Cultural stravaigin'

An hour extra in bed meant I woke early and finished off some stuff I started yesterday. But no lazy Sunday for me.

Off to the Parliament for the Andy Warhol exhibition. I had a timed ticket but it wasn't busy so I was ahead of myself by the time I came out. I liked the Warhols and they are well displayed in Committee Room 1. The timed ticket system works well too. I wish they'd done that for the Tapestry, which is an embroidery. Also in the Parliament at present is an exhibition about Andrew Carnegie which is well worth a visit. He really was an amazing man and has left such a legacy. There is a list of all the Carnegie libraries across the world, impressive. Inverurie included of course.

Being early there was time to cross the road to the Queen's Gallery for the Leonardo da Vinci anatomical exhibition. The Gallery was hooching. I forget that so many people are around in Edinburgh all the time, visiting these tourist magnets. Although the da Vinci exhibition is good the Quuen's Gallery is small and it always feels dark and crowded. There were also people moving at varying paces, some taking ages to examine every line of each drawing so most of the time I was in a queue standing waiting to see a picture and read the label, although I did have the audio tour. I'm not a patient person so although I went round the whole gallery I skimped on a number of exhibits. But my stamped ticket allows another visit so i may go back before it ends.

It was 12.30 so I had over 2 hours to fill before our rehearsal. Too long for lunch. I decided to do my third 'must see', the Mary, Queen of Scots exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland. It is brilliant, well laid out, very interesting about not only Mary and her life but also the political and cultural life of the time. It was busy but not so busy that you couldn't enjoy it. The Museum itself was also well attended. I must come back. It's years since I spent any time in the Museum itself.

The threatened rain was starting as I came out so round the corner to Bar Kohl for a burger and plenty liquids. I Whatapp'd #1 son but he was off to bed. Tomorrow.

Then to St Giles for our rehearsal which in the tradition of all concerts wasn't that good. the Cathedral was also busy and a number of visitors stopped to listen to us being berated by S. We needed it. Unfortunately I was in agony after nearly 2 hours standing. Having to put my weight on my right side because of the limited space was not good. Luckily after the line up,practice I was moved to a space where I had more room to shoogle about. There was a short break for tea and biscuits and then we lined up for the concert.

The concert went well. Not too many mistakes were made and the acoustics are wonderful. It was also a lot warmer than when we sang there a year ago but outside it looked pretty wild and windy, warm and wet. We had a large audience and they seemed very appreciative. It was good to be able to move around at the end though. I need to do something about my back, strengthen my core.

Then I went for the after concert drink - to Villager. We were there just after 7, I left about 11. I should have stopped after the second wine but there was good craic and it was enjoyable. There was a very spirited and noisy discussion about the Edinburgh education system. Is it right to be able to buy your children not only an education but also a privileged place in the 'old boys' network'? Discuss. We certainly did. That's what I like about Scotland you have a cracking good debate, disagree, say what you think and then still get on - no one takes it personally. How different from last Sunday's discussion.

And then it was home on the #31, and needless to say, straight to bed.

Great day though.