Where in the World?: A Grand Day Out!

On my first full day, I took the bus down town to Aberdeen, a 50-minute ride.

There I did a little touring. I stopped into The Kirk of St. Nicholas (my namesake) and a fabulous church in the process of serious renovations. One entire wing was gutted down to the sub floor--visible through a plexiglass window. The grave yard was also quite impressive.

I also toured an interesting building called Provost Skene's House. Provost means mayor. The house has a storied history and many owners. It was also once a slum house, saved from demolition in a revitalization effort in the 1950's by the Queen's Mum. The street it is on is called Guestrow a modernization of the word Ghaistrow (or Ghost row) due to its overlooking of the impressive grave yard of St Nick's.

Nearby three medieval coin caches were found--the latest in the last 15 years or so. I may need a metal detector.

In Provost Skene's house, a visitor is invited through many rooms furnished in traditional 16th and 17th century styles. The best part was being able to open the old doors, ones with the flip up lever manipulated with a thumb-push. Cool. There is also a Painted Room with lovingly rendered bible scenes dating back a couple of centuries.

Aberdeen city is an unusual weaving of the ultra new (huge malls and shopping complexes) and centuries old national treasures. It is a vibrant and bustling city without being too busy to notice strangers and smile.