Reform yerselves!

Before meeting my best friend from high school at the airport today, I decided to do a wee “Scottish Reformation Tour”. Since I’m heading to Rome for the Easter Holidays, which isn’t really Scottish or Reformed, I thought I’d get in some good old fashioned Protestantism beforehand. Turns out, those hours were well-filled and well-worth the early bus ride.

First stop on the list was St. Giles. I saw this church, once a cathedral, on Saturday but didn’t get a chance to pop inside. John Knox was the Minister of St. Giles from 1559 to 1572. On an interesting note, Knox is buried in the kirkyard. That’s not the interesting part. Someone several decades ago got the bright idea to put a car park on top of the cemetery. John Knox rests in eternal repose somewhere under slot 23. The day I visited, a BMW was parked on top of his remains. Quirky, huh?

St. Giles itself was quite fascinating. I struck up a conversation with a very knowledgeable, albeit xenophobic, tour guide (fantastic comments about the French!). He kindly showed me around the place and I so enjoyed having personal insight into the cathedral. My guide was obviously enthused about his work. Some highlights for me were seeing the Queen’s chair, the original Covenanter’s covenant, and the Chapel of the Order of the Thistle. I liberally used my £2 photography license and took many pictures to capture the historically significant sight. Also, I believe this is my first time to properly be a tourist independently. I love traveling with people, but flying solo for a bit was also quite refreshing. St. Giles is a must see in Edinburgh, I think - especially if you can score a free personal tour of the place.

On my way out, my guide suggested I take a look inside Parliament Hall. His advice was well taken! Though pictures weren’t allowed, obviously, seeing a room where such important decisions have been made, and are still being made, over the years was really neat. Very important looking persons, who I assumed were Members of Parliament, walked around in those fantastic wigs and spoke in such dignified tones – I was quite impressed.

Just a short walk from St. Giles Church is the John Knox House. Not only does the house give you an idea of life in the 16^th century, it also has on display several important manuscripts. Like, for an instance, a copy of the Geneva Bible. If you’re up on European History, this Bible is a fairly big deal. Once again, I was enchanted by the materialization of the past, right before my eyes. How amazing to literally see the history of my faith in action.

My friend did safely arrive at Edinburgh Airport and is now safely in my dorm room in St Andrews. On Sunday we head back to Edinburgh to catch our flight to Rome. What a diverse life I lead! John Knox on Friday, the Pope on Monday. Bella!