The flight left a little late--baggage issues apparently. The seats were quiet comfy, and I had a nice guy next to me who’d been upgraded from Coach and was quite happy about it. I managed to sleep for about 4 hours or so, despite the fact that it was freezing and I had to ask for an extra blanket. I woke up in time for breakfast. Some cheese and mystery meat--no thanks! But the croissant and yogurt were good.
We landed about 1010, nearly on time. My bag was one of the first 10 to come out! I changed some money, and grabbed a taxi to the hotel. The driver was very nice.and we chatted all the way into town. At that point, we had a bit of a communications breakdown, entirely my fault. The fare was 19 pounds and change, and I tried to give him two 20 pound notes (looking to get some change for a tip). He said, “no, just one”, and in my confusion, which I can’t imagine what I was thinking, I took back the second 20 and left him with the change. A tip of about 30 pence on a nearly 20 pound fare. Once I thought about it, of course, I was mortified, and wished so much I could go back and find him to set it right.
I checked into the hotel and was delighted to find my room ready, even though it was only a bit past 1100, and checkin isn’t until 1400. I went up to my room, expecting something tiny, since I had requested a single room. Well, my room is huge! King sized bed, sitting area, enormous bathroom…what IS it with me and great hotel rooms lately?? My bags came up quickly, and I DID tip the bellman. I changed into my kilt and headed for Holyrood Park, site of The Gathering. 125 clans had assembled, the largest such gathering since 1822. It was a long walk to the park, much of it downhill. There were bagpipes playing, and kilts everywhere, in every style and type. Long, short, formal, casual. I even saw one guy in a kilt with a NY Yankees Tshirt!
I checked the Clan Village first, and was disappointed (but not surprised) to find that there was not a Johnston tent. (I had spoken with the Lady Johnstone and was told that the clan was not sending an official delegation, therefore no tent.) I found a large tent offering afternoon tea, so that was my lunch. It was quite yummy, but far too much food for me. The tea was great though, and the caffeine gave me a needed boost.
Following tea, I wandered through the various exhibits. I met some Johnstons from England who were very nice. I kept running into them all afternoon! In the geneology exhibit, I located the John Johnstone who left Scotland in the 1680s for America--this guy is on my family tree!! The lines for everything were long, especially for food. I was glad I’d had my tea with no waiting. I did stand in line for a Tshirt for myself--”I’m Going Home…The Gathering 2009”.
I hiked back up the hill heading back to the hotel, stopping along the way to get postcards for the kids. I found a set of kids bagpipes for Danny, and a kilt for Laura. Back at the room, I had thought to lay down and rest awhile, but was far too excited. So, I unpacked and rested my feet for a bit before heading out to get some dinner. I found a coffee shop near the hotel with some nice paninis, and that suited me just fine.
I decided I would be doing plenty more walking, so I took a taxi back down to the park. Ironically, I ended up giving the driver the wrong coin (I swear I will NEVER figure out the money here), so he got a GREAT tip! I sat and did some people watching while waiting for the parade lineup. Everyone was so friendly, and quite a few people just started up conversations with me as I sat there.
Finally it was time to line up for the parade. I located the Johnston banner, along with exactly FOUR Johnston/es. Not a great representation, but we made up for it in enthusiasm. Each group of 1000 people was led by a pipe band. The parade was great fun, and I was amazed at the huge crowds all along the way. People were hanging out windows watching! And it seemed nearly everyone was cheering for the Johnstons! We did accumulate a larger group--by the time we reached the castle at the top of the Royal Mile, we were a group of 15 or 16.
Following the mile-long hike up the hill, I headed into the Esplanade to find my seat for the pageant. The seats were VERY tight, with NO legroom. Thankfully, I had an aisle seat. And I was in a great location as well, in a row of Johnstons, all of whom happily chatted with me as we waited for the show to begin.
The pageant was nice, but sort of weird. I guess it’s an artsy thing--you have to see the symbolism. At the end, all of the pipe bands marched out together playing ‘Scotland The Brave’. I got chills from that which had nothing to do with the cold air’ (I was chilly despite a sweater, a jacket, AND a trench coat!) It made me proud to be a Scot.
I made my way back down the hill along with the rest of the mob, stopping for a blueberry muffin for a late night snack. I returned to the hotel about 2330, completely worn out. By midnight I was ready for bed, hoping I would not be awakened by leg cramps from all the walking I had done.
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