1. Fashion
I discovered with a surprise that the National Museum of Scotland has an exclusive section for only exhibiting cashmere sweaters (below). I also got to see some Scottish full-body underwear worn in old days (above). It must be a challenge to keep yourself warm and stylish at the same time.
2. Funky stores that are doing serious business
In Edinburgh, I saw a fossil shop for the first time in my life. And this place is no joke. They sell stuff that are tens of thousands of years old, at least. Whether it's real or fake, the manner they are presented, showcased, and sold is chillingly serious. Now I'm curious about Mr. Wood as a character.
This is probably the most bizarre restaurant advertisement I've ever seen.
Again, this is not a joke. Mum's great comfort food is a serious catering philosophy these guys have got.
At first sight of the restaurant, I and my friend didn't even think twice. We had to have our dinner at this place. How was it? Everything was fantastically average.
3. Perception of alcohol
Beer and ale are everyday drinks of men, women, and kids.
(I like how plainly it was stated, in such a formal place as the National Museum of Scotland.)
Whiskey is the national drink.
There is even a classic film whose plot centers around whiskey.
Whisky Galore (1949)
Despite the everyday-ness of alcohol, the government campaign "Safer Scotland" seems to have a special concern about post-alcohol driving. Probably it's the only threat to public safety.
Now it's more or less imaginable what a grave status alcohol enjoys in Edinburgh and Scotland.