【英文版】
|
The Royal Mile in Edinburgh, Scotland, leads from the stunning Edinburgh Castle to the majestic Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Scottish house of the Royal Monarch. The Royal Mile is a focal point for visitors who like to scrutinize the narrow roads leading off the main thoroughfare.
The essence of old Edinburgh can be found in Old Town District, with its narrow alleys, ancient roads, and compact lanes. The Old Town sees the start of the Royal Mile, dominated by the impressive castle.
The origins of the Royal Mile came from the long, almost straight street leading up the spine of the rock on which the Old Town was built. Lined with medieval buildings, this part of the city became so over crowded that a New Town was built in the 18th century.
A stroll down the Royal Mile to visit the major sights was really worth the time. I tried to get to Edinburgh Castle at opening time to avoid the crowds. At the end of the Royal Mile, stands the new Scottish Parliament Building, where I experienced the special talents of the architects. The bamboo-covered windows add a unique look to the building.
My Royal Visit included a combined ticket to the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the adjacent Queen’s Gallery plus a fascinating guided Garden History Tour, which told me about the fascinating history of the Palace gardens. The Royal Botanic Garden houses orchids, giant water lilies, desert plants, and rainforest riches.
It was wonderful to have the opportunity to feel the charm of the Palace. The rooms in the State Apartments are renowned for their ornate plasterwork and unrivalled collection of tapestries. Today they are used for official ceremonies in Scotland.
At the time of my visit, The Queen’s Gallery was hosting changing exhibitions from the Royal Collection. I was fortunate to have visited the Masters of the Everyday Exhibition. It showcased Dutch Artists in the Age of Vermeer. This exhibition brought together masterpieces by Dutch Artists from the 17th and 18th centuries including Johannes Vermeer and Jan Steen. Their works depict ordinary scenes of everyday life rendered in extraordinarily beautiful details.
As I was leaving the Palace of Holyroodhouse, I took a long, deep breath and looked up at the sky, it was so majestically blue. My heart was filled with wonder. I stretched my arms upward as high as I could, as if I could almost touch the blue sky.
My royal visit to Scotland has brought me unforgettable memories. It was a welcome change after all the sightseeing I have enjoyed there. The spectacular skyline of Scotland’s Royal Mile is one I will always remember. This sweet memory will stay with me for life. Like a pebble tossed into the still water, it will have a ripple effect throughout my world. Not often in life is reality surpassing promise, but this experience qualifies for that description.
回上一頁