Jun 4
IHC's TEPOC (Tobacco Education Prevention Outreach Cessation) program attended the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco (SRNT) Annual Meeting in Edinburgh, Scotland on March 20-23. When they weren't engaging in sessions or presenting at the conference, Chase Kornacki (TEPOC Project Coordinator) and Joseph Rodriguez (TEPOC Research Assistant) took advantage of their time to explore Edinburgh. Here, we'll share their top three activities they enjoyed during their free time.
Chase's Top 3:
Calton Hill - While it is home to the National Monument and City Observatory, Calton Hill also offers some of the best views in the city! From the top, we could see all of Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth, which meets the North Sea.
Royal Mile - Edinburgh's most famous and historic street connects Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The Royal Mile is lined with beautiful historic buildings and countless shops. The TEPOC team enjoyed a stroll and coffee/tea break here after visiting Edinburgh Castle.
Seeing Highland Cows - This was definitely a tourist priority for me! We visited Swanston Farms, just outside the city, for an unforgettable encounter with Highland cows. Not to mention, they have the cutest "hairstyles."
Joseph's Top 3:
Edinburgh Castle - Visiting the historic Edinburgh Castle was a major highlight of my trip. The castle's rich history, from its role in wars to being a royal residence, prison, and military fortress, was exciting to learn about. The views from the summit were also breathtaking, and I hope to return someday.
Trying Scotland Cuisine: Haggis - I couldn't pass up the opportunity to try local cuisine, including the national dish of Scotland, haggis. Now, haggis isn't for everyone, with its unique ingredients and preparation methods, which I'll let you discover on your own time. However, I found it to be well-seasoned, evoking the gamey flavors of venison. While it's definitely an acquired taste, I can envision myself giving it another try in the future!
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh - I am a huge fan of natural landscapes, so visiting these gardens was truly amazing. The diverse sections like the Rock Garden, Woodland Garden, Chinese Hillside, and Scottish Native Plant Collection each had their own special charm. It's a place that truly captivates anyone who loves nature's beauty and diversity.
Thank you!
Thank you for following our journey to the SRNT Conference in Edinburgh. This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience and we feel honored to represent IHC at this prestigious conference.