Earlier today...

But before we saw Sarah, we had a full day in the old town. We started with a brief visit to St. Giles Cathedral (exquisite), then a guided tour of Edinburgh's 17th century underground called "The Real Mary King's Close". We are very glad to be living in this century with big windows, electricity, plumbing, and antibiotics.  Alas, we weren't allowed to take photos, so my description of "Holy crap, what brutal living conditions!" will have to suffice. 

Then up the rest of the Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle. Wow. 

It's all set up for the Tattoo and Edinburgh Festival, which start Aug. 7.

You don't want to get caught in that gate. 

One of the batteries. 

What a view. It's so gorgeous. 

So are they.