I have arrived (finally) in Edinburgh after 11 hours and 40 minutes via London Heathrow. Couldn't sleep at all, but met some beautiful people on their way home to Lebanon. Even got invited to visit!
I love that about traveling - meeting new people from so many great nations. It just thrills me to think that I know of people in all these intriguing countries on this beautiful planet of ours.
Ever since I was little, this excitement to meet new faces from other countries was instilled in me from all the amazing books I would read of other countries with such profound history, and the diverse cultures so deeply rooted in tradition. And this awe of meeting someone new still holds true for me today! It’s the main reason I love to travel!
We flew over Fort McMurray, and even from that altitude the clouds were still yellowed with heavy smoke as this fire continued to burn. It has been burning since May 1st (2016).
What an amazing story of heroics! With fire raging all around, the citizens of this oil & gas city in northern Alberta, and its surrounding communities, were evacuated within hours. In 3 hours, around 90,000 people got out!!!! Woah!
So much courage, as the people working at the water plant stayed on to provide water for first responders and the medical staff, who ensured that everyone still in the area was taken care of, or provided with a way out - pets included!
No deaths and no injuries from the fire, but sadly two people were killed in a vehicular accident as they evacuated, including the daughter of a firefighter.
A baby was even born!!!
An interesting aerial perspective and having seen the reports of this fire before I left, I just couldn’t imagine what these people went through. There is only hope that these strong people will rise again from these ashes! Lots of different emotions being shared by so many, I’m sure!
(As an update years later, the Fort McMurray fire burned from May 1st, 2016 and was not officially put out until August 2nd of 2017. The costliest disaster in Canada at the time tallied at $9.9 billion. Its cause has been undetermined, but it is suspected that humans may have started this destruction!)
So, what a phenomenal, historical city Edinburgh is! I love what little I've seen already. I am enthralled by all the history I see around me and held in place with ancient buildings so rich in character.
As I wandered the charming cobblestone streets along the Royal Mile coming from the castle, I passed by corner taverns, cool shops, cosy coffee shops, weathered church steeples, and in the distance, I could see Arthur’s Seat.
Arthur’s Seat is one of the four hilltop forts overlooking Edinburgh and is situated in Holyrood Park. This fort dates back approximately 2,000 years. Definitely a place I would like to visit, if possible, on this trip.
Edinburgh Castle is right outside my window of the apartment I am renting for my two night stay. In fact, the view from the quaint living area, with its plush couch and lovely fireplace, is the castle on the rock! Just so amazed at this incredible scenery! Wow!
Throughout this castle’s dynamic and turbulent history, among its many roles, it was also a residence to royalty and a military base. As a result, it has become known as the most besieged castle throughout history.
This castle was built in 1103 on Castle Rock, which was formed from a volcanic eruption millions of years ago. This castle is massive and layered with windows for the many stories. It stands high on a steep rocky outcrop covered with moss and vegetation, and overlooks everything and everyone.
Check out this official site for Edinburgh Castle: www.edinburghcastle.scot
Going to head for a nap and then go play tourist! So excited to see more of this fantastic city! This adventure is already proving to be so much more than I imagined.
More updates to follow! Take care in the meantime!
Cheers, Jae
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