Czech Republic Highland games August 2008

[A Hay]

Got up this morning about 0600 and by 0700 I was on my way to the Czech Highland Game northeast of Prague, Czech Republic.

Got there about 1030 and changed into my Hay Ancient Kilt. The further east I drove the mist turned into a slightly heavier sprinkle of rain.

Here are some pics of the front side of the Sychrov Chateau, where the games are held.



The French word Chateau is appropriate because the old country home orginally on the site was expanded and rebuilt by the Rohan family which had ties to the royal families of Europe but notably France, and the building has a strong French influence.

On the back side was the stage and the Park where the food stands and vendors were located. Toward the back were the encampments of the soldiers. They were reacting WWII Scottish troops and an earlier regiment, whose name I did not catch. Here are a couple of pics of the encampment.




At noon, the pipe band and the soldiers marched out to a parade field behind the Chateau. At the same time the drizzle of rain became stronger.
The pipe band only played a couple of tunes and then marched back to a sheltered gateway.
Couple of pics. The Pipe Band was called the Celtic Rebels.




I managed to squeeze into the archway where the pipe band was standing around, waiting for the rain to abate. A couple of pipers and a drummer played a few tunes. Imagine, if you can, two pipers in a stone archway, from 6 feet away. My ears are still ringing!


Finally, a picture of me, just to prove I was there.

Had some interesting conversations with a couple of people who spoke english quite well.
In summary, it would have been a great afternoon if it were sunny. I'm planning to go back next year.

Tom

[macwilkin]

Tom,

They were reacting WWII Scottish troops and an earlier regiment, whose name I did not catch.

From the dicing on the glengarries in the first photo, they appear to be portraying the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders.

Regards,

Todd