Lighting the Torch

We set off after class yesterday with a goal in mind. We really wanted to get our group pictures done, and we told our group to meet up with us at the Royal Mile. We had to get shots at Edinburgh Castle and St. Giles' Cathedral on our own. Through a series of miscommunications, I got another crepe.

Nutella and strawberry crepe and a pigeon friend that sat next to me

When we finally got into town, we discovered that our tickets for Edinburgh Castle weren't good until next week! A little disheartened, we wandered towards St. Giles' Cathedral. On the way, however, we discovered a surprise!

Bank of Scotland bus?

It turned out that the Olympic torch would be coming into town that evening! We had to kill a lot of time in the process, but we decided that waiting for the torch was well worth it!

Wanderings

IRN BRU ice cream!

We finally decided that we wanted to be in the area for the torch relay about an hour before it was rumored to appear. Some of the group went to go take a picture of the torch that was going to be lit, and we stayed behind, surveying the scene. Apparently, our little posse looked very interesting to a passerby, and we all got interviewed for a Scottish radio show!

Olivia and Trevor getting interviewed

After that little escapade, it was time to move into our positions. The crowd was so excited! They had been passing out flags, ribbons, balloons, and other paraphernalia on the street all day so people could wave them around during the event. I got a ribbon! We followed the sound of the bagpipers to find the best place to stand. Always the best way to make decisions. We were entertained by street performers and the crowd leading up to the torch's triumphant travel into the city!

The girls! And the day's addition, Trevor!

I stood on a rail because that was safe.

Entertainment!

The guys with pogo shoes were the most excited

Finally, the crowd at the other end of the street parted, and the first runner came down the street! 

I believe his name is Derek Nelson!

So much Scottish pride

There were a few speeches that we couldn't hear, and then the two runners got together to light the second torch! This torch was going to be carried into Edinburgh Castle, where a huge concert and celebration were held in its honor. Tickets were sold out!

Dangerous standing perch? No regrets.

Her name was Lesley Forrest!

Our second runner disappeared from view and the crowd began to disperse. As we were walking out, an official bus drove by, and we glanced to see who was inside.

"John Legend, why are you in that bus?"

After all of the excited had calmed down and we had managed to fight our way through the crowds, we ducked into a pub close to our housing to watch the Germany v. Netherlands game. Football in all countries is so intensely violent.

Pub time

Overall, we had a wonderful day. We walked back to Pollock Halls and did our last ever reading for Foy last night! Too soon! This morning, after class, we hiked an area of Holyrood Park and have been deciding what to do since! Planning for St. Andrew's tomorrow is in the works, and a ghost tour is on the schedule for tonight!