This morning we had a quick tour of Edinburgh, Scotland, visiting the old and new sections and learning about the many inventors, scientists, and authors who’d lived here. Dr. Lister invented the antiseptic now known as Listerine. He was only one of the many historical figures mentioned. Our Scottish guide wove humor into his travelogue. We enjoyed his accent and his kilt. At the top of a hill, we were let out to visit Edinburgh Castle, which consists of various buildings within its walls. The most impressive spot to us was down in the dungeon where prisoners of war slept on hammocks in the very dim light coming through high windows. We could imagine them being shoved down into the dank darkness where they would spend many years until release. These prisoners were probably better off than ones from earlier days, but not much was said about their history. We saw the barracks but skipped the chapel in favor of the gift shop, and then we were on the bus and on our way again.

We made a brief stop at Gretna Green just near the border where couples used to elope. This is now mainly a tourist attraction, although people can still be wed there. We had time for a quick lunch and a run through the gift shops. I ate a Cornish pasty, meat and potatoes stuffed into a doughy popover. Heavy, but filling.

The drive south through western England took us into the hilly Lake District. The scenic route was quite lovely with curving roads, shade-lined lanes, and glimpses of lakes. We stopped in Grasmere, a delightful town with stone buildings, the ever present shops, and cafés with outdoor seating. We indulged ourselves in a cream tea: a pot of tea along with scones, clotted cream (like whipped cream) and jam. The pleasantly cool air felt refreshing on our skin. This town had been the home of Wordsworth, so again we heard about another revered English author. Reluctantly, we left this idyllic location, heading toward Chester with its black-and-white timbered structures and excavation of Roman ruins.