I've been away for a bit, dealing with the move and all.

When I last posted, I just got my kilt and was enjoying it....attending functions and freaking out the trouser'ed.

However, I could not remain in NY showing up in kilts. I had a trip to make!

The night before I left, I had a magnificent Chinese dinner with my (maternal)grandparents and mother. The destination I left for demanded a kilt. SO I go to pick up the food (this is not a hole in the wall, this is a beautiful $25-35 per head Chinese restaurant) in full kilted attire. (I pair a fly plaid with a Chieftain waistcoat and white dress shirt....sometimes a bow tie....unorthodox, but good). The man working the restaurant was rather...stunned. I'm a regular and beloved customer, and I've never been kilted. I have to wait a few minutes. I am sitting in the restaurant's lounge. A wedding party is present (rehearsal). I was asked if I was with the groom (lol). I smiled and said no. Then I heard the stories about everyone who was 1/128 Scottish and whatnot.

I bring the food home. Grandad had never seen me in the kilt (Grandma had though). He was highly amused.

The next day I take off. I have a direct flight from JFK to Edinburgh. From Edinburgh, I caught a ride to the University of St Andrews, where I am/will be studying for 4 more years.

Naturally, I brought the kilt + stuff (minus the sgian dubh. Can't be bothered with something possibly classified as a weapon).

Fresher's week presented a few opportunities for being kilted. I kilted myself, took my bagpipes, and played on one of the many hills on the outskirts of town. The Scottish ladies who take care of the dorm/hall of residence absolutely loved it (Imagine being tended to by 15 older ladies as sweet as an ideal grandmother and you've got Scottish dorm life).

The main kilted event was the "Charity Opening Ball" run by the Kate Kennedy Club (exclusive club typical of any old college/university). Black tie. I took a shot wearing a chieftain waistcoat, plaid, my kilt, black bow tie, white dress shirt, hose, shoes, sporran, pins, flashes etc. (No Sgian as mentioned earlier). It was rather unconventional, but a smashing success (no negative comments; plenty of positives...from the Scots especially). Prince Charlie's were (as expected) the dominant choice among those in tartan. I did see a few Crail and Braemar outfits as well.

I have also had the pleasure of attending a few Ceilidh's in full regalia, though swapping out the tie and white shirt for a ghillie shirt.


I should have come here ages ago, hehe.

I did also order a second kilt. Royal Stewart isn't enough. I need a second kilt. Fitzgerald for my grandparents!