October 26, 2025, Edinburgh- The crowd stood, silently, almost breathless, in front of the great castle gate. It was past sunset and the building was closed, yet the multitude stood in awe. The allure of so many centuries’ legacy cannot be easily explained, but there it was.

I took the train from the small town of Forres, past Elgin (where a couple of disgruntled travelers had gone, after the long bus ride to Inverness yesterday), and through Aberdeen, a surprisingly bustling city-even on a Sunday.

The train ride this time was uncomplicated, and I was back at Waverley around 3:30. Getting to my lodging, Argyle Backpackers, involved a short walk (albeit up the Roxborough Steps) and one bus ride. Along the steps, there is a “greeter”, who offers to help carry one’s bags. I was able to carry my own, but he offers a nice service to those in need.

Argyle is an old building, a bit shopworn, but the warmth of this place and the enthusiasm of its staff would bring me back, in a heartbeat, if I am ever again in Edinburgh.

After check-in, though, I felt the clock ticking, if I had any hope of visiting Royal Mile-and Edinburgh Castle, so back on the bus I went.

The Mile was already enveloped in gloaming, but no matter. Several enthusiastic crowds, of all ages, were in the streets, and looking down from the castle walls.

Once down from the Castle, I headed to Burgers and Beers-for a burger and an N/A. The staff and a few of us patrons, offered encouragement to a fellow visitor who was having a medical issue. Her uncle showed up a few minutes later, and took charge of the situation. The place was, all in all, lively, with families flowing through to the back restaurant and a few of us just enjoying the atmosphere in the front. Afterward, I resumed my walkabout of Royal Mile.

Seeing the founder of capitalism was enough for one night, so I headed back to the warmth and comfort of Argyle, spending the rest of the evening with other hostelers, from Italy and Spain. The sounds of Spanish guitar are ever soothing.