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EDINBURGH: THE ARCHITECTURAL MARVEL
Though sharing the same latitude as Moscow and Newfoundland, Edinburgh enjoys a mild temperate climate. Our first stop was the Holyrood house, where every year in June, the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh still reside. Majestic octagonal fountains with lions spouted water, at the entrance. As no photograph was allowed inside, our effervescent guide Fiona (the fair one in Gaelic) had our full attention. The State Apartments reflected the changing taste of successive monarchs and are renowned for their fine plasterwork ceilings and unrivalled collection of Brussels tapestries. The Great Gallery is hung with Jacob de Wet’s portraits of the real and legendary kings of Scotland. Regaled with stories from another era, we emerged in the picturesque gardens in the backdrop of Arthur’s Seat.
The chapel though in ruins, with its moss covered ribbed pillars reminded us of some locales of the ShahrukhKajol starrer ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai.’ Across the street is Scotland’s thoroughly modern parliament building, an example of contemporary architecture. With grey abstract uniform row of designs, bamboos twisted in various shapes and stone slabs, shaped like boat benches in front.
The building can be confused for a modern art gallery.
Running behind schedule, we decided to catch a taxi to the Ocean Terminal in Leith. After devouring a Margarita Pizza, favourite staple food for a vegetarian like me, we were excited for the tour of UK’s No. 1 attraction, the Royal Yacht Britannia.
This five-deck ship was home to Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family for over 40 years, sailing over one million miles. It has been witness to royal residences for glittering state visits, official receptions, royal honeymoons and relaxing family holidays. The Audio tour, with option for various languages, was informative. A ship like no other, Britannia was the only ship in the world whose Captain traditionally was an Admiral.
A visit to Scotland is never complete without the Scotch Whiskey Experience even if one is a non-drinker. Our last destination offered myriad experiences. It was a novel experience to take a barrel ride as one journeyed from the gently swaying fields of barley, all the way through the distillery equipment to the steaming and bubbling pot. A treat to the senses to distinguish between fruity, sweet or smoky flavours. We enjoyed the “Blend your own session” to create “our” whiskey for friends back home.
Having had the fortune of visiting innumerable places across the world, I sure felt a sense of completion to have visited Edinburgh. The unbeatable city steeped in history, culture, architecture, spectacular nature and storehouse of contribution to the modern world.
(Concluded)