Cannons and diorama

We work up bright and early this morning to a clear blue sky.  We could only assume this would mean torrential downpours later in the day. After a full breakfast fortified by plenty of coffee, we set off, raincoats in hand, to see Edinburgh Castle.

We had not heard the news, but today was the Duke of Edinburgh's 93 birthday.  Of course the Duke has almost no connection to Edinburgh, but it was cause for celebration including a cannon salute.  

There was also a full Scottish military band.

Followed by the pipers.

Of course it started to our like mad, but we managed to hole up in various nooks and crannies and had a great view of the town.  I was rocking the shades and the audio guide. Soooooo cool.

Next we headed to lunch and followed up with the Museum of Childhood.  It could be renamed the museum of creepy diorama.

I would say its best quality was keeping us dry. Maggie did have some fun dressing up.

We then after a few missed turns (and maybe one moment of lost patience on my part) we headed to the splendid Scottish National Museum.

They had a treasures map that we used as a way to move ourselves through the place.  There was a fair chance we were going to stay in the first room the whole time. 

The view above was not too shabby either. 

Eventually we did go off to find other treasures. 

We also found Dolly the sheep, the Lewis Chesspieces, and Bonnie Prince Charlie's canteen. And of course a space suit. 

Then off to get some ice cream at Mary's Milk Bar.  Now we are drinking tea. A lovely end to a lovely day.