After spending our first of two nights at Carberry Tower, we ventured over to Edinburgh, just a few minutes away. We visited the church where John Knox used to preach, St. Giles, and also were able to visit his house. We also visited Edinburgh Castle which is on the top of the hill, the very highest point of the city. Afterwards we drove through the Scottish countryside to see what we could see (all the while wholly dependent on what has proven to be our indispensable GPS system). To close, a quote demonstrating why certain men were chosen of God to spark the Protestant Reformation… those who feared God rather than man (or woman for that matter). Bold, manly, unabashed:

First they ought to remove from honour and authority that monster in nature — so call I a woman clad in the habit of a man, yea, a woman against nature reigning above man.

— John Knox

We're staying in a place called Carberry tower...

We’re staying in a place called Carberry tower…

...a 14th C. mansion just outside Edinburgh

…a 14th C. mansion just outside Edinburgh

A shot down the Royal Mile — Edinburgh, Scotland

A shot down the Royal Mile — Edinburgh, Scotland

St. Gile's Cathedral - Edinburgh

St. Gile’s Cathedral – Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle

We nearly lost one fourth of our regiment at the castle!

We nearly lost one fourth of our regiment at the castle!

Flexing the Royal Military muscle

Flexing the Royal Military muscle

A good ol' Scottish marching band

A good ol’ Scottish marching band

What's a trip to Scotland without bagpipes?

What’s a trip to Scotland without bagpipes?

The Edinburgh home of beloved reformer John Knox

The Edinburgh home of beloved reformer John Knox

Stepping back in time — Matt dressed as John Knox

Stepping back in time — Matt dressed as John Knox

Just 1000 acres in this part of the world... that's all I'm asking

Just 1000 acres in this part of the world… that’s all I’m asking