Liu Yang

**Travel Journal: Edinburgh, Scotland**  
*Date: April 5, 2025*  

I arrived in Edinburgh on a grey morning, the kind that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a painting. The city has this quiet, old-world charm that doesn’t shout for attention — it just *is*. There’s something about the way the light hits the castle, or how the cobblestone streets seem to whisper stories from centuries past.

I stayed in a small hostel near the Grassmarket, which is more than just a market — it’s a neighborhood with a rich history. I walked around for a while, soaking in the atmosphere. The people here are friendly, but not overly chatty. They have that Scottish reserve, but it’s warm underneath. You can tell they’re proud of their city, and rightly so.

One of the highlights was visiting the Royal Mile. It’s not just a street; it’s a journey through time. The buildings are steeped in history, and every corner feels like a scene from a novel. I stopped by St. Giles’ Cathedral — it’s stunning, especially when the sunlight comes through the stained glass. I sat there for a while, just listening to the silence, which is surprisingly loud in a place like that.

In the evening, I wandered up to Calton Hill. The view of the city from there is breathtaking. You can see the castle, the modern skyline, and the distant hills. It’s one of those moments where you realize how small you are in the grand scheme of things, but also how connected you feel to the place.

I had a traditional Scottish meal at a pub called The Witchery. It’s a bit touristy, but the food was good — steak and kidney pie, with a side of mashed potatoes. The atmosphere was cozy, and the barman told me a few local tales. He mentioned that Edinburgh has a reputation for being haunted, but I didn’t see any ghosts. Just a lot of history, and maybe a few secrets tucked away in the stones.

What struck me most about Edinburgh isn’t the sights, but the feeling of the place. It’s a city that makes you slow down, look around, and think. It’s not about rushing from one spot to another — it’s about taking your time, breathing in the air, and letting the city speak to you.

I’ll be leaving tomorrow, but I know I’ll carry a piece of Edinburgh with me. Maybe it’s the sound of the bagpipes in the distance, or the way the rain falls softly on the cobbled streets. Either way, it’s a city that leaves an impression — quiet, thoughtful, and unforgettable.