Edinburgh-vo

Got three days in Scotland? Here's a 3-day itinerary for a short laid-back family holiday.

Day 1: Edinburgh-vo

View from the back of the Castle

We booked a return flight with EasyJet via Gatwick Airport, which was the closest airport to Haywards Heath where we're from. We had a morning flight, and so we were already at Edinburgh Airport at around 10, boarded Bus 35 to alight at Hutchison Crossway, which is the bus stop just across our accommodation, Badjao B&B.

The first day was dedicated to exploring Edinburgh town center. So after setting the luggage down, with Buses 4, 34 or 44, we were able to reach the city center where we decided to grab lunch at Pizza Hut in Hanover Street which was about 3 minutes worth of walk from Stop PL (South St David Street).

Budget Tip: It is much cheaper to buy the bus DAYticket (4 pounds per adult and 2 pounds per child) to have unlimited travel on the buses and city trams rather than pay for a SINGLEticket (1.60 pounds per adult and 80p per child) if you're planning to explore the city.

During the bus ride, I couldn't help but be blown away by the quaintness of Edinburgh, especially when we arrived at Princes Street which gave a stunning view of the Edinburgh Castle perfectly perched on top of a volcanic rock cliff, followed by a row of equally beautiful quaint buildings. And furthermore, below such buildings are the Princes Street Gardens. You will also be able to pass by the famous Scott Monument before the bus stop.

After lunch, we walked back to Princes Street, and took photos at the Scott Monument. This Victorian monument was dedicated to Scottish author Sir Walter Scott. It is considered the world's largest monument dedicated to a writer. You can climb the 287 steps to the monument's tower for 5 pounds to enjoy breathtaking views of the city. Recommended length of stay: ~15-30 minutes.

Scott Monument

We then crossed the North Bridge and turned right at the High Street going straight to the Lawnmarket and eventually, the famous Royal Mile which leads to Edinburgh Castle. The Royal Mile consists of a series of streets that run through the Old Town of Edinburgh, which is considered the heart of the city. End to end, it essentially connects the Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. I recommend that you savor this walk along the Royal Mile as there are already lots of tourist spots that you may visit. We wanted to walk in a relaxed pace as it was an uphill walk, and also because we wanted to take in the beauty of Edinburgh. Recommended length of walking time from the junction of North Bridge and High Street to Edinburgh Castle: ~30 minutes (but it actually depends on whether you stop to explore the tourist spots along the way).

For a more in depth walking tour, check out the free guided tours by SANDEMANs neweurope tours which is rated 4.5 in TripAdvisor.

Before going up the Royal Mile, you might as well check out the Elephant House, a gourmet tea and coffee shop where JK Rowling wrote the Harry Potter book series.

North Bridge Panorama

Along the aforementioned route, we explored Parliament Square and St. Giles' Cathedral. Entrance is free, but only after paying a small fee will you be allowed to take photos inside; although lots of tourists take stolen shots inside ala-ninja moves. St. Giles' Cathedral is the principal place of worship of the Church of Scotland in Edinburgh. It is also known as the High Kirk of Edinburgh. It has a very striking and distinctive crown steeple that contributes greatly as a prominent feature in the city's skyline. Recommended length of stay: ~15 minutes.

St. Giles' Cathedral

Around St. Giles' Cathedral are 3 other tourist spots: Real Mary King's Close which is part of the Underground City Tour, the Advocates Close, and the Mercat Cross in Parliament Square.

Further up the Royal Mile is the Statue of David Hume, who is known as the giant of enligh-toe-nment. Before, many believed that in touching this statue's toe, the philosopher's wisdom would rub off on them.

View from the Castle

Then comes the Lawnmarket which is the oldest part of the Old Town. And further up are other tourist activities such as the Camera Obscura, and the Scottish Whiskey Experience, both of which charge an admission fee. And then at the top was the Edinburgh Castle. The most famous of the Scottish castles, Edinburgh Castle houses the Honours (Scotland's Crown Jewels), the 15th century gun Mons Meg, the One O'clock canon, and St. Margaret's Chapel, which is the oldest part of the castle and also the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh, among many others. Admission fee is 16.50 pounds per adult, with additional 3.50 pounds for an audio guide. It is open 930 AM to 6 PM, and last admission is at 5 PM. Recommended length of stay: ~1-2 hours. There are lots to see not just inside the castle, but more so, the majestic panoramic views of Edinburgh at different points in the castle.

