As the plane lowered over Scotland it seemed like the whole country was green.  It was morning, but our "clocks" were still on  L.A. time, so Edinburgh's day was actually our night! That first day in Scotland we were "up all night to have fun". Our stay at Edinburgh campus, Chancellors Court was a beautiful, peaceful place to mellow out after a long days night. 

http://www.ed.ac.uk/home
http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/accommodation-services/description/chancellors-court

   The weather was perfect for our visit to Portobello beach. Edinburgh 's ocean has very small waves,(not a ideal place for surfers) and the water is clear and extremely cold. The sands along the beach seemed much lighter than the sand at beaches in OC.  Portobello's beachside has a awesome Arcade. My favorite game at the Arcade  gave money to the winner! Winning that game and getting change to play was my lesson on how to count pounds and pence. 

http://porty.org.uk

   At Murray Field Parish Church Hall we met with the Royal Scottish country dance society for our Ceilidh dance workshop. Ceilidh Dancing was challenging and fun. Our teacher was talented and very patient.  This class ideal for adults and kids 10+. 

http://www.rscds.org   

 

    Dinner at Hewats Restaurant was formal attire. The menu offered everything from fish to steak and duck salad. Reservations recommended. 
http://www.hewatsrestaurant.co.uk   

 

    The whole family can enjoy the home of the Loch Ness monster.  We ventured out on a hour boat cruise, Lake Loch Lomond to Balmaha.  I sat downstairs in the two-story boat. The scenery was pretty, but the legend of the Loch Ness monster gave me an eerie feeling.

 

http://www.sweeneyscruises.com

http://www.lochlomond-trossachs.org

 

    In Balmaha we hiked the mountains to a beautiful view at the National Park Center. The park is a home to wildlife and Scotland's best landscapes. National Park Center is healthy fun for the whole family!  Get close to nature and be able to exercise with a beautiful view! 

 

http://www.visitscotland.com/en-us/info/see-do/national-park-centre-balmaha-p255101

    

Dinner tasty at 

http://www.restaurant-positano.com/index.php

 

   On our way back from the Royal Mile we stopped at the coffee shop where JK Rowling wrote Harry Potter!   It was very inspiring to be at the same spot a famous writer wz!

 

http://www.elephanthouse.biz

    

    F.C.R.T's first performance in Europe was at  Edinburgh Castle!  The castle's Great Hall is where crowning ceremonies and major Royal events take place. It was so amazing to be a part of the entertainment at Edinburgh's most famous castle!  

 

http://www.edinburghcastle.gov.uk

 

   The people and places in Edinburgh are friendly and hospitable! I plan to return to this beautiful  country again soon.