Newbie from Pittsburgh, PA

**Mark R** · 4th August 10, 10:29 AM

Originally Posted by Mike_Oettle

Hi, Mark, and welcome to XMTS from the bottom end of Africa.
Regards,
Mike

Hello brother Mike, can honestly say this is the 1st exchange I have had with anyone from South Africa. Glad to make your acquaintence.

The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life.
[Proverbs 14:27]

**Mark R** · 4th August 10, 10:34 AM

Originally Posted by Santa Kona

Indeed welcome, will you be attending the Ligonier games?

Hi Santa Kona, believe we exchanged hellos at the Ohio Games a few weeks ago. I have not committed to the Ligonier event yet, on the fence between doing that event and the Columbus, Indiana games which are held on the same weekend.

I will be at the Foxburg festival on the 14th and know I will probably see you at the Niagara Celtic Festival. Will definitely be at both of those.

Will try to make a point to formally introduce myself at Niagara if I dont pull the trigger on the Ligonier games.

Til then, stay safe and jolly.

**ScottyB** · 4th August 10, 10:36 AM

Hello Mark! Just a little ways from you in the South Hills.

**Mark R** · 4th August 10, 10:37 AM

Originally Posted by mrtackytn

Welcome to X-Marks - from Music City, USA - Nashville, TN !!

Hello Mrtackytn. Thanks much for your welcome. Appreciate your taking the time to do so.

**Mark R** · 4th August 10, 10:38 AM

Originally Posted by ScottyB

Hello Mark! Just a little ways from you in the South Hills.

Hi Scotty, glad to hear from someone close by. PLease let me know if you will be attending any events in the region. Would be glad to have a chance to meet you.

**ScottyB** · 4th August 10, 10:43 AM

About 95% sure the wife and I will attend the Ligonier Games this year. Will be nice to meet you too if you go. Likewise about any events. Seems I can't find too many Scottish events around the Burgh.

**Mike_Oettle** · 4th August 10, 11:00 AM

Mark R wrote: “Hello brother Mike, can honestly say this is the 1st exchange I have had with anyone from South Africa. Glad to make your acquaintence.”

Actually, I am rather surprised that I am the only South African member at the moment, since this country has four kilted regiments, one that wears trews, and a considerable number of pipe bands (both regimental and Caledonian).
I took to the kilt after being issued with one by my regiment. (I am not a piper, but I love the sound of the pipes, and have known a few pipers.)
Sad to say I have been kiltless for the past 32 years, but I aim to make that lack good next year.
Interesting to see that your father’s people were Slovaks, but lived in Slovenia.
The Slovaks and Slovenes were quite closely related, but because the Magyars pushed into their territory and took a lot of it over, they became separate peoples.
If I recall correctly, both Slovakia and Slovenia belonged to the Kingdom of Hungary.
When the Turks captured Budapest and laid siege to Vienna, the Magyar nobles had took refuge in Slovakia, but that was the only time that Slovakia had any importance for the Magyars.
I also found it interesting that the Czechs and Slovaks living in the US were the main source of strength for the national movements of those two peoples.
It was thanks to the US connection that they were sufficiently well organised to march in following the fall of the Austrian Empire and simply take over under the name of Czechoslovakia.
Another anomaly of Czechoslovakia was the rapidity with which the Czechs and Slovaks, recruited by the Austrians and taken prisoner by the Russians, formed themselves into a national army which initially fought for Russia, and then fought its way across Siberia during the Red Revolution to reach Vladivostok.
I have read that for about 10 years after the end of the First World War, soldiers were still arriving by train in Prague on their return from foreign parts.

Turning to tartans, I have found a Polish tartan and a Czech National, but none from the South Slavs aside from a family resident in Scotland. You might like to try your hand at devising a Slovak or Slovene tartan.
Regards,
Mike

**Kilted Jeeper** · 4th August 10, 11:05 AM

Originally Posted by Mark R

Glad to hear from you. The Rock -- very nice part of the state. Have been there a couple of times when my daughter was considering going to school there.

Will you be attending the Niagara Celtic Festival in September? Will be there for the weekend.

I will not be attending as I have family in town that weekend. I am going to try and catch the Celtic Fest in Bethlehem, PA the following weekend though.

**Mark R** · 4th August 10, 11:30 AM

Originally Posted by Kilted Jeeper

I will not be attending as I have family in town that weekend. I am going to try and catch the Celtic Fest in Bethlehem, PA the following weekend though.

Passing on the Celtic Classic this year. Did it last year but schedule is pretty full between now and then. Think that will be a much needed weekend at home. Hope you can make it to Bethlehem and have an enjoyable weekend there.