Another fine, fine day! Once again Edinburgh has cast it's spell with wonderful things to see, engaging people to chat with and rare sunny, breezy, warm weather to enjoy.

First things first. We found the post office and put Tessa's birthday present in the mail. Check! With that important job accomplished, we (mainly me) were able to then relax and focus selfishly on us again!

We had another unbelievable lunch. It's almost unfathomable. There are so many small restaurants up and down the streets here simply oozing with personality and outfitted with inspired, well-trained chefs eager to please, that it's hard to go wrong with any restaurant selection. The secret is to stay off the most popular streets designed to attract tourists. Today, I had roast duck leg with parsnip mash and Stan had Scottish salmon with potato croquettes. They served fabulous bread and steamed vegetables on the side. Perfectly prepared. All that for LUNCH!! Oh what an adjustment we have in store when we get home! I'm dying, though, to try to prepare some of this stuff myself.

Next we confirmed our travel arrangements at the train station and then walked to the Prince Albert Monument. In case you're like me and know nothing of British Royalty protocol, Prince Albert was Queen Victoria's husband. Because he was married to the Queen, his title was Prince Consort. They were married only 21 years but had nine children together. When he died of typhoid, the Queen was overwhelmed with grief and remained so until her death. She so adored her husband that she established memorials in his honor in many parts of the British Empire and stipulated that his monument should always stand alone and not share grounds intended to also honor others.

We almost decided not to walk through the Botanical Gardens but we are very happy that we did. What a lovely and tranquil spot the people of Edinburgh have to enjoy. And because of the rare good weather, everyone was out and in a happy spirit! In the park, specimen trees are tagged so you can see the type. Flower beds are also labeled so it's easy to not only enjoy the beauty but learn a thing or two while your are at it.

Day is done now. It is time to repack the luggage and prepare for our 4 1/2 hour train ride through English country to London. Ta-ta for now.