By now, you may have observed that I like to walk when I’m visiting a new city, and Edinburgh suits a walker very well — even the directions for where to walk are charming, as these on the pedestrian portion of a road around the Museum of Modern Art.
I’ve got one more day of walking left, this one spent in the company of a friend. I will likely spare her my frequent stops to snap a quick photo, especially because I’ve already amassed a good supply. And before I head out, I thought you might like to see a few. . .
I’ve been very impressed — and inspired! — by what Edinburgh residents can do in small gardens and very neat front doorsteps. At the risk of seeming a nosy looky-loo, I’ve been fascinated by the basement gardens, which are cleverly planted to bloom despite what must be a challenging sunshine-shadow situation. . .
And I’ve seen numerous striking doors, complemented beautifully by arrangements of planters on the stairs below them or walkways in front of them.
Both symmetrical. . .
and balanced but not necessarily symmetrical . . .
to completely one-sided (although the second side does boast a cast-iron boot-scrape, of which I’ve seen a few here).
Now off to see what more I can of Edinburgh in the five or so short hours remaining before sunset — which falls rather early here, at 4 p.m. . . .
Off on a train tomorrow. . . and will report to you soon from my next destination. . .
You always show a different side to the places you visit & find the small details many people miss . I’m a great admirer of doors & we Brits do love our gardens , even when just pots on steps . Looking forward to more Edinburgh pics when you have time but you’ve lots in store before then …….
Wendy in York
I've lots more Edinburgh pics that I'll happily share later (and some that I've been posting on Instagram these last few days) — got to the Royal Botanic Garden today, such a treat.
I love your details, and a few photos of places I've seen. Walking is my favorite way to visit almost anywhere. Your photos, sketches, words, all help me imagine walking along.
Glad you're enjoying the photos, fellow walker and recent Edinburgh visitor …
Edinburgh is one of the many places I simply can't believe I haven't yet visited. Your walking tour of the city has put it on my 2020 list of places to travel to (2019 is already full).
You need no encouragement, but keep enjoying yourself. 😉
Ann in Missouri
Isn't it great there are so many wonderful places to visit, either IRL or through friend's travels or online or in books. . .
And thanks for the encouragement — I'm doing a pretty decent job 😉
I so love those Georgian crescents in the Scottish light. And we noticed the doors and their gardens too. I think charming is a very good word for Edinburgh.
And much to appeal to a Sturdy, right. Sturdily Charming. Or Charmingly Sturdy. 😉
I so enjoyed Edinburgh (especially the Charles Rennie Mackintosh's Hill House. I love the details you've picked up on. Can't wait for more!
I'm so glad you've enjoyed Edinburgh, it's always interesting to see the city through the eyes of visitors. Oh yes, the daylight hours are very short here in Autumn and Winter, but there is such a lovely quality of light at this time of year. In mid-summer, it can be broad daylight until well after 10pm and then only truly dark for a few hours. Wilma D
The array of details you have catched are charming and very personal-as always. I really can see "Edinburgh/Rome/Croatia :-)….(you name it) in sketches, photos and words"!
So curious-where is she going next?
I was completely inspired by door and window sill arrangements in London
Dottoressa
Lovely that you had such great weather while you were in Edinburgh. Enjoying your trip alongside you via your photos and prose.
You seem to be having a good time, surrounded by friendship, beauty in so many forms, and with good weather, too. I once spent two days in Edinburgh with my young son, so no museums. But we enjoyed walking up and down the Royal Mile and listening to the buskers. And we loved the Botanical Gardens – and the sqirrels there.
What wonderful accounts of a city I had a too brief visit to a few years back. I'm really enjoying them and am looking forward to hearing of where you get off that southbound train. Happy travels
Small urban gardens excite me! I remember when I first noticed primroses and window boxes in Britain. Edinburgh is a beautiful walking city. Enjoy your train day!