Edinburgh

August 16

Early wake up and breakfast with parents. I had a couple of errands to run and a must see. Boots and the National Galleries of Scotland. I had to see the Titians from the Duke of Sutherland's Bridgewater collection, two of which he had asked the Scottish NG to purchase for 100 million pounds. They had just purchased one (Diana and Acteon) and have a few more years to raise 50 million pounds for the other (Diana and Calisto). Lighting was a problem as the natural light with the fluorescent light caused shadows on the canvasses so it certain aspects were not clearly visible. Shame as the canvasses are massive.

The Scottish collection should have pride of place as some of the canvasses are beautiful and not to be relegated to the basement, although I can understand it when they have to compete with Maestros Titian, Monet et al. Robert Burns the painter, incredibly vibrant art deco colours of Diana and her maidens; a fully embroidered canvas of Autumn; The Skating Minister by Raeburn(supposedly very famous so why haven't I come across the reference before?).

Outside the NGS the street artists were in full flow. One side of the building, a Peruvian pan pipe band with relaxing melodies, followed by Clanadonia, a Scottish pipe and drum band (NOT the regimental type either). On the other side, the jugglers, unicycle riders, magicians mix with vendor tents. Up the Royal Mile to see what the Fringe artists are advertising and came across the Worlds Most Pierced Lady. Talk about a sight not for the weak hearted. Her face was covered with piercing and dangles. From the scary to the sublime - further down the road the cast of "Faulty Towers'', three actors who were the epitomy of Basil Fawlty, his wife Sybil and waiter Manuel. It was amazing how they pulled off the characters, even down to Basils walk and silly run. Would have loved to have made it to the show but when we tried to make bookings were told they were not performing that night.

Early dinner in the suite and same routine for bed as the next day we were off to the West Coast.