reactions abroad ??

[flairball]

My interest is primarilly in traditional tartan kilts. Reading the posts here it seems that many of the members have traveled from their homes to Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. So, my question is this; What reaction, if any, did you perceive from the locals when they saw you (the foriegner) wearing a kilt?

I ask this because there is a tendancy for people to only focus on the stupid, or embarassing behavior of tourists. I'm certain there are plenty of tourists to the region who would treat a cultural tradition such as kilt wearing with little respect.

[highlander_Daz]

Americans,: they are normally the one wearing the kilts,

Germans :they normally demand to know why your wearing a Skirt then insist they invented the Kilt,

Japanese, :look puzzled then want endless photographs taking with you,

just off the top of my head!

[Paul Henry]

When I was in Gent(Belguim) my friend and I- both kilted- were almost mobbed by Spanish tourists! The locals were amused but no especial comments!!

[Hamish]

In my experience, as long as he wears the kilt with respect and behave in a respectful manner, the visiting tourist to Scotland (and Wales) will, in turn, be respected and wecomed by the residents.

By this I do not mean that he should be overdressed with every Highland Dress accessory in the catalogues nor, on the other hand, should our tourist dress in a sloppy or slovenly manner - one can be too casual!!

He should simply remember that the kilt is an everyday garment and is not a uniform (unless, of course, he is a member of a visiting pipe band!!). He should keep the accessories to a minimum and appropriate to the time of day.

By all means, our tourist, may wear a T-shirt with his kilt (best if it is a plain one and in white or a colour that co-ordinates with the tartan) together with folded down hose and boots, as day wear.

Just remind him to take a good look in a full-length mirror before he leaves his hotel or B&B - in other words, our tourist should dress as carefully as he would, or should, back home!!

[bubba]

in other words, our tourist should dress as carefully as he would, or should, back home!!

Ham, I'd hope most Americans would dress BETTER than they do back home. Good God! The things I see people wearing on the street!

[UmAnOnion]

Ham, I'd hope most Americans would dress BETTER than they do back home. Good God! The things I see people wearing on the street!

HA!!!
Far FAR FAR too many of the tourists that i have had the pleasure of dealing with in my life dress WORSE when travelling then when at home. they often think they can get away with wearing stuff thatthey wouldnt be caught dead in when in thier own neighborhood!!!

I am sorry but certain items of clothing shoudl come with a load limit !!!

[Freelander Sporrano]

I've worn my kilts all over England and I had holidays in Austria Not to mention here in Norway.
The expexted reaction is only in our heads. It's never as we have imagined. People never say much. Although you will get lots of inquiring looks Just follow Hamish's advice and enjoy the trip

Heres a picture of Ham and I darrrn 't' Pub...in Darkest Sussex

[Hamish]

Ham, I'd hope most Americans would dress BETTER than they do back home. Good God! The things I see people wearing on the street!

LOL! I was not brave enough to say as much, Bubba! Thank you for doing it for me. ;)

[KiltedKnight]

I don't know how you'll all take this but since the way that people dress might be taken as indicative of their ways of life I want to relate this story. When my children were young, (they have babes of their own now), I remember once after all the bills were paid and the shopping done we needed milk for the kids for breakfast. We really had to stretch the budget back then to make ends meet so we scraped together just enough, literally, to get a gallon of milk and in my work clothes I went to the market. As I was standing in line waiting my turn the folks just ahead of me that had a heaping shopping cart full of every kind of food and delicacy you could imagine and dressed in all the latest fashions, if that's what you want to call the clown-like garb, all brand new, paid for it all in food stamps. I couldn't apply for food stamps but it sure made me wonder how as a working man I had to scrimp and save to get by and my taxes were taken to support everyone else. I'm not forgetting that there are some who really are in need but even the car these folks were driving was years newer than mine. In any case what I'm trying to say is that a working man on the streets may be dressed like a working man and give no thought to how he may look to others.

Chris.

[Freedomlover]

Amen, Chris.