martes, 12 de junio de 2012

EDINBURGH-EDIMBURGO

Hi dear readers!

How is it going? I guess most of you are busy with your final exams. My advice, keep calm and carry on....just joking.

Well, today I want to write about a wonderful city: EDINBURGH
Do you want to improve your English? Why don´t you try Scotland? You know, London is the favourite destination for those Spaniards who want to learn English and/ or find a job so, if you don´t want to bump into your next door neighbour at your local Sainsbury´s, escape the crowds and face north!!

Apart from its breathtaking scenery, Scotland has a great advantage: if you want to study at university, you don´t have to pay any fees. We don´t know how long this measure will last but, make the most of it now and check these websites: http://www.ed.ac.uk/home
http://www.gla.ac.uk/

Now, some highlights about the city of Edinburgh

·       The city is famous for its impressive castle, a must you shouldn´t miss. Tickets are pretty expensive but still worth it because of its great views of the city. Don´t wait until 1p.m for the cannon shot, it’s not worth it.

·      You´ll find lots of places to wine and dine, from the typical chains such as Nando´s (they serve food until midnight), to the gastro pubs at affordable prices: “The standing order” in George Street where you can have a tasty hamburger and a pint of beer for 5 pounds (a bargain!)


·      You can also visit the café where J.K Rowling envisaged her famous book Harry Potter. It´s called The Elephant House (George IV Bridge St) and apparently J.K Rowling was so penniless at the time that she could not afford the electricity bill. I guess she chose this café because it´s really cozy and warm inside, the best location to fight Edinburgh´s chill! It´s worth a visit! Coffee is delicious!
·       Have a drink in Grassmarket square and jump into a bike taxi to return to the hotel, it´s good fun!


·       Gatecrash a typical Scottish wedding, you´ll see the groom wearing the traditional kilt. Scottish people are really friendly so don´t doubt it and ask them for a pic!


·       Do not miss Saint Giles church, its impressive outside but do not miss the inside!!it contains the Chapel of the Order of the Thistle (Scotland's chivalric company of knights headed by the Queen). As the guide told us, a coat of arms is made for those knights who do not have one in their family. How do they make it? Taking into account the knight´s profession, hobbies and other details.Make your own clicking here:http://www.makeyourcoatofarms.com/
·       Visit Rosslyn Chapel, it´s a few miles away but you can get there in 20 minutes if you take the bus number 15 (there is a bus stop in Lothian Road). More info here: http://www.rosslynchapel.org.uk/
·       Accommodation? We stayed at The Point Hotel: good location and great rates, a good option when travelling to Edinburgh. Book it by www.booking.com and get a good deal!

And now, do you feel like visiting Edinburgh?