Climbing Arthur's Seat and Cheering for Spain

Strolling up Arthur's Seat. By our "Highlander sherpa's" standards this doesn't count as a hike.

While Saturday was spent recovering from the Radiohead concert and the post-concert festivities, Sunday was full of action. We hadn't decided what the day would hold but the sun was pouring through the kitchen window and we all felt rested after a quiet night. Stuart, the lone Scottish flat mate popped the suggestion.

"Arthur's Seat?"

"Yeah, that'd be awesome."

"Awesome."

If that's how the conversation actually went, the last awesome would have been from Stuart, dripping with sarcasm. Apparently we've been saying "awesome" a lot.

Stuart and Mike take a breather. Mike, because he's out of breath from the climb and Stuart, because he's breathless from the view.

Arthur's Seat is a 250m-high hill surrounded by the city of Edinburgh. The walk up is a little steep at points but easy to do, even if you have nothing to wear but dress shoes. And the views offered are spectacular.

Stuart, Mike, and I made our way up gravel paths and cobblestone steps taking photos of the city. It felt strange to be walking on this sort of trail without the huge Western Red Cedars surrounding me.

The view from the top was spectacular in all directions and we hung out there quite a while despite the wind. Well, the wind probably kept us there longer. It was blowing so hard that we could lean into it quiet a bit, especially when we started using our hoodies as sails.

A piece of paper blew out of my pocket and after a brief chase was carried away. I also tried pouring water and it fell sideways, spraying my companions. I'll admit that wasn't entirely by accident. (-:

Stuart and Mike stubbornly enjoying their ice cream despite the rain.

The weather had been brilliant so far but as we neared the parking lot it started to drizzle. It was still quite warm and we'd already declared we should have some ice cream when we got down so have ice cream we did.

After that we wandered the city a bit, eating a late late lunch in one pub and having a pint or two in a couple others. We finally made our way to the Three Sisters where we had arranged to watch the game. Spain vs. Germany in the Euro Cup final match. None of us were too attached to either team but when a fourth flat mate, Laura, arrived we all had Spanish flags drawn on us.

A group huddle at the Three Sisters pub, some time during the festivities following Spain's win.

We blended in well. The pub was filled with Spanish people, though there was some German support in there as well. Unfortunately for them, Spain took the cup and most of the crowd made their way to the huge patio to sing and cheer.

The party continued at another night club where a DJ spun a very Spanish set list. I danced and talked and got some advice on travel in London, Germany, and Spain. It sounds like Hamburg and Andalucia are not to miss. When I don't have my trusty sketch book with me I've taken to carrying around a folded sheet of 8.5 x 11" to assist (or replace) my memory. Cognitive scaffolding for the win!

All in all it was quite a day. Now, as my time in Edinburgh is running out, I'm definitely going to miss the people and places here. I'll be making the most of the days remaining.