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Edinburgh: These Things Go Together Travel Edition

I was going to sit down and write up a post about the last couple of weeks in Vancouver (campiiiing) but I kept bumping up against Outlander and decided I better deal with it and the Edinburgh feels it inspired before I started to try and convince you that beautiful blue mountains in the distance were really green covered crags and hills.

First up, is a bit of an explanation of the series; I pick a theme, a season, a place, a book, whatever strikes my fancy, set the mood, paint a picture with some of my favorite things, and then explain or clarify if need be.  For today we're talking about Scotland, particularly Edinburgh since that's what I'm most familiar with.

To start, every traveler needs a bit of an education or at least some inspiration, be it from a guidebook, from a book book, or from history.  Neal Oliver's A History of Scotland either the BBC Documentary or the book that followed are a great place to start if you're looking for some nonfiction.  For an equally compelling and exciting look at Scottish history, Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series is a great place to start.  While the characters are (mainly) fictional, the historical details and underlying history are beautifully rendered.

  


Now that you know a little bit more about where we're headed it's time to do some planning.  If you're thinking of stopping at Greyfriars Kirk you might want to slip a small plush toy into your carryon for Greyfriar Bobby like this bumble bunny by Fuzziggles or stitch up a quick felt bear with a pattern from Canadian Living.

  


If you're looking for something to keep you out of the rain consider picking up a book by a Scottish author to go with a cup of tea at The Elephant House, or in the event of better weather, to read while enjoying the view from Hollyrod Park

Enough planning, your arrival in Edinburgh is imminent, time to do some last minute packing and take a final look at your to do list.  As you head out the door, don't forget that with Edinburgh's cobblestone streets you're going to want a decent pair of walking shoes or a good pair of flats to wear during your romps down the street.  You could go with something like these cute cherry blossom TOMS from KellismCo or these more sedate euro chic leather boots from TheDrifterLeather.


And now you're off and I'm settling in for a good old wander down memory lane full of bagpipes and men in kilts.  OK, the kilts may have more to do with Outlander but bear with me....

*photos click through for links

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