My mother and I got up early to head over to Holyrood Palace, the official Scottish residence of the queen. We'd tried to get in the day before, but it was closed. As it is one of the top attractions in Edinburgh, we decided to try and beat the tour buses and be there when it first opens.
We had a terrific "Full English" breakfast that consisted of eggs, bacon(ham), baked beans, broiled tomato, sauted mushrooms, and black pudding (spicy blood sausage). I've come to like good black pudding. Also I really do like baked beans with my breakfast, which is something Tony just doesn't get.
Fueled up and ready to do a full day of sightseeing, we set off. We were happy to discover that we would have the palace almost entirely to ourselves.
The queen had just received a visit from the pope the day before, so there were still remnants of his visit. We actually saw the room where they had met. It must have been and interesting meeting as the queen is Protestant and the Pope is, well, Catholic.
The palace is mostly 12th and 14th century. It is a stunningly modest palace, and rugged as would befit Scotland.
Right next to the palace are the ruins of Holyrood Abbey.
I was surprised that there would be such a large ruin right next to a functioning palace, but somehow this again worked with the rustic nature of this part of the country.
The ruins are beautiful in their slow deterioration, and artistic in their display. Perhaps they serve to remind the royals that all things are transitory.
The grounds around the palace were stunning. The sun came out and the vibrant green grass took on a magical quality.
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