Harrogate, Vindolanda, Edinburgh

Breakfast and a chat with Shona. I headed away about 8.15 before she had to join an online meeting.
I arrived at Vindolanda about 10.40 and joined the 11am guided tour which was excellent. The guide painted a life for the fort soldiers and hangers-on from a social perspective and outlined some of the things we take for granted today which the Romans had. There were Spoons and knives but no forks. Also no buttons until 7th century- they used clasps and clips.
Dinner parties - 20 courses, guests did not bring anything and were expected to show their appreciation by passing wind or burping.
The whole bodily function stuff was fascinating - how much they used urine. Not just for tanning purposes but even a mouthwash - the nitrogen killed off germs. And the shared ‘brush’ they in the toilet - hence the phrase ‘getting the wrong end of the stick’ - apparently!
The Romans also apparently did a lot of surgery, including cataracts, open heart and it appears even a basic defibrillator using an electric fish. They knew that wounds needed to be kept clean, but not why.

Army - arranged in and lived as groups of 8 (our corporal system still has 7 in his command) and 80 men in a big group under one centurion.
It is believed that Romans brought in nettles - soldiers might have used them to keep themselves awake on sentry duty.

Vindolanda existed before Hadrian’s Wall was built. And the straight roads in the vicinity were of Roman origin.

I hadn’t realised that the garrisons were so multi national; and very few Romans.
I had some lunch at the cafe and did a circuit of the very good museum (so many well preserved shoes). There was some ugly weather on the freeways - trucks going at speed, albeit largely limited, and some people doing way more than the 70mph speed limit. But also when the sun did shine, especially on the lesser user roads, how glorious the colours and views were etc.

I had problems navigating to the Gyle shopping centre - had to do a loop with fingers crossed!! Did make it eventually and went to Marks and Spencer for some takeaway food so I could just veg when I got to the hotel. And a small bottle of wine …

Also filled up the car - considerably cheaper than on the freeway service centres - like 141.7 compared to 169!

Found the hotel ok and checked in and then took the car back (after Google Maps gave me a bum steer) and dealt with the formalities of the accident, I think and hope.)

Walked back to the hotel and watched Wimbledon while having dinner - and watched as the weather changed before my eyes. Also watched a lot of birds wheeling around just on sunset.Read more