Edinburgh was our first stop in Scotland and it was everything we expected. The city is beautiful, with so much history there to see and soak up.  The centerpiece, of course is the Edinburgh Castle built right in the center of the city. As castles go its not huge or as fancy as a lot of them, but it has a certain charm. The castle grounds are made up of several smaller buildings, instead of one big building.

Right next door on the top of the hill is the permanent grandstands for the Royal Military Tattoo, one of the best and most unique experiences we’ve ever had. The Military Tattoo runs every night from mid August to early September. It is a combination of military marching bands from all over the world, dancers and laser light show on the castle all rolled into one.  Don’t let the words military marching bands scare you.  The music was fantastic and amazingly upbeat.  (Just watch the video and see)   

We toured the city and one day we had lunch at the Elephant House Restaurant where J K Rowling sat everyday looking at Edinburgh Castle while she wrote Harry Potter