Edinburgh
Our train arrived in Edinburgh with the sun providing only an hour more of light. Our hotel, The Glasshouse (Marriott), was close enough to the train station to comfortably walk with luggage in tow. Immediately, we noticed a harder, grungier feel of the city and its residents compared London. This isn't said with any real negativity, but the difference was quite evident during the 10 minute walk to our hotel. In contrast to London, we received one of the nicest room upgrades yet to a large suite with a bathroom larger than our master bedroom at home. Edinburgh was looking good already.
To further the positive vibe, we splurged for dinner at 21212, one of several Michelin Star restaurants that Edinburgh claims. The concept was unique, with each number representing a course and the number of options to choose from for that course (though they had deviated somewhat, allowing each diner to choose from 3 items from the first, third, and fifth courses). To add to the experience, we were seated at a small table for two in a corner that overlooked the small Victorian room, bringing back memories of sitting at our sweetheart table from our wedding. It was a very nice evening showcasing Scottish hospitality.
To further the positive vibe, we splurged for dinner at 21212, one of several Michelin Star restaurants that Edinburgh claims. The concept was unique, with each number representing a course and the number of options to choose from for that course (though they had deviated somewhat, allowing each diner to choose from 3 items from the first, third, and fifth courses). To add to the experience, we were seated at a small table for two in a corner that overlooked the small Victorian room, bringing back memories of sitting at our sweetheart table from our wedding. It was a very nice evening showcasing Scottish hospitality.
We started the next morning early with another dose of Harry Potter. The Elephant House, just off the Royal Mile, is a now well known coffee shop with views of the castle where JK Rowling worked on her first Harry Potter novels. The view through the window of the Castle makes it very easy to understand where the inspiration for Hogwarts hilltop setting came from.
