Edinburgh and the winds of change...!

After another stress free week last Friday, we took our final class trip. This time the destination was blustery Edinburgh in order that we might get a feel for northern Britain.

Of all the cities I've visited, though, while here in the UK, Edinburgh was the most enjoyed.

The northern territories tend to feel like totally different regions of the world. London differs greatly from Scotland and York stands in stark contrast to Cardiff. And this is what interests me about Britain. That is, for such a small country, one wouldn't expect much topographical diversity. But, the UK has it. And it's great.

I kept trying to liken Edinburgh during our time there to places I've visited in the past. I concluded tentatively that it felt very Norwegian--from the hilly terrain to the strong ethnic pride.

Getting past the Kitsch of the place was a little difficult at first, though. With a bag-pipe on every corner, the city began to feel like a caricature of itself. But I suppose such civic ego keeps Edinburgh unique. It keeps it like few places I've been before--uniquely charming and subtly bent on preserving a rich history.

Be well,

JS