It's been a while

Somehow Edinburgh didn't have a blog in it at the time, or perhaps it was because I spent time with my long-lost cousin and his family, and the walk from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood House, then back to George Street to catch the bus was memorable more for the distance than for the sights - not really true.
I am rather crowd averse, and even more averse to packs of tourists - you know: Take a photograph of everything and if possible take a photo of every member of your party in front of everything, I don't know what is achieved but it looks as if they are enjoying it.
St Giles Church: has memorials, furnishings and the usual amazingly carved decorations on the ceiling and decorating much of the walls etc. A number of touching epitaphs on the memorials. There was a lovely carving of a very human John Knox, standing with other city notables flanking the main entrance (just about 60 cm high, I'll post the photo shortly).
As you walk down the Royal Mile, views are revealed down the alleys that connect to other streets, and the backyards of the many shops and pubs. Tourist trap heaven, I can't imagine why one would want to take up a special offer of 5 tartan scarves for £20.00, well, perhaps I can, very easy gift buying.
My visit to Holyrood House started out with a giggle. For your £10.75, you receive a digital audio device with a tour guide. The first one they gave me was in Dutch, the second in French, third time lucky got me the English version. I wondered, do I sound as if English isn't my first language?
The recorded guide was very informative and polite. "When you are ready, go left and through the next door, and push the green button to continue this commentary."
It must cost squillions to keep the place warm, some of the staircases are in the turrets - with open arrow slots, many of the windows seem to fit poorly, letting in frigid draughts.
Oh, and the other thing about Edinburgh, it was cold. Icy in fact when the breeze hit. My long walk day was sunny so hardy souls, equating sun with warmth, poor things, were out with bare arms. I noted that many of them were the types who sport tattoos, must be a sign of manliness to freeze your ... off.