Kilted in San Diego

**zeytoun** · 20th August 04, 01:54 AM

I spent 3 weeks visiting family in San Diego, and wore my Utilikilt most of the time instead of my traditional because of the heat. Found it very practical and convenient when changing in and out of swimming trunks at the beach. My 18-year-old sister has become a staunch supporter of my kilt-wearing, and my parents and grandparents all really liked it.

Outside of that, however, I got a lot of confused stares, repressed giggles, "honey-look-at-that-man-in-a-skirt"s, semi-rude comments from my brother's new girlfriend, etc, and I suddenly remembered how uptight San Diego is about a lot of things (despite their reputation for a laid-back culture). I know it's not nearly as unfriendly to kiltwearing as some spots in the U.S., but I was, I confess, a little surprised. I noticed the stares were less friendly when I was alone, and seemed a little more curious and interested when I was walking around with a lady.

I was so glad to get back to Oregon, where I get compliments and high-fives regularly. For example, right after I got back to Oregon, I was at the grocery store, and a young lady was heading down the aisle towards me. She looked nervous, so I smiled at her, which she was apparently waiting for me to do, and she gushed, "I love the kilt!"

Seems like the farther north up the west coast I go, the more acceptingly and positively people react to kilt wearing. At this rate, Vancouver must be a kilt wearer's heaven, and I can't wait till this September's kilt night to experience a bit of it with all you fellas up there.

**bear** · 20th August 04, 02:42 AM

Zeytoun,
I love the gushers, the way they get all embarrased and flustered. It's as if they don't want to tell you but they get so visibly worked up, they just can't help gushing about how much they love a man in a kilt.
I used to have that effect on some women when I was in my prime. Sadly, I got older and if it wasn't for my kilts, that effect would be lost to me.

September's Kilts Night is looking to be great. I've had guys come from all over to meet me and see my kilts or get fitted but this Kilts Night will be special because of the individuals that are coming and the number of them.
I can't wait to hoist a few with you, in particular. I've just sense we are somehow kindred spirits. It's probably a shared sense of humour. I think we'll be good friends by the end of the evening.
This will be one for the ages!

**Graham** · 20th August 04, 02:59 AM

Glad you shared that, but how is it "off topic"? I would have thought your post was very much ON the topic of kilts - good reading tho' wherever you place it!

**Hamish** · 20th August 04, 03:08 AM

Originally Posted by bear@bearkilts.com

Zeytoun,
.................................................. ......................................

September's Kilts Night is looking to be great. I've had guys come from all over to meet me and see my kilts or get fitted but this Kilts Night will be special because of the individuals that are coming and the number of them.
I can't wait to hoist a few with you, in particular. I've just sense we are somehow kindred spirits. It's probably a shared sense of humour. I think we'll be good friends by the end of the evening.
This will be one for the ages!

Ah, but what about NEXT year's September Kilts Night, Bear?

That surely will be a Classic to beat all Classics. No?

There is now a chance that Dave W. (who toured the USA with me last year) will be with me next year in Vancouver, but I think it will depend upon the dates and length of stay still, of course, to be decided.

**bear** · 20th August 04, 03:43 AM

Originally Posted by Hamish

Originally Posted by bear@bearkilts.com

Zeytoun,
.................................................. ......................................

September's Kilts Night is looking to be great. I've had guys come from all over to meet me and see my kilts or get fitted but this Kilts Night will be special because of the individuals that are coming and the number of them.
I can't wait to hoist a few with you, in particular. I've just sense we are somehow kindred spirits. It's probably a shared sense of humour. I think we'll be good friends by the end of the evening.
This will be one for the ages!

Ah, but what about NEXT year's September Kilts Night, Bear?

That surely will be a Classic to beat all Classics. No?

There is now a chance that Dave W. (who toured the USA with me last year) will be with me next year in Vancouver, but I think it will depend upon the dates and length of stay still, of course, to be decided.

August 6th, 2005 will probably be The Kilts Night to go down in history as the best of all time.
It would be great if Dave W. could come with you!
We're still planning on the first 2 weeks in August for the gathering, so we get all we will plan and Kilts Night, too!

(But this coming Kilts Night is close and I am anticipating it eagerly!)

**Colin** · 20th August 04, 09:18 AM

I will unfortunately not be able to make September's kilt night (oh, how I miss kilt nights), as My family has a wedding on an Island just off the coast of Vancouver. I will be there in spirit, but will miss meeting you zeyton, and bikercelt. I know you guys will have a blast, and that Bear will show you a great time.

Hamish, Next years kilt night will be one to set a new standard to from that point on. Really looking forward to it. We'll try and get some Pike's Kilt Lifter up here for you by then.

**Hamish** · 20th August 04, 09:31 AM

Originally Posted by bear@bearkilts.com

August 6th, 2005 will probably be The Kilts Night to go down in history as the best of all time.
It would be great if Dave W. could come with you!
We're still planning on the first 2 weeks in August for the gathering, so we get all we will plan and Kilts Night, too!

August? August, Bear? I have set September 2005 aside for my travels! Oh well, I'll just have to reschedule - not that anything has been carved in stone!!!

(But this coming Kilts Night is close and I am anticipating it eagerly!)

I had no intention of stealing any thunder from THIS September's Kilts Night with my comments, believe me. I imagine you'll be treating it as a Dress Rehearsal for next year's August event

**Hamish** · 20th August 04, 09:37 AM

Originally Posted by Colin

.................................................. ................................
Hamish, Next years kilt night will be one to set a new standard to from that point on. Really looking forward to it. We'll try and get some Pike's Kilt Lifter up here for you by then.

That's a very kind thought, Colin, one that's much appreciated. However, I intend spending a few days down in Seattle (with my Utilikilts' pals) whilst I am in Vancouver, so I will be able to 'tank up' then!

Looking forward to meeting you all in the flesh (if you'll pardon the expression!)

**Colin** · 20th August 04, 09:41 AM

Great, than you can bring some up for us!

just kidding.

**Andrew** · 20th August 04, 11:19 AM

[quote="Colin"]I know you guys will have a blast, and that Bear will show you a great time.

quote]

Well all this talk about the September Kilt Night and not a mention of little old me!

I know Bear will show everyone coming out a good time and I will be there rigth with him to do so. I plan on being out in full force that evening, so it should make for a fun, if not funny time! I will be trying to get everyone I know out for this night. I know little Heather is going to be there and she can drink most of you Lads under the table so watch out for her.
Bear what time are you planning on getting down to the pub, as I will try and arrive around the same time to secure our seating.