The smell and sights of Edinburgh

During the last few days  we've had a chance to travel across the city and see some of the sights and smell some of the smells.  It is an old city steeped in what is some generally interesting history. It has an abundance of castles, pubs, hills, and stairs. However, John and I constantly find ourselves asking why in gods name would settlers choose the most steep, hilly, ravine filled area to build a city in. 

 For this reason the geography of Edinburgh has caused a peculiar building practise to take hold in the city. It is the famed and complex building puzzle. Stores are quite literally constructed on top of one another and each store is only accessible from a street that is further up the near constant incline of the streets. Although odd, it makes for a truly unique sight as your eyes are drawn 50 feet in the air to a bright neon sign advertising a store that is built atop the one standing in front of you. 

Another unique experience in Edinburgh is the ever present aroma that fills the streets. John finds the smell unsettling at best, I however find some strange comfort in the smell which can best be described as a mixture of street meat and beer. It is unusual, yes, but I think it adds to the city's ever present...magic? I know there is a better word but magic seems a simple way of describing it. 

If you've managed to get through this post congratulations, it is long and rambling. 

Steady as she goes,

Stuart from Canada