By Jennifer Ciotta

Conan Doyle, famous for Sherlock Holmes and The Lost World, received his medical degree at the world-renown University of Edinburgh.  What most people do not know about the university is its wide, unusual range of studies.  For example, a student can obtain a degree in: parapsychology (the study of the supernaturalthink Ghostbusters); artificial intelligence; a Master of Fine Arts in tapestry or a Master of Science in golf course architecture.  Besides the unique curriculum, the university boasts a gorgeous campus, encompassing the imagination of what a Scottish fairytale would resemble.  The Old College and the Royal Mile have an old-world, almost German, feel; the multi-colored tudor-esque buildings are festooned with brilliant flower boxes.  At night, the lit up campus and town is comparable to Prague with pointy cathedral spirals.  The new medical wing, Little France, has a space-age faadeprobably extremely different from when Conan Doyle was a student here.

The town is divided into two sections: Old Town, the historic part, and New Town, the shopping and business districtboth sections combine as a UNESCO World Heritage site.  Old Town, with its sloping streets and ancient medieval architecture, has a variety of pubs and restaurants, where a tourist can try the traditional haggis, a delicacy made of sheep parts.  Edinburgh Castle sits on top of a hill, overlooking the town belowthe panoramic views are said to be spectacular.  For three weeks every August, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the largest performing arts festival in the world, is held in the city, showcasing offbeat plays and musicals, which once included current Oscar winner, Rachel Weisz. 

A trip to London would prove worthwhile for Sherlock Holmes fans.  The Sherlock Holmes Museum is located at 221b Baker Street, the exact address Conan Doyle gave in his book as the home of his protagonist and Dr. Watson.  With its small sign, and off the beaten path direction, the small museum can be hard to find.  Once a tourist is there, a dark interior awaits them, with waxed figures of the characters dressed in period pieces.  On display, one can view much Holmes paraphernalia such as: photographs, hand-written notes and mystery clues and Dr. Watsons diary.  The famous study looks out over Baker Street, and a pipe is always somewhere in the room, creating a great opportunity for picture taking.

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