SATURDAY

Holyroodhouse

Holyroodhouse, which at one time was the home of Mary, Queen of Scots, is the official Scottish residence of Queen Elizabeth.On our visit it was closed because Prince William and his wife were expected and it was being cleaned and refurbished for their visit.

Museum of Childhood

This museum has five galleries housing toys, games, dolls, etc. from all over the world.This was a treat for me because my husband and I are very interested in old toys and dollhouses.

Museum of Edinburgh

The museum was fascinating.It contained lots of the historical collections of Edinburgh.It also has the collar and feeding bowl of Greyfriars Bobby, the small dog who would not leave his master's grave.He laid beside it for 14 years only leaving long enough to obtain something to eat.

National Gallery of Scotland

This museum contains six floors of exhibits with a terrace on the 7th floor overlooking the entire city of Edinburgh and countryside.The Silver Treasury is just one of the many exhibits ranging from the early Scots to the present day.It has discovery zones where you can dress up in period clothing.Of course, we all took turns at this.

Camera Obscura

What an interesting exhibit.First, they take you to the upper level where you visit the entire city of Edinburgh by observing it in 360 degree panorama through the world's most powerful public telescope.The other four floors contain illusions, holograms, and interactive displays of magic.

Three of us had dinner tonight at a small Italian Restaurant.Rugby players are everywhere and the pubs are over-flowing.All kinds of costumes for the Rugby players - men in dresses, hula skirts, "The Village People", Superman, etc.There are a lot of "hen parties" (bacheloretteparties).This is very much a tradition to take the bride out on the town.The ladies are dressed in various themes and they seem to be really enjoying themselves.

St. Gile's Cathedral

This cathedral was the home of John Knox during the Reformation and is renowned for its stained glass, Rieger organ and beautiful Thistle Chapel.They still hold regular Sunday services.It is very beautiful inside.

City of the Dead

In the evening, a tour called "City of the Dead" was the next thing on our agenda.They take you through the streets of Edinburgh detailing its history and ending up at Greyfriars Cemetery.It is a well illustrated tour with numerous surprises, wild stories and wicked humor.On our return to the hotel, we observed many parties at the pubs just getting started at around 11:30 p.m.