Edinburgh

A view of the city at dawn from Calton Hill. In the foreground we have the Dugald Stewart Monument, a memorial to the Scottish philosopher Dugald Stewart. The prominent clock tower is the luxury five-star Balmoral Hotel, a landmark in Edinburgh. We can also see North Bridge in the middle, a 19th century bridge that connects the Old Town and New Town.

Edinburgh is a city of contrast. It might be very old — Romans first came in the first century AD — but there is something progressive and academic about the city which I can't put my finger on. It is no wonder that Edinburgh is the first city to be awarded UNESCO City of Literature status, in recognition of its literary heritage and present literary activities.

Edinburgh Old Town Skyline.

I didn't have much time to do sightseeing (it was really a work trip), but I did manage to squeeze in some time in the morning to climb up to Calton Hill to have a good look at the city at dawn. It was a bit of a hike to get to the top, but the view you get from up there is breathtaking. Certainly worth losing some sleep for it!

The National monument on Calton Hill, a monument dedicated to Scottish soldiers who died in Napoleonic Wars. Apparently its construction was never finished and was left at this state.

Another monument on Calton Hill, the Nelson Monument, built to commemorate Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson for his victory over the French and Spanish fleets at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.

Sunrise.

Edinburgh buildings.

The famed Edinburgh Castle.

St Giles' Cathedral on Royal Mile, the principal place of worship of the Church of Scotland in Edinburgh.