Edinburgh, Framed

The rain-darkened streets of Edinburgh exhale the chill of the North Sea. Late April here looks a lot like its wintry brethren – March, January, October. There are umbrellas and hoods over the heads of passers-by, and over mine an invisible cloud of fatigue. The darkness of a trans-Atlantic flight has given way to Edinburgh’s tempered steel sky. Gusts swirl up the scent of soaked vegetation, like freshly-misted produce at the grocer’s. My dad walks quietly beside me as we move from Stockbridge to New Town to the Princes Street Gardens overlook. Georgian buildings, Gothic monuments, statues, and trees rear up in every direction. Every angle is a photo, another facet in the jewel that is Edinburgh waiting to catch the light.

The castle, high on its central eyrie, pulls me to the rail like an iron filing. A multicolored riot of flowers bursts beneath me, skeletal trees reach, and a statue of some distant son completes the picture. What more needs to be said? We are tired and wet, slightly drunk and overwhelmed, and with the dull ache for our better halves and homes. But flowers bloom in the cold. Just as ornate and delicate and beautiful and surprising as a snowflake in June. Or an idea that changes your life.

Article Comments

  1. Jeremy Branham June 7, 2012 at 11:17 am

    What a beautiful description of the city. Even in the cold and rain, it’s quite appealing.

    Sometimes I hate reading your stuff because it makes me want to jump on a plane and go (even though I can’t right now). It’s torture. I want to experience the city and the country for myself.

    1. Keith Savage June 7, 2012 at 12:21 pm

      That’s the kind of hate I like. 🙂

  2. Simon June 7, 2012 at 2:44 pm

    Beautiful shot, Keith. It brings me back to my last trip to Edinburgh, at the same period. Such a wonderful city. I never get tired to stroll along the narrow streets and look at the imposing castle.

    1. Keith Savage June 7, 2012 at 2:54 pm

      That’s right, we just missed crossing paths. More evidence that Edinburgh is beautiful no matter the time of year.

  3. Ken June 7, 2012 at 9:39 pm

    I’m developing real affection for Edinburgh despite having been there only twice so far. It has many faces and they’re so different. April was really cold in Edinburgh, though. It was penetrating and surprised me. I keep thinking how great it would be to be young and attending university there.

  4. Jesse June 11, 2012 at 10:29 pm

    I remember a meme where some boring photos were background with the famous Mordor(LOTR) setting. This one is all natural with the natural background giving drama to the already great front focus.

    1. Keith Savage June 12, 2012 at 9:21 am

      Sounds like a meme I’d love. Let me know if you find any of those photos.

  5. JoAnna June 12, 2012 at 12:38 pm

    Love this photo, Keith. Beautiful colors.

    1. Keith Savage June 12, 2012 at 4:41 pm

      Thanks Joanna. It was one of the only swathes of color we saw that day.

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