Fall Break- pt 1

Breakfast. I ran back home. With my suitcase, I met my friends at the bus stop. It was fall break!
We took the tram, staring out the glossy windows and trying to see any glimpse of Edinburgh. We were already delighted with the heavy Scottish accents and friendly people. It was going to be a good few days. We went out to dinner after stopping off at our Hostel. It was themed like a medieval castle, and we took pictures with the suit of armor on the stairs. We walked past cobblestone streets and caught a view of the castle at the top of the hill. After a quick stop for Italian food, we decided to head back to the hostel and rest up for the next day.
We had big plans, lots of time, and a whole list of things to see and do before we had to return home. Starting with the castle, we had a wonderful view of the old city. It stretched onwards into an ocean of mist, and across a small valley we could see towers piercing the sky. Walking down the hill, we listened to bagpipe music and investigated around the town square and church. We traded stories while we meandered between small shops, hidden alleys, and closed-off paths. Eventually we made it to the Scott Monument, a gothic-style tower dedicated to a Scottish author. It was refreshing to simply see something and be able to investigate; Paris life is so rushed it is difficult to accommodate. We also walked to the new Parliament, the Royal Castle, and the base of King Arthur's Seat (which we would do the following day). On our way back up the somewhat torturous hill, we stopped and walked through a lovely garden. Despite the cold weather, the grass was green, flowers bloomed, and people were very much out and about.
The following day began with doughnuts, and then a hike. Feeling very much like city people as we took breathless breaks, the view (and breeze) was worth it. You were at the top of the world- wind whipping your hair while you looked over Edinburgh like you owned it. We frolicked in the lush fields, laughing and yelling. Our feet, so used to stamping over the sacred and well-worn concrete as so many other Parisians do, sprung happily on a bed of fresh grass. After that, and a quick break for baked potatoes, we hit up heritage shops and had a nice look at some markets. I also got to experience very un-Parisian prices at Primark and enjoyed eating some very hearty Scottish cuisine.
It is a grand city, with proud walls and lovely hidden secrets. It is quite unlike Paris; a refreshing and welcome change for the four of us jaded Parisians.

For the Scott Monument:
http://www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk/CMSTemplates/ScottMonumentVirtualTour/index.htm
Edinburgh Castle:
https://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/edinburgh-castle-p245821
Royal Palace:
https://www.royalcollection.org.uk/visit/palace-of-holyroodhouse
King Arthur's Seat:
http://kingarthursknights.com/theland/arthursseat.asp