Day 4

I had the most wonderful day. It was sunny and in the 40's. The wind did not blow and the rain did not drizzle. It is now almost 4 PM here and already dark outside. Because it was so nice out, I hit the town early and took in some museums and took some photos with the sunshine. My first stop was a shop where they sell Scottish items - souvenirs and such. They have lot of things with clan names, some kilts, wool items, etc. I will take Mom and Jesse there to help me choose things. Did you know that "Lindsay" is a clan name?

My second stop was the Provost Skene House. I knew it was a museum of sorts, but I did not know anything else about it. It was fascinating. The house had been restored and period furniture brought in so that tourist like me could see how the Scots lived a few centuries ago. I met a man who was also touring through the museum. He was from Orkney. He was just down for the day to see the museum and get some ideas on refurbishing an old home in early Scots style. He told me about "cup and cover" furniture and other period pieces. We walked through the museum together chatting. He told me that I must do the Burns Supper. He has participated in the "readings" and found the whole tradition quite fun. His wife is a fiddler who often plays at such Scottish happenings. He told me the Burning of the Clavies would be something to see too - "a pagan ritual" he said. I don't know if the museum was more fun or my Scotsman.

My next stop was the Maritime Museum down near the harbor. It had displays of model ships, info on ship building in Aberdeen, info on fishing and the shipping business, info on oil in the North Sea, etc. It was very interesting. The oil part did not fascinate me as much as the historical stuff and sea/ship paintings. There was a family of homeschoolers going through the museum with me. On the BBC there was a report yesterday that laws are making it easier for people in the UK to homeschool. Just as in the USA, it is controversial. One of the little girls in the museum called her sister "Hannah" - made me feel right at home.

Here is a pub on the docks just for you, Buck. Here is one for Tucker.

I walked back up to area called Castlegate with the Cross of something-or-other. Sorry, I should have written down the name of the thing, but it is the large thing in the center of the plaza used by kings and lawmakers to hold court. This probably my favorite spot so far. Here are two views.

My last stop was the pound store - similar to our dollar store. I bought a few items including an umbrella. I walked through some other shopping centers, took more pictures, and headed home to have a late lunch and post this. Tonight Toby and I plan on some pub hopping and the Burning of the Clavies. Tomorrow we plan on getting out and about - seeing some sights. The weather is suppose to be nice. I don't know if I will get to be on the computer at all - hence the need to post this today. I will post again when I can.