Yachting to the Gardens…and Beyond

Our last full day in Scotland. We checked out the bustling port district of Leith where the decommissioned (in 1997) royal yacht, Britannia serves as an historical marker and tourist attraction. I must say, a really plush way to travel…almost like an Odyssey’s Adventure!

The supply of whisky and beer appeared everywhere, even in the quarters of the lowest sailers in the pecking order. The ornate pottery piece on the main deck is actually a compass…one with five points; east, west, north, south, and look at that! The Queen and Prince had their separate quarters, but there was a cabin with a double bed…when necessary. Lots of whisky and beer you know.

This floating palace served from 1954-1997, logged over a million miles, visited more than 600 ports in 135 countries. The flowers were real. The luxury….

It was a “working” yacht with accommodations for everyone. Comfortable quarters, a hospital, a laundry, and 5 star kitchen spaces.

After the tour of the Britannia, we decided to spend our free afternoon relaxing in the Royal Botanic Garden. It was getting redundant, but happily, another beautiful, late spring day. Not a drop of rain in 10 glorious days!

What a special place, and lots of locals sharing it with us along with Lenore and Tom from Maine, two great people with our group.

The magnificent old trees told of the arboretum as a very important part of the gardens.

Since it was a beautiful day we checked Google maps that showed it was a fairly straightforward 25-30 min walk through the New Town to the Tigerlily. One thing that Google Maps doesn’t tell you is the elevation changes for your walk…nor the cobblestones! We forgot that Edinburgh was built on 7 hills (like Rome I guess), and this walk took in probably 3 to 4 of them. Fortunately we had time to freshen up and rest a bit for our Farewell that evening.

Michael, our guide, told us to meet at the lobby of the Tigerlily for a surprise he arranged before heading off to our dinner. When we all gathered we were greeted by “Magnus Turpie and Friends” who performed a beautiful set of Scottish folk songs and music. We were also gifted a CD of their album, “Hold on Tight”.

And with that, a few tears of sadness at parting, and a lot more tears of joy we walked down the block to Brown’s Restaurant for a delicious meal with new found friends and fellow travelers. We thanked Michael with a little something Robert “Rabbie” Burns dictated to me in a dream:

Aye, Michael, guid tour guide and friend,
Frae city streets tae Highland’s end,
Yer knowledge deep, a treasure chest,
O’ Scotland’s lore, put tae the test.

Yer words sae clear, like crystal streams,
Revealed the past in vibrant gleams,
Yer wit, a spark that made us smile,
And lightened every weary mile.

The pipes did sing beneath yer hand,
A stirring sound throughout the land,
And aye, yer care, sae kind and true,
Made every moment sweet and new.

So thank ye, Michael, leal and bright,
For showing us Scotland’s glorious light!

Photo credit to our fellow traveler, Bill Riggle

So fond farewells and another land impressed in our souls, making us wonder where and when we shall meet again. And when we do we sincerely hope you will be there with us!

All our Love,
Marsha & Joel