Nowadays, it's complicated to find even a small part of the essence of what cities used to be. All major cities, especially capitals, are filled with tourists (of which I am one as well). It's also challenging when you're just passing through and decide to stay for four hours to stroll and take some photos while you wait to catch a train to another city, and another four hours on another day before heading to the airport.

I wandered through the most popular streets, which does not mean they are the best or that they capture the essence of this city. Quite the opposite. Still, you can come across genuine, authentic people, and when you see them you know that essence is there, intermined between the past and the present.

I had no plan. I just went with the flow. I didn't search either. I found. I liked what the city made me feel, despite the unexpected heat and the absurd things I saw to attract tourists who are easily amazed by unnatural attractions. I will return to spend more days in it and seek the essence of Edinburgh.