Lost in Edinburgh
What I found when I lost my way in Scotland
Edinburgh. It was a decades-long dream for this American to be there. And there I was, about halfway between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse on the Royal Mile.
Alone.
The friend I was traveling with and I had just parted ways for the afternoon. She had other interests. I had to see Holyroodhouse, having read every fictional and nonfictional account of Mary, Queen of Scots, I could find over the years. Having watched every movie or program I could find. Having a general interest in history and specific interests in the British Isles.
Holyroodhouse is special to me. Even before Mary, there had been the wedding of James IV and Margaret Tudor in the abbey while the palace was under construction. Later, James VI would live at Holyrood until he became King of England and took up residence in London. So much happened here.
In between, there would be burnings and cannon attacks and repairs. Holyroodhouse has seen some things.
And I was going to see Holyroodhouse.
Alone.
That turned out to be the best part. My visit to Holyroodhouse was the beginning of my discovery of the joy of solo travel.
