After more than a week of early mornings and busy days, my last day in Scotland had a different rhythm—slower, quieter, and just what I needed. I was up early at 6:00 a.m. to check in for tomorrow’s flight, but then happily drifted back to sleep for another three hours. Sometimes the best way to start a day is with a little extra rest.
Once I was ready, I headed downstairs for my included breakfast and then set out for a walk to the Princes Street Gardens. Nestled right in the heart of Edinburgh, these beautiful gardens sit in the shadow of the Castle. It’s hard to imagine now, but the gardens were once the Nor Loch—a large man-made lake that was part of the city’s defenses. For centuries, the loch was a murky, unpleasant place, even used during witch trials for drownings. It was drained in the 18th century and transformed into the lush gardens we enjoy today. Looking up at the Castle towering above, I could see exactly why J.K. Rowling found inspiration here for Hogwarts and its lake. The scene felt straight out of a storybook.
On my way toward Victoria Street, I stumbled upon a marathon weaving its way through the city. I paused for a while to watch the runners push past, cheered on by the lively crowd lining the streets. The energy was contagious, and it was such a fun, unexpected moment to witness.
From there, I wandered over to Victoria Street, famous for its colorful shopfronts and charming curve of cobblestones. It’s often said to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter books, and I can certainly see why. The mix of quirky boutiques, whimsical shops, and vibrant facades made it a magical place to browse.
After a bit of shopping, I carried on to the Royal Mile, taking my time to enjoy the many stores lining the way.
In a happy twist, I somehow wound up back at Victoria Street again—where I ran into my friend Betsy, who was also out shopping on her last day. We laughed at the coincidence and enjoyed the moment. Sharing this trip with friends, especially my fellow Modern Travel Professionals colleagues, has been such a gift. We’ve had a wonderful time together, and I’ll always treasure these memories.
Later in the afternoon, I stopped at Greyfriars Kirk and couldn’t resist trying a gelato—milk chocolate paired with a lemon meringue pie flavor. I carried it into the peaceful cemetery, found a quiet bench, and enjoyed every bite while surrounded by history. It was a simple, sweet moment of pause.
Throughout the day, bagpipe music filled the air at nearly every turn. Far from overwhelming, I loved each performance—it felt like the soundtrack of Scotland, following me as I walked.
On my way back to the hotel, I came across a Nando’s and decided to give it a try. I’d heard so much about it and couldn’t resist. It was the perfect casual dinner to end my evening. Still, I couldn’t help but think: if only Nando’s had locations in Florida, I’d be set! I’m still thinking about their macaroni and cheese!
By the time I made it back to my hotel, my step counter told me I’d walked over 6 miles. Not bad for a “quiet” day.
As I settled in, I couldn’t help but reflect on the incredible week behind me—beginning in Glasgow, sailing on Loch Lomond after visiting a friend nearby, heading north to Inverness and the Highlands, exploring Aberdeen, and finally ending in Edinburgh. Each stop has been full of history, beauty, and moments I’ll never forget.
I also have to say how easy it was to travel with Globus. Having the details taken care of allowed me to fully enjoy each day without worry, and that kind of peace of mind made the entire experience even more special.
Scotland has been everything I hoped for and more. From castles to cobblestones, bagpipes to breathtaking landscapes, it’s a country that’s captured my heart. I can’t wait to see where my next adventure takes me.
Cleared For Take-Off! 