We reached the Scotch Whisky Experience just in time for our scheduled whisky tasting. Yes, I know I shouldn’t be drinking whisky (in Scotland there is no “e” in whisky).

The venue for our whisky tasting just happened to be at the top of the Royal Mile adjacent to Edinburgh Castle. Of course it was. Since we were in a hurry to get there in time, we trekked up the long hill…and I mean LONG. And UP.

To use the words of Saturday Night Live’s famous Roseanne Rosannadanna, “I thought I was gonna die.” I just followed Trisha up a windy sidewalk that eventually became so steep there was a handrail on the side of a building on the street! She kept encouraging me, saying “We got this! Come on, April, you’ve got this! We’re almost there!”

I swear it was a 45- or 50-degree angle at the end of the walk. I thought if I was ever going to have a heart attack, this would be the time and place. At least I was in Scotland.

But we made it! Finally, and with ten minutes to spare! I was breathing so hard I could hardly talk, and inside the building I was very warm, but I cooled down before the tour began. Later Trisha would tell me that we hadn’t had to take that route, but she thought it would be quicker. Turns out Lawnmarket, aka The Royal Mile, isn’t quite as steep as Ramsay Lane. Why, I oughta…

Our whisky tasting tour had us gather in a small room with eight other tourists–all men from Switzerland or maybe Germany–and our native Scottish tour guide whose name was Matt. Naturally I had to get a photo with him since my son’s name is Matt!

It was dinnertime when we were finished, so we headed to Amber, the restaurant and whisky bar downstairs. I found haggis on the menu, so I couldn’t help but try it since it was wrapped in chicken and bacon and covered in whisky sauce and served with neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes–I think my “neep” was a bit of turnip green, actually). It was delicious! Even Trisha tried it! How can you go to Scotland and not try haggis?

We followed our meals with sticky toffee pudding and Gaelic coffee (also known as Irish coffee). Everything was wonderful, but it was also pricey! It turned out to be our only splurge meal, though. I think mine was near $60! (45 pounds).

We then headed down the Royal Mile to shop, starting at the Tartan Weaving Mill near the castle entrance, and then making our way down, stopping in various souvenir shops. The Royal Mile is teaming with them. Some people online complain about so many tourist traps, but it was fun to browse them and pick out some things to take back home. Small things that fit in our luggage.

That’s pretty much it for Day 4! Stay tuned for my first experience driving on the wrong side of the road from the wrong side of the car, antiquing in Scotland, and seeing my ancestors’ castle!

Haste ye back!

XOXO