towers they made a strongbox, and when they close it it is hermetically sealed; because there is where the crown jewels are displayed, including the "Stone of Destiny"; accordingly to the legend it belonged to Merlin himself, this stone had to be present in the crowning ceremony of every king (this tradition is still in place), it's said that the stone will speak the day that a sovereign does not deserve to be King. The tower is a real crypt; the stone is located at the left side and looks like a magic stone.

For those who like ghost histories (like myself) go to Edinburgh, it is the spectral place for excellency. I felt a lot of sadness all around the city, in this castle and also visiting the Royal Village... At night I have the fortune that my hotel room (in the 5th floor) is at the front of the building and from the balcony I see all Edinburgh at night, the castle allows us to see its torches on, like as they made it a long time ago...

Mariana Yegros
Argentina
April 2002

All Pictures Copyright © 2002 Mariana Yegros