Bagpipes greet us in central Edinburgh on our first day in the city

After “crossing the pond” in an overnight flight April 1-2, we arrived without incident in Edinburgh, Scotland, and spent the first day exploring the city rather than napping, in hopes of beating jet lag; and the strategy worked! (Thanks for the tips, Aunt Randi and Uncle Albert!)

Soon our ears picked up the sounds of Scotland’s national instrument–the bagpipes, and we had a wonderful moment taking in the sights and sounds of our new temporary home.  The experiences during our first 3 days in Edinburgh were many and came swiftly; Edinburgh Castle, whose rich stories stretch back through the centuries; grey stone buildings under gray skies, lending the city a sense of fortitude and heaviness; friendly and helpful residents, who willingly helped us at every turn; and amid all the sculptures, cathedrals and monuments, a playground that proved the most welcome site to two little people we know.

We look forward the extra days we’ll have in Edinburgh after our return from Ireland.

Playground adjacent to St. Cuthbert’s Church.

Kai checks to see how easily (or not) he might fit into Mons Meg, the great cannon that kept time in the city for years after long duty mounted high on the Castle Fortress, as a potent deterent against those with designs tot invade the city.