Our hotel, the Leonardo Royal Hotel in Glasgow is located in the best place – close to the Clyde River (across the street) with its great river walk, down the street from the Central Terminal and an easy walk to Queen Street Station. The train lines go all over Scotland, into England, and elsewhere. Because of the proximity to Central Terminal, not surprisingly, train sounds are common. Our new room is on the side of the hotel overlooking the Clyde and closer to the trains. I thought we just had to get used to the train sounds. When we got to the room it was I don’t know if they are here, but the hotel has literally two windows – the inner windows slide, the outer windows open out at an angle. Our outer window was open. I couldn’t slide the inner windows to get to the outer one, so I thought there was a lock I couldn’t see, and went to the front desk to inquire. Less than 5 minutes later, a helpful hotel staffer was in my room, sliding open the inner window and closing the outer one – result was silence – no more train sounds! Everyone here has been absolutely incredible. If (when) I come back to Scotland – this will be the place I stay. Apparently it’s part of a chain and I will look for it in other locations when I travel in the UK.

It’s so easy to get to Edinburgh and back from Queen Station – less than an hour on the express train, and the two cities are incredibly different.

I’ve read The Seton Chronicles by V.E.H. Masters and had a picture in my head of medieval buildings and streets in Edinburgh and other areas. My imagination was no match for the reality.

The only place I’ve been that competes with this is Mont St. Michel.

Everwhere I looked there was something magnificent.

The hills and steps all over are definitely giving my legs a workout. When I get home I have to somehow add more exercise to my routine – at the end of the day I was in serious pain.

My favorite sign was about the witchery!

In addition to the shop there was a restaurant on the other side of the street. I should have asked about the name in the shop because a quick glance didn’t provide a clue of the origin of the name. We’re supposed to go back to Edinburgh on Friday and if I remember, I’ll ask then.

Thursday we’re off to Stirling a place steeped in history (why am I surprised – everything in Scotland is steeped in history!)