Some favorites: our own U.S. Navy's precision rifle group that was in such perfect unison they hardly seemed real, a Swiss drum corp that had us in amazement and laughter with their spirited offering, a Chinese group that danced with lotus flowers which transformed into 20-foot long dragons, Highland step dancers and the fully-decked-out Scottish-kilted band. The spectacular offerings from each group were dizzying, as were the costumes and the light show on the castle walls in time with their performances.
Of course, bagpipes played their haunting tunes and the best was the lone bagpiper atop the castle turret echoing a poignant song just before the fireworks spectacular. The whole event was captivating and quite thrilling to witness!
Edinburgh itself is a charming town. It has two distinct feels -- the medieval Old Town which is in quite the contrast with the Georgian New Town area.
We also enjoyed:
* The Royal Mile replete with shops and galleries
* Edinburgh Castle (so striking perched atop a plateau and overlooking all below)
* St Giles' Cathedral (which features the Chapel of the Order of the Thistle - established in 1687 - where knights meet. It has gorgeous carved wood swords, helms and crests above their stalls (seats). Their banners hang in the cathedral itself)
* "The Fringe" festival which was going on, too, so we got in on a bit of that through the street performances, vendors, market-stall clothes and trinket offerings
* The National Museum of Scotland (8,000 objects including Dolly the cloned sheep, interactive displays and art items from around the world)
* Dinner at the lovely Balmoral Hotel at sunset
It was a delightful weekend jaunt and this is the one "tattoo" we can heartily recommend! ;)
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