Exploring Edinburgh and Scottish Entertainment

8/3/07  After we awoke in Edinburgh we rushed to the delicious breakfast buffet. Once packed for the day we began our journey to the historic downtown area of Edinburgh. We got a new local tour guide for today, Dave Torrance, who in addition to being quite a character, showed us all over the city, pointing out the important spots. We got off at Edinburgh Castle, our first destination, which dates back to 1100 and has 7 gated entrances before you get to the true castle. They had a statue of William Wallace, aka, Braveheart and his usurper Robert the Bruce, standing right near him. Harumph! In the castle we were the first group of the day to view the stunning crown jewels, scepters, crowns and swords. These jewels were hidden for over a hundred years and then found again.

Also there was a WWI memorial building that now is the war memorial building. After our perusal of this castle, we headed to Holyrood house, which was right across from the Scottish Parliament, at the foot of a stagnant volcano, also known as Arthur’s Step. After our brief stop we traveled through Edinburgh until we reached the stop for lunch. We had four hours with our small groups to traverse the city and see whatever our group wanted to see. Our group ate at Subway, and then supported street performers. They were American Indians that had a sound to enjoy for hours. Other groups visited the "Camera Obscura" or "Whisky Heritage Museum" sites. Our group then proceeded to shop, where most of us bought kilts. At the rendezvous point we headed back to the Edinburgh Capital Hotel, where we chilled until 6PM.

We then dressed in either slacks or kilts, along with our blue blazer, shirt and tie and headed for dinner and a traditional Scottish show. The dinner show, which had people from many different countries in attendance, consisted of a bagpiper, several dancers, a fiddler, a drummer, a singer, an accordion players and others. Needless to say, we were entertained and we also did some entertaining for the other dinner guests by singing a rendition of "Yankee Doodle Dandy".

 

We had very tasty prime rib and other main entries for dinner and about midway through the show, the Master of Ceremonies introduced us to a traditional food, HAGGIS!! I’m not sure what the hubbub was, because it tasted like roast beef hash, but originally they made it with sheep heart, brain, lungs and other parts. The show ended with everyone holding hands and singing Auld Lang Syne. T’was fun. Fun indeed. We headed back after our group photos with kilts and prepared to go to Liverpool.

 

 

By Bill Boroski

“Indubitably”

Comments

[Cindy]

Did you lose Mikey? Haven't seen him lately. Wish we were there with you guys. The trip looks beautiful.
Have fun!
Love Mom & Dad

[Hello Jim & Jim Jim]

Wow,

Wish I was there looks like you had a great time in Scottland nice legs :) We miss you guy's Alex as well, but are so happy you are having a good time. Sorry I missed you call :(

Love you both,
Mom & Dixie

[pamneuendorf]

Hi Alex: Scotland was obviously beautiful. Now you are in Ireland, part of your family history. Take lots of pictures and have a good time. Miss you lots. Alex & Jimmy: Big Louie & Hart said YES you both have to wear your KILTS!!! They all say hi and can't wait for you two to be on duty again..........

Love you both, Mom, Dad, Michael, Kilo, and Kittie

[MGH]

Late one night on the way home from the pub a Scottsman realized he had had too many drinks. So he layed down on the side of the road to rest.At sunrise two lasses found him sleeping, one lasse said should we see if it is true, that a Scottsman doesn't wear anything under his kilt! After quietly making their observation one girl took the blue ribbon from her hair and tied him a nice bow.
When the Scottsman awoke he went to relieve himself of his drinks he had the night before, as he lifted his kilt he was quit surprised and he exclaimed"By gosh me boy I don't know where you've been last night,but it looks as thow you've won first prize."

[Dee]

Mikey H.
Looks like your having a great time. Love your kilt and red hair. Miss ya. Have fun.
Love mama,papa and Heather

[J.A.H]

wow bill who put together the html code on this it took me a couple minutes to find what went between "found again" and "memorial bridge" before I realized it was stuck to the side of a bloody picture but nice journal lol

[Kim Wentz]

Hi Chris! We miss you very much! Love all the pictures! I can't wait to see you in the kilt! Hope it wasn't truelly "authentic apparrel", if you know what I mean! Can't wait to see more updates!
Love, Mom

[Kerstin Dupray]

Chris....it looks like you all are having an awesome time. I am jealous. Love, Auntie

[Mom B]

Next time the cat goes with you!