Wearing the Kilt in Mexico

[elijah]

I won a trip to Cancun at work. I was elated as one of the few in my company who would enjoy the all-expense paid trip for myself and my wife.

I called up my parents, and my dad (who very strongly disapproves the kilt) remarked, "I wouldn't wear that skirt down there if I was you." I ended the conversation soon thereafter.

At work, a fellow employee who I don't actually know that well told me he wouldn't wear the kilt to Mexico, arguing, "When in Rome, do as the Romans." I gave a remark of, "I don't have a Toga" to the unsolicited advice. I've not worn pants since December 28, 2003

Still, I had some anxiety about it, particularly as I'd be meeting our COO at an event that was labeled business casual but "you're free to dress up."

Of course that was my "loophole" for the kilt which didn't make the list of men wearing khakis. With some extra cash, I decided it was time to buy some new kilt stuff, I'd been wanting. I got a steel on a Kilt Jacket (Montrose doublet) along with a new sporran. (Goat Hair with a Flag of Scotland pattern.), Kilt Belt with Buckle, and Kilt Pin in the family crest. I picked all this stuff up for under $250. (Ebay is your friend.)

Well, I didn't wear this around the resort. I wore my family tartan kilt, as well as my Royal Stewart Bear Kilt. I went to Chichen Itza and one of the guards there asked whether I was Scottish. I was asked a few times by curious hotel staff whether I was Scottish or English, but other than that in Mexico I got 0 reaction.

Now, its true Cancun is a big tourist area and you might not get away with as much other places, but still it went very well. As I was near the beach, I brought along a denim jacket that I wrapped around the rear of the kilt to keep it from flying up and I had very little problem in that regards.

I walked down when my turn in line came. I could tell he was surprised. He then said, "I like it." I said, "Thank you." I shook his hand and then walked down the aisle, I walked back down to the end of the convention room, shook hands with another group of company executives, another one of which complimented me on my kilt.

So everything worked out wonderfully despite my nervousness and the attempts of others to make me nervous.

[Roan Carter]

I'm really happy to hear that your experience went so well. It takes bravery to wear the kilt, especially when your father disaproves. My father encourages it, but only as formal/holiday wear.

My sister's boyfriend took her on a trip to his home in Mexico just recently. What she told me was that in the regions she visited, it was the natives who wore the unique, traditional, and homemade clothing. My sister was on one particular beach that was kind of out of the way, one evening. She crossed paths with a girl, and the way she described it ... they kept catching one another staring, because they had never seen anyone like each other before. (My sister was wearing blue jeans, and a plain shirt.) The native girl's clothing, as my sister described it, was a homespun fabric, very beautiful, and just this kinda functional clothing wrap. Nothing you could find in the states. Not marketed clothing, or fauex-traditional. It was like ... true ethnic clothing.

I don't think a kilt would have made it any more awkward between them, lol.

Anyways, Congrats on your bravery!

[michael steinrok]

Ain't it kinda funny how we make stuff up in our heads about how bad something will be and nothing happens. And, as far as your old man is concerned show him the web site. Remember he's just as full of poop as everyone else. You might not want him to see this though,or why not

[Riverkilt]

Good for you!

The worst things I ever experienced never actually happened.

And thanks for the jean jacket idea. They go well with kilts but I never thought of using them like that. The place I live is called "The Windy Mesa" and it is, so will be trying that out soon.

Ron

[JackK]

Sure is great to hear that everything went well for you and the kilt. I'm with Ron on a thank you gor the jean jacket idea.

Jack

[mbhandy]

Did you just tie it around your waist and let it droop down the back? Oh and did you wear speedos under? Then they would have really thought you were European. :rolleyes:

MrBill

[Cinnabar]

I'm glad it went wel for you. Cancun and the surrounding areas are very beautiful. As you pointed out, Cancun is a tourist area so I wouldn't really have expected too many negative comments. However, I can think of some places in Mexico that I wouldn't wear a kilt (Ciudad Mexico, for example). Sounds like a great trip!

[Rex_Tremende]

People often project their own fears in the form of "advice." I think you handled your colleague's counsel well.

Since the award was given to you by your employer, and, given the number of executives in attendance, I presume it was in recognition of your level of service, and you acheived this service in your kilt, I see no reason for you to have done anything other than exactly what you did.

Congratulations on your accomplishments,
Rex in Cincinnati.

[macwilkin]

However, I can think of some places in Mexico that I wouldn't wear a kilt (Ciudad Mexico, for example).

Before making that statement, you might wish to peruse the web site of the Banda de Gaitas del Battalon del San Patricio (St. Patrick's Battalion Pipes and Drums) in Mexico City. :mrgreen:

http://bandadegaitas.com.mx/home.htm

Salud!

Todd

[Mithral]

Before making that statement, you might wish to peruse the web site of the Banda de Gaitas del Battalon del San Patricio (St. Patrick's Battalion Pipes and Drums) in Mexico City. :mrgreen:

http://bandadegaitas.com.mx/home.htm

Salud!

Todd

That makes me happy. Everybody loves a good pipe band.