Mini History Lesson

So, I have not added anything in awhile which is mostly because I come home exhausted after work and do not want to type anything out. It is crazy how time just fades into itself. Minutes become hours that become days and eventually weeks. I have lost all sense of time. I do not feel like I have been here for almost a month. I still have so much to do!

On June 30 of 1997, JK Rowling first published Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Since then, the series has been translated in sixty-seven languages and sold four hundred fifty copies!!!! As I sat in back portion of “The Elephant House,” a little café on George IV bridge better known as the ‘birthplace of Harry Potter’ I couldn’t help it but understand why J.K. Rowling was so inspired. There on the hill was the Castle of Edinburgh with an arena next to that could pass for a Quidditch arena. Looming in the shadow of the castle there used to be a lake (Nor’ Loch was drained in 1759 when it was transformed into the Princes Street Gardens) which when drained contained the bodies of three hundred women. All of the women had been accused of witchcraft and when drowned were proven innocent. I feel I should also mention that the Edinburgh Castle is located on what used to be a volcano.

It is almost two in the morning on Wednesday August 24, 2011. I should be asleep but I do not have to be at work until five in the evening so I have plenty of time. Right? :P

The other day, I walked up what is known as Arthur’s seat. It is in fact named after Arthur from Camelot. The view was fantastic! I could see the entire city and the ocean. Although, I am in a city I constantly forget how close to the ocean I am. Unfortunately, my camera was being stupid. I plan to walk up again and take pictures. I met someone the other day that had never even heard of Camelot and so I had to briefly explain it to him. If you take anything away from my blog please let it be that you will go and read about a boy named Arthur who became king and his magic sword Excalibur.

Another must in Edinburgh is walking up Calton Hill. Calton Hill is located so that you have a perfect view of the old town and new town. The new town was created as a solution in the 17^th century when the city was suffering from the plague. Originally, three streets  (George, Queen, & Princes) it now has obviously expanded farther as the city’s population has grown. On Calton Hill, there is a monument that looks as though it should be in Greece, an Observatory, Headquarters to the Scottish Parliament, and several other important monuments.