Oct. 23: Day 6
Incredibly Thursday dawned in Edinburgh sunny and not so cold as yesterday. We toured “John Knox’s House” although there is some question as to whether he actually lived there. Maybe he died there. The house was interesting mainly in relating his personal history. Did you know that after his first wife died, he remarried (at age 50) a girl who was only 17? He had 3 children by her and then promptly died. Seems strange, but the caption under this account assured the reader that “this was the custom at the time.”
We had time to do one more sight in Edinburgh before our 3 PM train to Dundee, so we chose the Museum of Scotland. It was excellent. All free, including the audio tour. We enjoyed learning about the Scots, Picts, Britons and Angles–all presumbably ancestors to our family way back there. Again we were struck by the brief history of America by comparison.
One sight that we wandered by was the new Scottish Parliament building–under construction and way over budget and behind schedule. Hideous! Totally out of touch with the 16th century architecture of the rest of this area of the city (the so-called “Royal Mile”). I understand that a French architect designed it, so I guess that explains why. It seems odd that the Scotch need their own parliament anyway, but that seems to be the trend. Northern Ireland is on the same path. We discovered that the Bank of Scotland prints its own money, even though the Bank of England notes are accepted here. However, the reverse is not true! Down in England you have a hard time getting merchants to take the Scottish pound notes! It’s as if Texas would refuse to take dollars printed in NJ. How odd. How British!
We made it to Dundee yesterday on a very crowded train–had to stand for about half the ride, and yes, Puddleglum did complain. Dundee is a more modern town than Edinburgh. I am writing this in an Internet Cafe in a big department store reminescent of Foleys or Dillards.
The church where the group is going to perform is an old one that thrived in the 19th century (the church holds 1000) but fell upon harder times in the late 80’s, declining to around 10 folk. The present pastor, David Robertson, has seen a revival after he took over in 1993, and now the congregation is close to 100. Dundee is home to the largest medical school in the world we were told, so if I get sick help is near by!! We hope that Kilfane’s concert will be a good evangelistic draw for the church. Tonight they perform in the Christian Union in the university.
The group itself got here after a long flight yesterday in pretty good shape. I’ve heard one rehearsal, and let me tell you they are spectaculor. Extremely talented both vocally and musically. Recall that Janet, the harpist, produced a CD that Susan listened to a great deal in her final year (a gift from David & Elizabeth). It’s great to meet her in person.
My time is running out. Hopefully will post tomorrow.
CapnDrinian