2nd try at 1st outing

[timseh]

Well, I'm in NYC for the week for work and brought my SWK standard Saffron kilt with me. I was planning to wear it out on St Paddy's day, but that plan had to be aborted when my fiances' father had to head to the emergency room.

Since then, I haven't had (or haven't made) the opportunity to get out and about kilted. My first 'real' kilted outing was tonight. I decided that there was no better time or place than in a strange, crowded city where I know pretty much no one.

I donned my kilt, a dark green plaid shirt (if the Kilt's not plaid, I suppose it's ok if the shirt is) a pair of scrunched down brown wool socks, comfy walking shoes, belt, sporran and my Irish flat-cap and set off from W 38th & 10th Ave toward Obrien's Irish Pub on @ 46th St. (the web site lists a bunch of $11.95 dinner specials which fit quite nicely within my expense account meal allowance and leave room for a few pints).

A few sideways glances while on the way there, but I didn't hear much in the way of comments and didn't detect any openly hostile looks. I have to say I was a bit nervous, but trying to hold my head high and just act as if I had no reason at all to feel out of place.

Had a pleasant dinner and nearly as soon as I finished eating (at the bar) I found the people on both sides going out of their way to strike up conversations. The kilt didn't come up as a topic until about a half hour later. And of course, it will probably come as no surprise to anyone here who's experienced the power of the kilt that the ladies were very friendly and quite complimentary.

On the walk back to the hotel, I heard a youngish (late teens, early twenties?) voice call out, apparently to his friends, "hey, cool! It's a guy in a kilt!".

Having more than a little bit more confidence on the walk back to the hotel after the warm reception I got at the pub, I did pay a bit more attention to the looks I was getting on the way and have to say I noticed more than one pretty young lass (and a few more in my age range) wearing quite approving smiles.

It was, all in all, a wonderful confidence booster.

Sorry, no pictures. It was just me all by my lonesome.

I've been PM'ing Galician about the possibility of meeting up while I'm here in NYC this week. He mentioned a new Scottish place in the East village, but I'm not sure a) I'm comfortable with finding my way over there using public transit, or b) I'm willing to risk my life and sanity in a cab after the ride I took from Times Square to my hotel today.

It looks like Stout is just about a mile from my hotel. If you're familiar with the area and don't think it would be a poor idea to walk there from here (and back), I may try to find my way over there in a day or 2.

Unfortunately, I don't know exactly what my days will look like or how long they'll run, so it's hard to plan. I did pass another pub on the say to O'Briens that I may try tomorrow or Tuesday if I have the time and the weather cooperates.

[Howard Clark]

I think you will be fine. Head up, shoulders back, be confident. NYC is a fun place to visit. I will be kilted next time I go there.

[ali8780]

use the subway, it's fun and easy

[JolyStNicholas]

Wear the kilt and walk proud with your head held high, and I'm sure you will do fine and have a grand time! Enjoy yourself.

[The Barry]

Walk with confidence and pride, friend. NYC is the original melting pot, and people tend to "mind their own", so you'll do just fine.

Meeting up with other kilties is a great way to make new friends, gain support, and earn confidence in your kilt wearing.

Good luck!

[McFarkus]

Sounds like the first outing went well.

[Weasel Mender]

You WILL be doing this again Will you not?

Weasel

[Mael Coluim]

I think you are hooked!

[timseh]

Will I be doing this again? Of course! In fact, I did it again tonight. Got done working earlier than expected, so went back to the hotel, dropped off my things, changed into my kilt (this time with hose & flashes... more for warmth than anything else) and stepped out the door. Stopped in 'The Irish Rogue' as it looked friendly enough and was certain to have Guinness on tap. The place got rather crowded rather quickly as I ate, what with the after work crowd. Only got one question from a gentleman behind me who asked if I play the pipes. I told him no I don't. He was just being friendly. He said he noticed the kilt (really?) and wears one himself when he plays with the pipe & drum band from his union hall, so assumed maybe I played. A pretty uneventful outing. The food was good, the beer was good, and I'm getting used to this. :-)

My fiances father is having surgery on Friday and her mother will be staying with us for a few days to make it easier for her to get back and forth while he's in the hospital. Everyone is concerned and my fiance suggested that we go to the new brewery down the street for dinner in the evening if all goes well... she thinks I should wear the kilt to help 'lighten her mother's mood' a bit. That should be interesting!