|
Walking the Royal Mile |
TEA TIME - After we left the Holyrood House Palace, we stopped for afternoon tea and scones and was able to sit outside. It was odd that Edinburgh, Scotland would give us one of the only sunny days in our 9 day vacation, because the city is usually cloudy. The cafe was located on the Royal Mile.
|
Royal Mile Walking |
WHAT'S THE ROYAL MILE? - The Royal Mile is the name given to a succession of streets forming the main thoroughfare of the Old Town of the city of Edinburgh in Scotland. It was first referred to the Royal Mile by W. M. Gilbert in his book called
Edinburgh in the Nineteenth Century (1901). It runs one mile and covers the distance between Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace. In front of Holyrood Palace is Parliament Square -
home of both the High Court of Justiciary and the Court of Session.
|
Tom and Rob at the Scotch Whisky Experience |
|
Notice Rob's color is flush after sampling that whisky! |
|
A whisky flask of Henry VIII and other tudor figures |
THE SCOTCH WHISKY EXPERIENCE - Although I (Rob) have never tasted whisky (they spell it without an "e") and Tom drinks occasionally, we decided to find out what was so special about Scotland's whisky, so we went to this attraction. The Scotch Whisky Experience begins by having people sit in a 2 person "seat-car" that moves through exhibit with video, audio and movement. It's a barrel ride through a replica distillery as
you become part of the whisky making process. The website says "Along the way you’ll hear the stories behind this
magical craft, with expert tour guides and whisky advisors. We’ll help you discover the aromas and flavours that appeal to your palate and lead you to your perfect Single Malt Whisky." -At the end of the ride they take you in a conference room with about 30 others and explain the 4 different "flavors' of Scottish whisky: Highland, lowland, Speyside and Islay. Then they pour some in a glass for you to test.
- Tom got a "blended" whisky of all four kinds and I took the Highland, which to me tasted like what I would expect rubbing alcohol to taste like. It was Nasty! Tom liked his, though, and tried mine and said "That's nasty!" I told him so!
The Disney-like ride and display featuring short clips of an old time brewery manager from the 1800s made for a very entertaining visit, even if I thought the whisky was way too strong!
SHORT VIDEO - We made a short video in the room that housed the most whisky bottles ever in one room.