Liu Yang

**Travel Diary - David**  
**City: Edinburgh, Scotland**  
**Date: April 5, 2025**

Today was the first full day in Edinburgh, and I can already tell that this city is something special. As I stepped off the train at Waverley Station, the sight of the castle perched high above the city immediately took my breath away. It’s like something out of a fairy tale — old stone walls, narrow streets, and a sense of history that seems to linger in the air.

I started my day by wandering through the Old Town, where the cobbled streets and medieval buildings made me feel as though I had stepped back in time. The Royal Mile, which runs from the Castle down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, was bustling with people, street performers, and the occasional bagpiper playing a haunting tune. I stopped by St. Giles' Cathedral, which has an amazing interior with stained glass and ancient carvings. It's fascinating to see how much of the city’s religious and political history is embedded in these stones.

For lunch, I found a cozy café called "The Wee Coffee Shop" near the Grassmarket. Their homemade soup and scone were delicious, and the friendly owner, a local named Alistair, gave me some great tips on where to go next. He recommended the National Museum of Scotland, which I visited in the afternoon. The museum was absolutely packed with interesting exhibits — from Scottish history to natural history, and even some quirky items like a model of a 19th-century herring boat. I spent hours there, completely absorbed.

In the evening, I made my way to the Calton Hill. The view from the top was breathtaking — the city lights twinkling below, the castle silhouetted against the sky, and the sound of distant music coming from the nearby pubs. I sat on a bench for a while, just taking it all in. It’s moments like these that make travel so meaningful — not just seeing places, but feeling them.

Tonight, I’m staying in a boutique hotel in the New Town, which feels more modern and elegant compared to the old parts of the city. The room has a lovely view of the city, and I can hear the faint sound of a street musician playing a fiddle somewhere in the distance.

Edinburgh is a city that balances the old with the new, the historic with the contemporary. There’s something here for everyone — whether you're into history, art, food, or just soaking up the atmosphere. I feel lucky to be here, and I can’t wait to explore more tomorrow.

— David