I'm Baa...aaack!!

[Graham]

Hello all, I got home yesterday, not that I was really away, thanks to internet cafes and the like.
Some of you have seen my online album, I think that says most about the trip.

This trip was unique for me, being the first time I'd done a major world tour completely kilted.

I took four kilts,
1. a USAK 4 yard for casual, sitting around and for getting thru airports (no metal buckles)
2. USAK PV Stewart Hunting 8yd
3. USAK PV Scottish national 8yd
4. Morrison 8 yard wool made by an Australian kiltmaker.

I was interested in seeing the response to my kilt in the various countries we travelled to. Here is a summary, but remember that my perception may not be accurate. There are a lot of factors that come into it.

California:
This was positive, no bad comments, not even digusted looks that I can recall.
Colorado:
Again, positive. At the Denver church convention I attended I was happily surprised at the acceptance I recieved. It must have been confusing to have the Australian delegate turn up in a kilt!
Up in the Rockies, a lady walking past asked me where my instrument was....I decided to say nothing

Orkneys:
They don't consider themselves Scottish, so I guess tartan isn't too popular there, we did see a fine pipe band marching up the street in Stromness tho'.

Scotland:
I felt most comfortable there in a kilt. It was here that the first of a total 6 seperate groups of tourists asked to be photographed with me.
I am sure that the kilt was either accepted as normal and/or quite appreciated.

England:
I wasn't comfortable there. I may be wrong, but I sensed an attitude from many that may even betray long held grudges against the Scots - as the kilt would remind them of.
I got a lot of strange looks and some abuse from young yobbo's.

All in all, I thought it strange that in places like London, where every weird hairstyle and dress is seen - the sight of a kilt can still turn heads.

In Oxford Street, London, I saw an elderly piper busking. He went out of his way to extend a handshake to me as I walked by, without missing a single note!

My wife took it all in her stride, she only got upset at Heathrow Airport when I was climbing a set of "open stairs" and a group of girls below were giggling as they gazed up my kilt. Well, I couldn't do much about it.
She suggested then that I shouldn't wear a kilt always, but I said I would not wear clothes to suit the ignorance of others.

To thine own self be true!

Denmark:
This is regarded as a very tolerant country. I think the kilt was well accepted for the most part.

well, there's a brief report, more soon.

[Colin]

Damn, you're back and I'm still 2000 posts behind you

Glad to hear it was a good trip Graham. I am looking forward to any upcoming tales of the voyage.

[Freelander Sporrano]

Nice to have you back Graham me ol' mate.
Our breif day in Inverness is a very fond memory. It was nice to finally meet you both in the flesh as it were.
I've started a report of my travels on my website.

once again we are back to this.....oh well it'll just have to do for a while.
I still recon we should have taken the cafe job ;-)

[Dreadbelly]

Welcome back. We have missed you. Place isn't the same.

[bubba]

Good to have you back Graham. I'm looking forward to your tales of your travels.

[RockyR]

Hey Graham,

Great to have you back! I'd love to get your feedback (public or private, whichever you prefer) on how the kilts held up!

It looks like you had a great time. I'm glad the kilt was accepted in so many places.

Rocky

[GMan]

Graham,

It seemed like just the other day we were sipping coffee together!

I really enjoyed getting to know you and Leslie better, you two really brightened up my summer!

Welcome home, and you better get typing we cannot have Colin catching up with you (wink wink)

[Bill]

Welcome back Graham I'm glad your trip was both enjoyable and safe. I've very much enjoyed following your travels and the pictures are great! Get settled in and tell us more.

Bill

[Mike1]

Good to have you back, Graham. Did you leave Scotland as you found it? ;) I'm heading over in another 3 weeks and expect to find things in good condition.

Did you by any chance take in the Wallace exhibit at the Smith Art Gallery & Museum, when you were in Stirling?

Some day when you get the time, PM me with details of your thoughts and emotions whilst on Iona. I'll not make Iona on this trip, but I am anxious to visit such a sacred place.

[Graham]

Thanks lads for all the good wishes. Yes Glen and David (and Hamish) it was very special to spend some time with you all in person.

My only regret was not making the most of opportunities to buy kilts there, but frankly, the pound against our dollar made them very expensive.

Rocky, I will email you with more detail, but basically, the kilts were really fine.
Actually, I went thru a couple of airports with buckles and they were no problem, especially after I offered to remove the kilt, I was quickly passed thru! ;)

The PV kilts were comfy and took the sitting in planes really well, better than wool I think.
Only on a very windy ferry ride to Mull, up on the top deck, did the wind defeat the kilt and all on board were amazed

Tough kilts Rocky, as we all know already!!