Edinburgh Castle Panorama

 After the tour, you can grab dinner at any of the restaurants along Grassmarket before heading back to your accommodation and calling it a day. Try out Oink, which is a simple joint serving Scottish hog roasts, or any of these Top 5 Grassmarket Restaurants by TripAdvisor.

The Day I Kissed You Good Bye

Starting out a new life from scratch in an entirely new country was a dream come true. I can be who I wanted to be, and no one would be able to tell the difference. I can create a new routine, make new lasting friendships, grow in my career, spend hard-earned money, travel and discover, and maybe, even fall in love. There's just literally endless possibilities and opportunities. But, nobody ever said it would be easy.

Because in this human life, everything that's worth having never ever comes easy. All the best things take time; just like fermenting wine or century egg, or that perfectly moldy cheese. Career, friendships, relationships, and self-actualisation - all these require hard work over a period of time.

I never actually had a problem with growing in my career. I've always been open to exploring each open door.

I've always had my family behind me in everything I do. And I have always found it easy to find friends who would be with me through thick and thin.

Self-actualisation practically takes a whole lifetime; or so no one is ever sure.

I guess the only thing that felt like I was missing in this new life is that someone I can share all these adventures with, be crazy with, encounter problems, and still stay. We're caught in that new world when dating has become a battle zone where people like me are placed at a grave disadvantage. It has now become typical for ladies who are independent, career-driven, successful, family-orientated, fit/healthy, funny, and whatever guys these days like from a girl, to be single. It's probably not because the male species have been diminished in numbers; it's just almost half of the males in this world are pricks, the other half being divided into guys who like males as well or are already attached; and the small teeny tiny percentage that is actually available can still be divided into those who we can be attracted to, are too old or too young, or are simply not attracted to us.

But setting all those aside, there is still this thing called cultural differences wherein people like me, who were raised in a conservative type of thinking, when we actually fortunately meet people who like us and we like in return, make things unworkable. Why? Because there are some things that we aren't able to give that apparently people in this side of the world think is essential in every "healthy" relationship.

This made things head on complicated. I felt very conflicted in every sense possible. It was not about joining the band wagon, I guess. There are things I choose not to do not just because I am a Catholic. I choose not to do it just because I respect myself. Period. People in this side of the world need to chill. I have come to the point in this dating life to have zero care whatsoever about what guys here think of me when they find out I still have not done it.

In our culture, we can fall in love and still be in love without needing to do it. As I say, we were raised in a conservative type of thinking. But I think, it's more than just that; I think we're able to appreciate that some things in life are worth the wait, no matter how long that wait takes. I am not saying that there are no sexually active couples in my country. I believe that everything happens in it's own perfect timing, and not just done out of response to bodily/physiological needs. Go ahead, think of it as cheesy, corny, or 'immature.' I think that's where people are wrong; I may lack the experience, but most people in this world have that experience and are still, sadly, immature.

I am not condemning people who are doing it. I am all for those who do it out of love. And I'm not saying I wouldn't want to do it. As I've said, some things are worth the wait, and for me, this is one of those things. I just choose to wait for when I finally feel like it is the right time, with someone I am deeply head-over heels in love with. Because why share that most special moment of my life with someone I don't even have feelings for? Why share a part of me with someone who doesn't love me? No, I will definitely not. I'm going to have to be selfish in that sense.

Why can't we try to be together without putting sex in the equation? Shouldn't it be much more worth while to fall in love even without that yet? And then when the time comes that we actually do it, I'm pretty sure it is going to be one of the greatest moments of our life.

That's why I am kissing you, all the guys who can't or are unable to wait, good bye. This is me not settling. This is me still choosing my morals over some one night leap of faith thing that we're not even sure is going to last the next day. This is me choosing to love myself more than the players of this game. This is me giving tadhana another chance.