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Two cousins take on the United Kingdom - Edinburgh - Day two

After walking our socks off on our first day in Edinburgh we decided we would visit the Royal Yacht Britannia today.  The famous Dean Village which is so picturesque was near our flat in the Stockbridge area of Edinburgh so we walked a little out of the way to the bus stop to see it.  Sadly I never did find the most scenic point - ah well, next time!!  (and there will be a next time)



We got on the #36 bus to Ocean Terminal - this was a huge shopping centre.  It was a bit confusing to find despite the signs but we finally found our way to "the boat".  And what a boat!!!

The Royal Yacht Britannia was launched in 1963 and served the Royal Family for 44 years sailing into 600 ports in 135 countries. In 1954 she was commissioned into the Royal Navy and as a non-combatant navy ship, she was able to enter territorial waters without any problems.  An example of this was when they were able to evacuate British nationals from war torn Yemen in 1986.  Of course it is best known for its Royal tours.

The admission price included audio phones which provided lots of information. (most of which I've forgotten by now...you know...old age and all...)



I believe this is where the Officers had their meals...but I could be wrong on that.



The sun lounge pictured above was the Queen's favourite area on board.  She would usually have her breakfast and afternoon tea here.



The two pictures above are the Queen's bedroom.


This was Prince Phillip's room


This was a social room for the officers and staff (not sure if it was for all of them)  What's with the stuffed wombat in the fan?  It was famously used for "wombat tennis" - probably it got a right battering once the drinks had been flowing a bit!


The State Dining Room hosted such dignitaries as Winston Churchill and Nelson Mandela.


This is a typical yachtsman's dorm.


The operating theatre - the poor batted about wombat was operated on in here frequently.  There are pictures to prove it!


We were so very lucky to be there the week the "yotties" were there.  These are former Royal Yachtsmen that served on the Britannia that are invited back to the ship to help prepare it for the summer visitors.  As well, they participate in a daily rum ceremony at 4 p.m.!  We were encouraged to interact with them and ask questions.  All the Royal Yachtsmen were headhunted - they were approached to work on the Britannia as there was no application process.  They were the cream of the crop. All the staff were on a first-name basis with one another including the captain and they saw and greeted most of the Royal family.  Every year in May around 50 "yotties" as they are known are invited back to get the "old girl" back in shape and they consider it a great pleasure and an honour.  We saw them dressed in white and busy as beavers - unless they were chatting with the tourists.  We were lucky enough to chat with a couple and hear a few stories. (read earlier comment on being old and forgetting- but it was entertaining, that I remember!)


Someone is learning all about the laundry room that operated 24 hours a day.


This was the State Drawing room where the Royal family relaxed and there was more space behind me to entertain up to 250 guests. (standing room only!)


The Royal Britannia is Scotland's top tourist attraction and I can see why.  Joanne and I both thoroughly enjoyed it and I am so glad we visited. In case you are wondering why I didn't get a picture of the ship itself it is blocked off with entrances and such - the only way to get a good shot would be to get one from the water.  Of course, we couldn't leave without having tea in the Royal Deck Tearoom - I chose to have a cream tea because why not?


From there we took the bus to Princes Street for a quick snoop in the shops before getting another bus over to the Royal Botanic Garden.





I thought two young men walking babies was different enough for a shot - especially on a week day afternoon.  Good for them!


It was a pleasant interlude but it wasn't one of the better ones I've seen but hey the price was right - free!  There was an admission charge to get into the Glass house so we didn't bother.

Back on the bus to get a couple of ready meals from Waitrose and an evening in.  And that was day number two done!





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