This is my fourth time writing this story and so each time it gets briefer. The computer at the hostel would only post the title, not the story. I tried several times until I was worried one of you would read the title with no explanation and think it was a cry for help from inside the library. i managed to delete the title and this morning the computer died, there you have it.
So, yesterday after a play, Rosencrantz and Guilderstern are Dead, by Tom Stoppard and a wander around the Royal Museum I was a bit lost for what to do next, and when I spotted the National Library across the street I went right over. They advertised an exhibit of Audubon’s paintings from a time when he lived in Edinburgh which sounded wonderful. The sign said it was open til 8pm, M-F, and having lost track of the days (it was Saturday, not Friday as I thought) I walked in about 5:10. A guard was at the door holding it open talking with someone who was leaving so there I was. The reading room was closed and there was no one about but I thought that was just my luck, to have the exhibit to myself.
I looked at all the paintings, read the stories, rested in a comfy chair, used some colored pencils to color a page of his illustrations and then finally went on my way. I still had not seen another person but didn’t really think much about it. When I got to the main door and pushed to open it, it was locked. Shit. It had three sliding bolts that I could undo, but two keyed bolts and no key. Hmm, the plot thickens. There was a main information desk so I went over to it and started dialing the numbers of the people who work there hoping someone had stayed late. No luck.
Mark always teases me about calling 911 so often at home that the folks all think, oh its Ellie, what does she want now? Well in Scotland it’s 999 and I had my phone with me for once, charged, with service in certain places in the building. So I walked around till I had service and then dialed 999. Police, fire or ambulance? was the question. I don’t know, I’m locked in the National Library, I replied. Police, fire or ambulance? Well, police I suppose. I reported my situation to the police and in a minute someone called me back. A nice woman suggested I just relax with a book while they sort out the situation. I was a bit too nervous to read the book I had with me, so I went to the door again. This time I found a key hanging on a nail in the corner and sure enough it opened both bolts. Now I had the door open, but I couldn’t just walk away from a library with the door unlocked, now could I?
My phone rang again, the rock n roll ring LiAnna set up for me. The nice police dispatch woman wanted to find out how I was getting on. I told her the door was unlocked but I wouldn’t leave until someone arrived to lock it again. Well that’s good she said, when I heard footsteps behind me and a very angry guard appeared asking what the hell I was doing in the library. I explained the situation and given my honest face and innocent explanation and the fact that I didn’t have an arm full of Audubon paintings, and I’d called the police already, he let me go. I was a bit giddy by then and weak in the knees so made for a coffee shop to recover.
Today, Sunday, I’m taking it easy as I have a play at 6pm and music at 9pm. Hoping for just a boring day. My first night at the hostel was not the best night’s sleep, but I’m in a room with 3 other women, 2 my age so I feel secure at least. Blokes were drunk on the steet yelling/singing til 5:30 this morning but I slept through most of it. Hopefully they have to go to work tomorrow and will go home early tonight. I stood in line at the castle this morning but there were at least 100 people ahead of me in the queue plus several tour buses arrived so I dropped out and will get there earlier tomorrow, my last day in Edinburgh. I;m a bit weary and ready to come home. There’s plenty more I could see and if one of you had just arrived with a lot of enthusiasm I’d be off, but I’ve had enough. I think I’ll just watch some street performers, take the last 10 photos on my camera card and maybe do a sketch.
This will probably be my last blog of the trip so thanks for all the support and encouragement and comments. Love, your bonny lass, Ellie
