After all the leadup and talking about traveling and planning and everything, I’m finally here! I’ll admit I had a slight freakout just before I left home, second guessing myself for planning such a big trip for just me.
I got a ride to the airport with my parents, and did the usual waiting around thing (no hassles at the airport, straight through security in under 15 minutes), and was glad that YYZ finally has free wifi. The flight was fine, although there was a fair amount of turbulence that kept stopping the drink service, which in turn delayed the meal – we left at 8:30pm and dinner was finally served around 10:30. It’s an odd time change, because you lose an entire night to a flight that’s only 6.5 hours; we landed at 8am British time and I pretty much hadn’t slept a wink. I even had a bit of a panic attack about halfway through, ugh.
Once I landed in sunny Glasgow I took a cab to the train station then the train to Edinburgh. After being cramped on a plane for the night, the quiet train ride was relaxing. Train travel is so civilized. I knit a little on the train, which I didn’t do at all on the plane – I just didn’t feel up to it.

I’ve been to Edinburgh a few times, so it was nice to make my way over to ysolda’s flat, though my backpack and carry on bag were awfully heavy! It would’ve been much better and quicker if I’d say, had a map. Oops. The walk from the train station really isn’t that long, but it’s longer if you keep having to backtrack! After a few hours’ sleep, I headed out for a short walk around the neighbourhood and picked up a bit of food from Tesco to cook for dinner. It really is awfully nice to have the option to just cooking some comfort food for myself – something I’m sure to miss when I’m staying in hotels further along in my trip.
I didn’t really do anything in the evening, just relaxed and watched Doctor Who, and did some thinking about what I want to do the rest of this week. I’m pretty much on my own the whole time, which I’ve never had in Edinburgh because every time I’ve come, ysolda’s been here! The time zone change really kicked my ass this time – I couldn’t fall asleep for hours, then slept the morning away. Luckily all I had planned today was a bit of wandering around the city centre and shopping.
I walked through the Meadows and stopped off for a wee knitting break in the sunshine.
Had some delicious soup at Hula near k1 yarns on Victoria street, and bought some yarn and whisky!
Walked through Princes St Gardens, along Princes St then back along George St with a stop at one of my favourite fancy clothing shops, Jigsaw

A bit of a wander down an alley set me atop Victoria St, which is a very cool view. The sun sets really slowly here – it doesn’t just disappear. The light sticks around until nice and late – it’s still a wee bit light at 9pm so far, which will continue to get later through the summer!

After taking this photo (it was brighter than it looks in the photo though) I stopped off at Mums for a dinner of mushroom wellington, then headed back to the flat – and it was still light! It wasn’t the longest day of activity ever, but I figure I need a bit of time to get into the swing of exploring on my own, and rebuilding the stamina for going around all day. I really love having such a comfortingly familiar place to stay here, it’s perfect for helping ease me into feeling more comfortable for the trip ahead.
It’s been such a long time since I’ve been in Edinburgh! Your post is wonderful and almost made me feel like I was walking through the city. How did you manage so much sun in Scotland? :)
Sounds like a great beginning! Enjoy :-)
Sounds like you are having a great time…thanks for the pictures! Now I want to go there too! Enjoy :]
That is sooo friggin cool! Making true friends through this craft. The internet has made everything so different and possible. Now I want to travel and meet everyone! :)
Please keep posting pics of your trip. Very interestin!
Now the plane test is over, enjoy your trip!! Edinburgh and mostly Scotland is a place that i want to explore!
(Nice skirt on the 4th picture!)
Edinburgh is so lovely! I hope you enjoy it! You’re making me want to go travelling…I’ve been after a trip back to Scotland for years now!
Scotland looks gorgeous, I am wonderfully jealous. Glad you’re enjoying yourself now that you’re there.
I absolutely adore Edinburgh. My husband and I were there just after Christmas last year for a family reunion. It was my first trip, and I wish there had been more time to explore the area between family obligations. I am so envious!
Enjoy your trip! And keep writing about it!
I have traveled quite a bit alone, there is always that awkward time at the begining when you realize it’s just you. But I have to say that in every new city, I have never not met people to hang out with and have adventures. that’s the best part of traveling alone, you are so open to new people, new conversations. It’s so joyful to be out in the world! I hope you have an amazing time!
Great Edinburgh photos – those long, loooong Scottish spring and summer evenings are so wonderful. Thanks, and enjoy your trip.
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