Tom Riddle and the Original Hogwarts!!!

Grave of "Thomas Riddell" in Edinburgh

There are footprints of Harry Potter all over the UK but perhaps none moreso than in Edinburgh, where J.K. Rowling originally hatched the billion dollar idea. Above is a cemetery that Rowling may or may not have visited...with the grave of one Thomas Riddell! It's not spelled the same and his middle name isn't Marvelo, but who knows, maybe it inspired her somehow....

Another neat factoid is that this grave is in a cemetery literally right next door to an exclusive private school that Hogwarts may or may not have been based on. Check it out:

The "Original" Hogwarts

Ed-in-bur-eh

Edinburgh, Scotland

March 8

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh.... what a cool city. It's fairly small and hilly here and the weather is a lot like Portland's. I personally like the Scottish accent more than the English one and I can also see why these two groups of peoples have had such a contentious relationsip. It seems like the Scots have a lot of pride while the English are more about decorum. I've never seen so many redheads! 

Trying Haggis 

The cafe next to our new hostel offers a cheap full scottish breakfast with Haggis included. Phil and I both sampled the Haggis and thought it was delicious! It's the stuff on my spoon picture above! I can't believe people make such a fuss about it! It tastes kinda like Thanksgiving stuffing but with more spices. Yummy!

Edinburgh Tour

After our delicious Haggis breakfast we embarked on a free 3-hour walking tour of Edinburgh. These free walking tours are awesome! Pictured above is Phil pointing out "trick steps" for the tour guide. The trick steps were false steps that stalled burglers back in the day. 

King Charles the II in front of the Edinburgh Cathedral

Edinburgh has a unique history. This statue was nicknamed "King Charles on his way to a costume party riding a drunken pissing donkey" by the locals. 

Edinburgh Cemetary

Above was voted the second most popular spot in Scotland to have sex (the first is bathrooms). This cemetary holds a grave for Tom Riddle. Hee hee!

The Birthplace of Harry Potter

This is where J.K. Rowling thought up Harry Potter when she was living here!!!!

Pretty sunset outside our hostel.