Edinburgh, Scotland – Just as I had perfected my English accent, it was on to a whole new world of linguistic adaptation. Edinburgh was wonderful. Edinburgh castle is situated on a massive rock well above the city. The city used to be called Edindon. Edin means rock and don means fort. Later, in order to fit the name with the surrounding growth outside of the fort, they changed it to Edinburgh; burgh means city. It was at the city’s bridge where I met Andrew Todd. What a worthy recipient of the Ramsey award! Hospitality abounds in Andrew’s book, and his kindness reached as far as Bill Barnard’s…which is quite an accomplishment considering all that Bill did for me. One other commonality is that, just like Bill, Andrew knows just about everything! Bill could answer anything I asked. With Andrew, it was much of the same. He’s in Edinburgh receiving his masters in European and International Politics.
I walked/climbed up a big mountain offering a great view of the city called Arthur’s Seat. By the time my lungs were gasping for air, I began to wonder if Arthur really liked to keep his seats at the top of this big, huge mountain…or maybe he just liked to sit midway up the mountain. What can I say? I’m a has-been athlete! It was well worth the workout, however, to see such a view of the city. I could see right into the queen’s summer palace, but the queen, once again, spoiled my plans. When I tried to drop by for a visit, she wasn’t even there. Is she avoiding me or something? She only uses her palace in Edinburgh in June. Must be nice! While in Edinburgh, I did see my future as a politician unfold. There was a sign there…vote Conolly. It was missing the ‘e’ in my name, but I figured it was just a misprint. I don’t know who told them I was coming or for what political office I was running. I did kiss a few hands and shake a few babies…or is that the other way around.
In causing so much attention to myself, I guess I made quite a name for myself. However, that name was not Jon David Conolley. The Scottish prefered to call me Harry Potter. I don’t see it, but I’m not sure that this was a compliment. I came within a few inches of buying a kilt while in Edinburgh, but I changed my mind…darn exchange rates again! By the way, the store clerk was very offended when I called the kilt a “plaid” kilt.” Are you all there, lad? It’s tartan…not plaid. Only Americans call it plaid…HARRY POTTER!!” Why Harry Potter I wonder? Is it the glasses? Let’s just say yes and move on.
Well, that’s all for now. I’ll send more later!
Jon David