Day 3: Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Since we were 10 minutes late yesterday we got off to an early start today and were on the Royal Mile at Mary King’s Close before they opened and got to walk around and take photos without the crowds we experienced yesterday which was very nice.

Because we were on the first tour of the day, only the 6 of us and 5 other people went so it was very enjoyable. I don’t think I would recommend it for a day trip to Edinburgh from a cruise stop, but it was enjoyable enough since we were staying a few days. We then walked on up the Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle. I am glad I had already bought our tickets online because there were several busses letting people off and the line was very long. We went straight in. I had watched the Tattoo web cam before we left and wondered about the busses pulling up in the middle of the performance area and saw today that is the entrance and where the busses drop tourist off all day.

Our arrival time was perfect because about 5 minutes after we arrived there was a guided tour starting which was free and no tickets needed, just meet at a sign right past the headset rentals which cost. The guide give you some history and walks you around outside the buildings for about 45 minutes then you are free to explore inside the buildings as you please. She showed us the back door entrance to see the Crown Jewels and Stone of Destiny if we didn’t want to enter the front and see the displays. She also told us these were the second oldest Crown Jewels in existence behind Hungary I believe it was.

We got to see the bag piper playing leading up to the one o’clock gun being fired.

We then made our way back to the hotel to work on packing and took a nap before going to dinner.
Dinner reservation tonight at Vittoria on George IV Bridge- has internet site with menu -and I would recommend it for Melissa’s Tattoo gang for anyone who wanted a long dinner and likes Italian although they had a huge selection of other food to choose from. The crowds in town are unbelievable and I am glad I had reservations. We arrived at 6, had a leisurely dinner with dessert and were out the door by 8 pm. Walked 2 blocks, turned left on Castle Hill and joined the thousands headed for the 9 pm performance tonight. When we saw the number of people walking put h hill I was I worried we hadn’t allowed enough time, but they left the whole entrance open with a security checkpoint going up the hill, just open bag and didn’t see anything being confiscated. Walked on up and another group of people were spread across the street checking tickets and we were in our seats by 8:20 in time for the prelude band. At this point I was carrying my Lands End down jacket like several of us ordered and despite today being the coolest day so far I did not put it on until it started raining half way through the performance. I had on ¾ sleeved shirt again today and find those have been perfect so far. Since today was cooler all day I figured if the overcast skies broke loose it would get very cold but it didn’t. It was actually cooler last night. The rain was a gentle one, jacket shed water fine so I didn’t have to top it off with the poncho I had in bag. Note about the seating----believe everything you have read about it being cozy. Knees touch the seat in front of you. Seats are fold up type- individual ones, so that was a good thing. Tim is 6’2 and was uncomfortable but not miserable and the show being so good helped. We were fine without renting the 1 GBP cushion but did see a lot of people doing so. I can’t imagine need a lap blanket at all. Had gloves with me but didn’t need. Had it been raining when we got there I would have rented seat cushion for a dry seat.
The Tatttoo was amazing and I am so glad we finally get to check this one off our bucket list. We enjoyed it enough that given the chance we would see it again.

Entrance

FROM DREW: The Tattoo was amazing!!!!!! I loved the bagpipes; I could sit and listen to those all day long!! The little boys on motorcycles were SOOO cute!! I am so wore out and we have to catch a cab at 5:15 A.M. Uggggggggg!! But then we go to Paris!!!! I can’t wait!! Cade: I love and miss you!! Macy: There were horses at the Tattoo!! Mom & Dad: I love and miss you too!!!!!

Brian: Yes, that was the Firth of Forth Bridge in sunset photo.

I couldn’t get an internet connection last night after the Tattoo and we only had 6 hours until our taxi to train station, so I gave up.  We have just arrived Paris and will be going to Eiffel Tower soon! Already caught a glimpse from the taxi on the way to our hotel. Everyone else is taking a power nap before we head out.