New Years in Edinburgh

Hi, hope everyone had a great new year! Nic & I went to Edinburgh, Scotland - left morning of sat 30th on packed train - trip took 4.5 hours & went through some really nice country, especially when you get into the south of scotland where it pretty much hugs the coast all the way to edinburgh - saw the ocean for the first time since leaving oz!
Well, we had our Hogmanay party packs & were all set for what is meant to be the biggest new years party in europe with street parties & parades, carnival & rides, 3 stages of live bands, multiple fireworks, etc... of course it turned out to be raining with gale force winds (& ridiculously cold) so all organised new years eve events were cancelled, much to everyone's disappointment. We had a great time though & for the rest of weekend as well. The scots seem like a nice bunch & we met quite a few friendly people during the weekend including a few more aussies equally disappointed at Hogmanay being cancelled! Also saw a bit of Edinburgh which is a gorgeous city... including trying haggis (suspiciously just like the inside of a meat pie) and doing an audio tour of Hollyrood Palace & Abbey.
Edinburgh Castle from Princes St.

Ferris wheel in front of Scot Monument on Princes Street (taken from hill on way up to castle)



Nic & I near the castle, very very windy!





Looking back up the Royal Mile



Hogmanay Carnival







Real ice skating rink!

First few minutes of 2007!

Walked up to Arthur's seat lookout for better view of the city.

Hollyrood Palace (Royal family residence when in Scotland)



Hollyrood Abbey (attached to the palace)