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They have the most fascinating pubs in Scotland. The White Hart Inn is the oldest in Edinburgh. In the entryway, a sign provides the following information:

Welcome to the White Hart Inn, the city of Edinburgh's most ancient tavern. Follow in the footsteps of Oliver Cromwell, William Wordsworth, and Robert Burns, by enjoying a tankard of fine ale or one of our world-famous whiskies. Founded in 1516, The White Hart is named after the rarest of all highland creatures, which can be spotted sometimes no more than once in a century. It was used as a heraldic symbol in the 14th century by King Richard II, and for almost five hundred years has welcomed travelers through these doors.

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Edinburgh's Old Calton Cemetery is quite beautiful. 

Photo of the Week

There's just something about old cemeteries that puts me in a Halloween mood.

This particular cemetery is the Old Calton Cemetery in Edinburgh.

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Edinburgh has some of the most remarkable, and imposing, statues and monuments. This statue of Walter Francis Montagu Douglas Scott, 5th Duke of Buccleuch and 7th Duke of Queensberry, can be found in Parliament Square on the Royal Mile.

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"Lion of Scotland" by Ronald Rae

This amazing pink granite lion can be found in St Andrew Square Garden in Edinburgh.

Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh, Scotland

So, I let my family convince me to hike up to Arthur's Seat this morning. It sits upon a dormant volcano above Holyrood House in Edinburgh, Scotland. I think I must have been out of my mind!

We went up to the top of the hill the hard way, and it's quite the hike if you're not used to it. Ths view from the top almost makes it worth it.

We took the sloping path back down, which was much easier.

And we stopped to watch the swans, ducks, and geese on the loch before leaving. It was lovely, but I would definitely recommend the easier path.

Happy Hogmanay!

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The Scottish call the last day of the year Hogmanay. They celebrate the end of the old year and the coming of the new with parties and feasting, dancing and fireworks. And, of course, as the clock strikes midnight, the singing of "Auld Land Syne".

Happy Hogmanay!

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I love wandering around old cemeteries and marveling at the ornate headstones. This stone, erected by Captain John Gray in honor of his parents, is especially intriguing. It can be found in Old Calton Cemetery in Edinburgh.

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I love shopping for Christmas ornaments, especially when I travel. There were so many delightful ornaments when I was in Edinburgh in 2019 that it was impossible to choose.