first thoughts on Edinburgh

First thoughts on Edinburgh. Im sure ill say this a hundred times before I come back home but, Edinburgh is truly one of the worlds great cities!!! Although it should, its hard to see this as a tourist town. There are lots of green spaces with amazing views of the castle. And filled with Edinburgh's youth playing frisbee, cuddling, and just enjoying life in a beautiful space. The old town is exactly what you imagine it to be. Old dark town stone buildings, Europe's first skyscrapers in fact, with lots of people bustling around. For those Harry Potter fans this is where J.K. Rowling lived when she wrote the books and it shows. Old town looks like something out of Diagon Alley. The old boys school, built in 1634 resembles Hogwarts. The first bank of Scotland has underground vaults like Gringotts. And of course you can walk around and see the grave of Tom Riddel. Mcgonagal, and you favorite other characters. Most of the museums and sights are free, and those that are not, the Scotts memorial, are only a few pounds. The castle is a disappointing 16£ / person (25$ / person). Although you can get a little ways in before the ticket turnstile... I thought the bagpipers around town would come across as being kitschy but they fit in very nicely. The whiskey tours are a little "malt disney" but if you want to see a 10,000£ bottle of scotch its fun. I think Edinburgh is a well built city that encourages you to walk around like a local and enjoy what it has to offer.