Today was a bit of mental and physical regrouping, which was long overdue and very welcome. I got up early-ish and had hoped to run on the treadmill before heading out for the day, but it wasn’t to be. I got the pass to the gym and there was already someone on the only treadmill. I didn’t want the bike or elliptical, my whole purpose was not to lose the progress I had made with my PT for my foot. Never mind, I pivoted, showered, had breakfast (same as yesterday) and headed out.
Today was also the day I had to change rooms. The photo tour doesn’t include the castle view room, so I was able to switch to an interior room further down the hall from my original room. It may end up being better, although smaller, because it’s not on the front of the building overlooking all the bars (and tonight being Halloween, probably a good thing) and I like that the shower is not the huge climb out tub but rather a walk in shower. I can also open these windows a hair so it won’t be so warm. The move taken care of, off I went.
The only thing I had left that I wanted to do here was to visit the National Gallery specifically to see its Vermeer. It was about a 15 minute walk up and over (literally) the Royal Mile to the museum. I stowed my coat and my bag in a locker and headed to the European collection. There were some surprising little gems, like a da Vinci I hadn’t seen and a gorgeous couple of Botticellis. I’d forgotten that Sargent’s Lady Agnew (which I think I’ve seen 4-5 times at home in the last few years!) lives here when she’s not on loan for an exhibition. There were a couple of interesting atypical Monets, one that was all shades of black, which was surprising.
I wrapped my visit up around noontime. I decided I’d climb back up to the Royal Mile and try to do some photography. The weather was a bit overcast but it was comfortably warm even with the wind. Ultimately though most of my attempts were thwarted with the densely packed crowds. I’m not sure why today was so much worse, maybe being Halloween? I’m not sure. I didn’t love it and was growing frustrated so I started heading back toward the hotel.
At the top of the mile, I came across two street performers who had birds of prey (a tawny owl and a raven) they were showing off to crowds, and letting visitors hold one for a price. The obvious animal welfare concerns aside, I was blown away by how gorgeous the owl was. I have never seen anything like it, a gorgeous pattern and the most intense orange eyes. I almost felt as if it couldn’t possibly be real.
I finally gave in and was back at the hotel just before 2. I was desperate to work out to fight off the anxiety of the crowds and just be by myself doing what I need to do to relax. I managed to get into the hotel gym and no one else was around, so I did a run, a good session on the foam roller and some yoga and felt human again. So after a shower and a quick protein bar and a gin and tonic at one of the pubs across the street, I was ready to meet the rest of the photography group and head out to dinner.
There are 11 of us total. I don’t recognize anyone from previous walks I have done, but many have been with Don on other walks/trips. He took us to a pub about a mile away. It was a fairly good meal. I got fish and chips and felt the fish I had at the hotel the other night was probably better. We walked back and I caught up with the nice gentleman who works the reception desk before heading up to bed. I’ll wrap up my blog and watch more safari tv. We need to be ready to drive on to Glencoe by 10 am tomorrow, so I’m planning to get up to do yoga first. I’m mostly packed since I had to move this morning anyway. Not the most exciting day after how good yesterday was, but still a decent day on vacation!
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