The Last King of Scotland

[Burgondy65]

September the first 2013, a day I will never forget. I had decided to combine two activities : a visit to Pairi Daiza - a wildlife park near the Belgian French border - and the first time I would wear my kilt in public.

I have to admit ; initially I was very much in doubt to do this. This park attracts lots of visitors, and since it has nothing to do with Highland games or what so ever, I was pretty sure I would be the only one wearing this fine garment, and therefore attracting lots of ettention myself. And I have to admit, i'm not somebody who likes being the subject of public "scrutiny".

But I have to admit, my beloved girlfriend greatly improved my determination to wear my kilt : she being of African origin, was extremely enthusiast me wearing the kilt, (by the way, her sisters too....)at least after I had explained a little on the origin and todays use of the kilt .

So there i went, leaving the house in Brussels, and before I was at my car , parked in the street, I already felt the eyes of people burning in my back. Once in the wildlife park, about 5000 other pairs did the same. But I have to admit, one quickly gets used to it. My beloved girlfriends enthusiasm, and my mental attitude ( I don't care what people think, i WILL WEAR MY KILT !) payed off, because i had a great day in the park, I enjoyed seeing the animals, the beautifull scenery, plants, architecture,...all this while enjoying my "first day in kilt".

Maybe it was because my beloved is an African, or maybe because I was standing kilted in the part of the park where they created an African village, but I suddenly had to think about the movie "The last king of Scotland" where Forrest Whitaker, playing the role of Idi Amin Dada, dictator of Uganda, also appears kilted.

So, in rememberence of a very fine day, here is a picture of my "Last King of Scotland".


And please accept my sincere apologies for te rather silly sporran. I have ordered a "real" sporran, but not having arrived yet, i had to use my Viking Sporran, having barely enough space for my wallet and my carkeys.

So, I now feel completely ready for my second event wearing my kilt. But this time I will not be the only kilted-one, Saturday I'll go to the Scottisch Weekend in the Castle of Alden Biesen.

And here is a kilted Forest Whitaker. The way he impersonates Idi Amin is breath-taking !

[Nile]

Burgondy, you look great in your kilt and I think you are dressed perfect for a day at the Wildlife Park.

I understand the trepidation of wearing the kilt for the first time in public but, in the end you were comfortable with it and, I'm sure, ready to do it again. The first couple of times that I wore a kilt, were to events where others were kilted but, the first time I wore one in public, I was very self conscious (and people do notice and comment). After a couple of times, you get used to it and the novelty wears off. I now wear mine to places and events more often, just because I want to (any excuse or none at all).

Nile

[Grizzly]

I can do nothing except applaud. It is a big step wearing a kilt in public for the first time, especially when you know you will be the only one kilted. Believe me it gets easier. Wear it well and wear it with pride.

[aonghas]

Good for you, enjoy the freedom.

[plaid preacher]

Good on you! It looks great and the next time you strap it on, it just gets easier.

[Lime]

The way he impersonates Idi Amin is breath-taking

....ly scary!

[MNlad]

Well done. It's amazing how quickly the intimidation factor fades and a "Hey, it's who I am" attitude takes over. As for Idi, Amin brother, Amin. Bet no one every criticized his "skirt"—at least to his face.

[Scout]

Good job! The first time is definitely the toughest. A few more times and you won't even give it a second thought!

[Màrtainn]

See you in Alden Biesen then! :-)
And I'm sure you'll be able to find a bigger sporran there. Don't worry about the one you ordered: you can always use another sporran! ;-)

[grizzbass]

looking good. what a cool place