Walking In My Ancestors Footsteps (1)

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Edinburgh, Scotland (May 13-16)
The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page. Saint Augustine
The choice for this city was twofold. My mother’s side of the family started from here to come to America and my obsession with the books and Starz program Outlander. Left Tulsa on Saturday May 12 through Charlotte to JFK to Edinburgh. We arrived at 8 am due to a delay leaving JFK. We were picked up by our car service to The Place Hotel and met my friend Graham who lives in Edinburgh and offered to use his Sunday to show us the city and some Outlander filming sites (this was for me, Monty just tagged along). We were tired from the flight but this was the only day we would have to run around with Graham.  
Graham and Me 
We first went to the Midhope Castle (aka Lallybroch) about 30 minutes out of the city. Scotland has such beautiful countryside and it was such a gift for us to see it. Monty has terrific photos I am hoping to create postcards from some of them. 
Monty and Me - pilgrimage to Lollybroch

I was overwhelmed to be seeing and standing there where the most iconic Outlander location. Midhope is a 16th century tower house and the exterior is the only accessible area. We took several photos and walked around the area, Graham pointing out what was filmed where. Such fun.

Steps of Lallybroch (built for Outlander)

We then drove through the countryside and saw cute and interesting villages. We drove by the location of The Battle of Prestonpans, the first significant conflict in the Jacobite Rising of 1745. 
We stopped in Gullane for our first meal of fish and chips in a Scottish pub. Great to be around the locals and hearing them speak in that great accent. 
On our way back to Edinburgh we stopped at Preston Mill, another iconic Outlander filming site. Another time for great photos and Graham sharing the filming information.

Where Jaime fixes the mill - Outlander Season 1

I was having such a great time but jet lag was creeping up. Arriving back to the city, we parked and walked to the most iconic Outlander filming site. Edinburgh calls it Bakehouse Close but in the show it is Carfax Close (the US calls them alleys). I love the cobblestone streets and all the old building and historical places around every corner. After all the walking it was time to call it a day and give into the jet lag. I hated ending our day early, Graham had so much more to share but I was just too tired to enjoy.
Steps of "A. Malcolm Print Shop" Outlander Season 3


We get back to Place Hotel and find our room. We were assigned to the 3rd floor and looked for the elevator. No elevator. Climbed the three floors as exhausted, hot tourists. Entered the room and it was large with two full size beds, nice bathroom. But no air conditioning. Ugh. We expected a cool, rainy Scotland but it was a warm sunny day, unusual for this time of year. Didn’t need to bring long sleeve shirts and those rain boots. Only wore the light jacket I brought one day. 


The weather was unexpected and nice to have but walking the up and down streets in Edinburgh was more difficult than we ever thought it would be. The hotel was further from the Royal Mile (most famous and popular street in the city) than we would have liked but not far enough to hire a cab.
After our arrival to the room we collapsed and decided to rest as long as we wanted to get our energy recharged. 
We were to have a Royal Mile tour but were too exhausted to attend. After our rest, we got out to walk around and see the city. Scotland has long daylight hours, doesn’t really get dark until after 10 PM. Our 2nd day was a walk through the Royal Mile. Shopped and took lots of pictures. I loved seeing the tartan shops and the kitschy souvenirs. Of course, I bought my share. Shopped at one of the Harry Potter shops and I found the official Outlander jewelry store – Hamilton and Young to buy some earrings. I loved our visit to my ancestor’s home even though it was too short. I met lots of friendly Scots and saw beautiful sites. 
Look at that sunshine!!

Even heard bagpipe music wafting through the air. Loved the history and walking century old cobblestones.


Memorial to all the innocent women accused of witchcraft
Back to hotel for pack up and prepare for early flight next day to Venice.


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