Ok, so today was my first official public outing in the kilt. I had worn it around home and some of my friends had seen it, but nothing truly out in public. So today I decided to wear it around Istanbul, which I was visiting this weekend. Along the lines of the 'kilt-friendly' thread that's been going on, I wouldn't say that Istanbul was friendly; I think eventful would be more of a correct term. The moment I walked outside I started getting major stares. That was the start of the day. I got quite a lot of laughs and whispers behind my back. The funniest part to me though was when I stopped early in the day and got a "Villiam Vallace, Villiam Vallace" to which I nodded and smiled. Then out came the camera and it was photo opp time. That was to set the tone for the day. Having lived in asia for a time I am somewhat used to getting asked to take a picture with a family because I am white/foreign/light haired, however this was the next level. I lost count how many pictures I was asked to be in; I figure somewhere around 10-15 stops with multiple pictures at each. The last culminating with a mass group picture with at least 30 people. Can't say the kilt is a benign article of clothing! My "Villiam Vallace" friend Me in front of the Hagia Sofia Me and the kids Man I should have been charging for this!
Great pics, certainly would take a lot of courage to go kilted there.
Regional Director for Scotland for Clan Cunningham International, and a Scottish Armiger.
Outstanding story and pics. I really like the Hagia Sophia one. You should think of yourself as an ambassador of the kilt. Thanks.
Originally Posted by bangkok kilt I lost count how many pictures I was asked to be in; I figure somewhere around 10-15 stops with multiple pictures at each. The last culminating with a mass group picture with at least 30 people. All that celebrity can go to a guy's head - addicting, even! Great photos. Now I want to go to Istanbul. Regards, Rex in Cincinnati
Lovely pictures! In The Hague we have many people from Turkey and I often go shopping in an Arab/Turkish neighbourhood. Never had a problem...they respect tradition and traditional clothing. Cheers!
Now that's what I call a kilted adventure! Thanks for sharing the photos - it looks like you had a grand time!
Great pictures! I really want to see the Hagia Sophia some day, along with the rest of Istanbul's sites.
We're fools whether we dance or not, so we might as well dance. - Japanese Proverb
Great pics! Glad you had a good experience. Are all those kids yours, or just local kids?
The kilt concealed a blaster strapped to his thigh. Lazarus Long
Wow! What an amazing meeting of cultures! I count these among the best kilt pics I've seen anywhere.
Amazing pictures. It has to be one of the most eventful first kilting adventures yet! Well done. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Andy in Ithaca, NY Exile from Northumberland
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