Last But Not Least

The Edinburgh Christmas Markets are famous! They take over the park in the center of the city each December. Last year weather and a super bad head cold made it impossible to get to the city but this year there was no stopping me. The pictures don't do it justice but I'll try...

First view of the festivities. Coming around the corner from the bus station on to Princes Street.

It's not just the lights - which are everywhere it is the setting. In the background is Castle Hill and the history of Edinburgh.

The Ferris Wheel that goes up and up and up! Only the brave need apply for entry.

Lights, lights, lights. In the US this kind of entertainment only comes out in warm temperatures but here it just seems like this is the only time of year all these colors, sounds and fun should be out.

And a classic carousel with a calliope soundtrack!

In the lower section of the park was a full size ice rink with skaters both good and bad.

From the absolute opposite side of the park looking back over everything we had walked through. Like I said - the pictures just don't really do it justice.

Bauble, baubles everywhere.

The German Christmas market sections - really good food, lots of fun trinkets and then the perfect Christmas themed whirly-gig.

Angel ornaments in every color.

The skating rink is off to the left - this is the other half of the lower section of the festivities.

From my perspective - on the carousel.

Just watching the carousel go round and round is beautiful!

Lizie and George - I had to take a picture because I'd never heard of a horse named George before.

Conrad and Jay - two more uniquely named horses.

Looking down through the market section booths to the Ferris Wheel.

OK, the next section needs a bit of an introduction. Burcu (pronounced like Bur-ju) is our new student from Turkey. She had never been ice skating so we cajoled Christoph (german) and Laura (scotish) to take her skating since Kathleen and I couldn't go. From our perch way above the action I tried to capture the action below...

Look for a three some - Burcu is in the middle. See the bright blue coat a little left of center toward the bottom of the picutre? I think our brave three are right behind her.

OK, from the twinkling lights go left. There is an open patch of ice and then Laura (see the yellow scarf around her neck?), Burcu and then Christoph standing tall in his long black coat.

NOW you can see them! Just to the right of the lights. They are pulling Burcu along - gently I am sure.

In the middle of it all is the Scott Memorial with the Ferris Wheel on one side and some other swinging chair ride on the other. I wonder what he is thinking amid all the bells, whistles, lights and holiday cheer?

Burcu skating with Laura's encouragement!

Me and Christoph!

Laura, Christoph and Burcu just after they decided they were going to go skating. All survived. No broken bones or bruised egos resulted.


Kathleen and Christoph contemplating exactly which ride to ride first.

Merry Christmas everyone!