Three days of just kilts! This was my first weekend wearing kilts out in the general public of Germany. Friday morning my wife and I drove to the southern part of the state of Bavaria (Bayern in German). I wore my casual "Heritage of Ireland" green kilt. The lady who checked us into her small pension thought it looked very nice, so I was off to a good start. Late in the afternoon I went to the Knight's tournament at Kaltenberg Castle nearby. This is one of the largest medieval festivals and best jousting tournaments in Germany and perhaps Europe. Here is a link in english for anyone wanting to see more than the few pictures I posted at my link below.
http://195.30.246.254/
I saw a couple of guys in Utilikilts, 4 or 5 in long "kilted skirt" outfits which seem popular with the teen/goth style, and 3 others in true kilts. I heard no negative comments, but did get a few compliments and 3 brief conversations with people so it was a lot of fun. My wife did not go to the Friday evening performance, she has seen it before. On Saturday morning we went for a walk along the River Lechs, near the pension we stayed at. First picture is the kilt I wore. For the afternoon we went together back to the tournament. Third picture is Kaltenberg Castle. Now the centerpiece of the fest and a working brewery. Next two pics are a group of Keltic reenactors in plaid woolen dress. Then a pic of some of the armoured Men at Arms (All the performers parade through the grounds). Next pic is some of the drummers. Awesome sound to hear them from 5 feet away! Many other musicians with bagpipe like instruments. There are many other, and better, pictures at the website.
Sunday we left the area to return north to attend the 80th birthday party of a German friend. Their family has sort of adopted us. We had a great afternoon eating and visiting. They had not seen me kilted before and it was a great conversation starter. Many kind complements. Last photo is a son-in-law and I together. He is wearing traditional Baverian Lederhosen, so we made a interesting duo. (My jacket is buttoned because I dripped gravy on my tie)
So all-in-all a very pleasant kilted weekend.
Cheers to all,
Tom
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