Scots Corner - Camera Obscura

After a visit to Edinburgh Castle we decided to try out the Camera Obscura which is located just outside the castle. It was built specifically as a tourist attraction in the 1850's by Marie Theresa Short. We had a whooole lot of fun in the "World of Illusions" exhibit, most of which is hands on. The short Vortex Tunnel at the end took me a wee while to stop feeling like tipping over :)
The Camera is at the very top of the building, about 5 flights up with no other access, and we were fortunate to see through it on a lovely day. (When it rains hard or is foggy there is not much to see.) There is a walkway outside on the roof that gives great views over the rooftops of old Edinburgh.
We opted to start at the top and work our way down. We all enjoyed ourselves, though it took me a wee while to regain my balance once we were done :)

http://www.camera-obscura.co.uk/

Colourful Friday - Triangles

"Triangles" is the theme for this Friday and I opted not to do my "one photo" personal challenge so I could share more photographs from our recent trip.

1. St. Paul's Cathedral, London

2. Old meets new, River Thames, London

3. Part of the optical illusion hands on exhibit at the Camera Obscura, Edinburgh

4. Tile inlay floor at Glasgow Cathedral

5. Christmas place mat and mug

Next time the theme is leaves :) Hop on over to Robyn's blog to see what inspires some of the other participants http://daisyquilts.blogspot.com/

Scots Corner - Carry A Poem 2010

There's an interesting event called Carry a Poem, going on in Edinburgh at the moment. Their City of Literature reading campaign started on the 1st and will run all month. Lots of events are planned and thousands of books and poetry pocketcards will be given away (presumably to the locals).
Visit http://carryapoem.com/ to find out more.

So what is your favorite poem and when were you introduced to it? What memories does it bring back to you? Do you carry it around with you and how?

Scots Corner - Edinburgh

I spent 5 years in Edinburgh attending Napier. It is now known as Edinburgh Napier University but when I attended it was known as Napier College of Commerce and Technology. I attended the Merchiston section of the campus. The design department was a tough one to get into and work through.
That has absolutely nothing to do with where I am going to send you. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swjtKUBV8ls BBC documentaries like "A Picture of Britain" are fabulous and I like David Dimbleby's presentation :)
Edinburgh is a great place to hike around and just soak up the history. I love all the little nooks and crannies. Having said that one of my absolute favorite places to visit is the Scottish National War Memorial. http://www.edinburghcastle.gov.uk/index/tour/highlights/highlights-scottish-national-war-memorial.htm The building is located with in the castle grounds. It is somewhat austere and unassuming on the outside but inside is stunning and thought provoking.
(Please excuse the lack of photos. I'm having issues with my posting today.)
I won a giveaway that is not quilt related :) It's a DVD for the Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2009 and I'm gifting it to my dad for his birthday which is rapidly approaching. http://scotland4thesenses.blogspot.com/