Snowing in the Sunshine

Trip Start Feb 07, 2008

Trip End May 03, 2008

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Flag of United Kingdom Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Friday, March 21, 2008

This morning it was gorgeous outside - clear blue sky - but if the twitching branches were any indication we knew the wind had never stopped so we bundled up and headed to the castle. Figuring it would rain that day we wanted to get any outside touring done soon. We purchased our admissions and the audio guide tour and went our separate ways to enjoy leisurely strolls around the grounds. The views from the top were beautiful but I couldn´t help notice the nice dark clouds rolling in - aided by the now ferocious wind. After a quick stop at the gift shop I headed back to the hostel and about two minutes later Chris turned up. We had most of the day left so we explored a bit before heading to the bus station, we decided to visit Roslin Chapel as it is close by. In about 20 min or so we were dropped off in the middle of the small town of Roslin at a three way intersection (we were to walk the rest of the way). A few restaurants on the corners and a street running off to each side made up the scene in front of us and a little farther on a gravel road leading to the Chapel, everything was very quiet

Roslin

. We started down the road passing huge holly bushes, mercifully blocking the wind, and old dilapidated stone buildings and edges of serene private farmland. Once we arrived at the chapel we realized it was Good Friday and were told we were more than welcome to have a look inside just please not disturb the patrons we found inside. So we made our way inside - let me say the only difference from the exterior and the interior was the lack of wind in the latter but they were equally cold. With the aid of a few heat lamps the patrons were able to keep warm while sitting, this and they all had thick coats and gloves on. There was a cat curled up on one of the pews that promptly crawled into Chris´ lap when she sat down so I finished looking around. The most interesting bits were the presence of over 100 carvings of the "green man" because he is a pagan symbol they are not sure why he was included in the church, and one particular archway over one window showing what looked exactly like corn though this area didn´t have corn and it carved at least 50 years before Columbus landed in the New World. Next we went outside to climb the scaffolding for a look at the roof (we were allowed to do this), it had become a little windier and if you stood still you could feel the scaffolding swaying. Needless to say we did a once over and then went into the gift shop for some hot chocolate.
On our way back to the bus stop we walked under some trees and couldn´t figure out where all the white bits falling all around us were coming from, every time we tried to catch one and look closer it was as if it never fell in the first place

Outisde Roslin Chapel

. We finally figured out it was snow; we just weren´t expecting it because the sun was still shining brightly. While we were waiting at the bus stop it started snowing harder and even though the sun was still out there was enough snow that I could follow it as it was pushed along by the wind. I caught a few flakes in my glove and realized you could actually see the minute angles and cut-outs indicating this was an actual snowflake unlike the shapeless little bits of white that fall in California. The downside to the snow was that is was more apparent how long the bus was taking to arrive! About fifteen minutes later though we were on our way back to the city and found ourselves walking back into the Castle Arms bar this time for Sausage and Mash (Chris) and a Guinness and beef pie with roasted potatoes for me. Another day over we went to bed and got up early so as not to miss our flight to Dublin.