CHAS’ & RUBY’S 2006 UK TOUR Friday, June 2nd: CHAS “Greyfriars Bobby” ADVENTURE!

After tiring of the Castle-end of the ROYAL MILE – and not knowing that
THERE WAS A STAND where you could line up to get a TAXI –
I wandered down a side street, hoping to find a corner where I could pick up a cab.

I walked and walked for several blocks, without any luck.
By sheer happenstance, I passed by The Greyfriars Bobby Bar.
But, I DIDN’T KNOW WHERE I WAS!!!
I didn’t know I had wandered to the end of the famous, “Candlemakers Row!”
I thought that the pub was just a Greyfriars Bobby “Knockoff” or something!

Had I known where I was, I would have gone IN the Greyfriars Bobby Bar!!!

There’s the STATUE and Memorial Fountain! Right THERE! But, I didn’t notice it until I was back in the US, LOOKING AT MY PIX! Can we say, “SPIT!!!”??? I think we can.

Next time I’m in Edinburgh, I’m going to spend time in this pub,
and visit the nearby Greyfriars Kirkyard!

The story of GREYFRIARS BOBBY:

In 1858, a man named John Gray was buried in old Greyfriars Churchyard. … For fourteen years the dead man's faithful dog [a Skye Terrier named, Bobby] kept constant watch and guard over the grave. “Bobby’s fame spread throughout Edinburgh. It is reported that almost on a daily basis the crowds would gather at the entrance of the Kirkyard waiting for the one o'clock gun that would signal the appearance of Bobby leaving the grave for his midday meal.”

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When he died in 1872, Bobby couldn’t be buried in the cemetery proper, “since it was consecrated ground.” So, he was buried just inside the gate of Greyfriars Kirkyard, not far from John Gray's grave. His gravestone inscription reads: “Greyfriars Bobby Died 14th January 1872 Aged 16 years LET HIS LOYALTY AND DEVOTION BE A LESSON TO US ALL.”

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In 1873, a Baroness was so moved by the story of Bobby’s devotion,
that she commissioned a life-sized sculpture of him, and had it placed
atop a granite fountain. Bobby’s memorial fountain “was unveiled
without ceremony in November 1873, opposite Greyfriars Kirkyard.”

The Plaque’s inscription reads: "A tribute to the affectionate fidelity of Greyfriars Bobby. In 1858 this faithful dog followed the remains of his master to Greyfriars churchyard and lingered near the spot until his death in 1872. With permission erected by the Baroness Burdett Coutts."

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Very near the Greyfriars Bobby Bar is Bedlam Theatre

If you’re going to be visiting Edinburgh, this looks like a GREAT
PLACE to attend either a play or one of their IMPROV nights!
(I’ll be attending on my next visit! LOL)

“Bedlam Theatre is home to the Edinburgh University Theatre Company, the only completely student-run theatre in Britain. If this weren't enough, the company stages over 40 shows every year. Some are the small-scale, one-off Lunchtimes, but there are also a number of the larger budget, week-long Mainterms produced every year. In addition to this, the Bedlam is home to Edinburgh's longest-running improv troupe, the IMPROVERTS, who play every Friday.”

Several blocks past the theater, I finally found a place to snag a taxi!

GO TO THE NEXT PAGE o’ this day’s pix:
RUBY Enjoys Dinner at An EXCELLENT Restaurant

If you have information or suggestions for Ruby & Chas’ 2006 UK TOUR Website
– or PHOTO contributions for it! –
PLZ Email CHAS!
c-d-miller@neb.rr.com
That’s: c-d-miller@neb.rr.com –
those are hyphens/dashes (-) between the “c” and “d” and “miller”