The Museum Trail

Were you worried when you didn't see a new post?  Or, were you relieved to not have to read another novel?

I'll make every attempt at keeping this post shorter, although it really is quite difficult when there are so many moments that I'd love to share with you.

As mentioned in my last post, I decided that it was time for me to diverge from the nature side of Scotland, and delve into the historical side by visiting museums instead of trudging through isolated countryside.  But don't for one minute presume that walking the streets of Edinburgh is safer than traipsing through a field.  One must always be aware of surroundings.  Luckily, there are fewer people in the city at this time of year, making it a bit easier to get around, and opening up the possibility of more photos of this lovely old town.

I headed down the Royal Mile towards some museums that I had not yet explored.  On the way, I passed the Mercat with the Unicorn standing stately on top.

I made my way to the People's Story, housed in the Canongate Tollbooth which was built in 1591.The staff was very friendly and I had the place to myself to explore.

The museum presented information on the everyday lives of the ordinary people of Edinburgh, from the 18th century through today.  It was set up so that the visitor could understand the conditions of the people and how they changed over time.  The museum pretty much immerses one into the lives of the people who worked  in the town giving a perspective that we often miss.  In other words, you walked in the shoes of various professions so that you could understand what life was like for them.

Directly across the street is the Museum of Edinburgh.  There wasn't quite as much information as I had expected to find in this museum.  I learned that Silver was a big industry in Edinburgh and several rooms had displays of silver from as early as the 16th century.

                                       

But, the most endearing part of this museum is the information surrounding the legend of Greyfriar's Bobby, the story of a Skye Terrier who was so attached to his owner, that he wouldn't leave his grave in Greyfriar's cemetery.  The year was 1858, and the locals were so touched at this wee dog's devotion, that they rallied together to feed him and made him a shelter so that he could stay close to his master's grave, which he did for 14 years.  He is buried outside the cemetery since animals cannot be in the church graveyard.

The museum has a replica of the statue that stands near the Greyfriar's church, as well as  Bobby's original collar and the bowl from which he ate at the local bar.  It is obvious that the local townspeople were quite taken by this dog, and there is even a copy of a photo that was made of him at the time. 

The next stop on the Royal Mile was the Children's Museum. Now this place was Fabulous!  From the minute I walked in the door, I couldn't help but be fascinated by the large collection of toys and memorabilia that were displayed. I can't imagine anyone not being delighted by this place.  I found myself laughing out loud at some of the comical items.

How can you resist the cuteness of this little elephant toy?

There was a large collection of tea sets, but this fairy tale set sure had me laughing:

I was kind of surprised to find a Chemistry game from old:

as well as this 1901 Construction set: Engineering for Boys.

There was a room filled with dolls:  from tiny to life size.  I laughed when I saw Rex Harrison, the Dr. Doolittle Doll:

and I'll admit that this was the first time that I ever saw a nun doll:

I could go on and on, but it would probably be better for you to check out my flickr photos to see some of the highlights of the toys that this museum featured or this post will never end.

By this time, the museums were near closing and my feet had just about enough of traipsing around the town, so I decided to head back to the train for the ride back to the hotel.

But on the way, I couldn't resist snapping this photo of a giraffe all decked out in Tartan Plaid.

You gotta love the shop owner's sense of humor!