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Published: September 2nd 2007
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It was another exciting week here in Scotland. I’m adjusting to the nuances of the Scottish education system and was more comfortable this week than the last. At this point I think that’s all you can ask for. We had a “Meet the Teacher” night this week and I had the opportunity to meet some of the parents. On Friday I was excused from school to attend a meeting in Edinburgh with all the other exchange teachers in the country. These were not just Fulbright exchanges, but other exchange organizations as well. It was nice to be with a group of people who are in the same boat as me and share experiences.
Friday night we went to dinner with two other couples that Elizabeth has been spending time with. We had a great time and enjoyed one another’s company. Stuart works for Glengoyne Whiskey distillery and he won a friend for life when he presented me a 17-year-old bottle of single malt. I’ve always enjoyed the taste of whiskey, but never have I tasted whiskey as smooth as the MANY samples I was provided. If I could remember all the things he told me about the flavors, maturation process
and filtering I’d be much more knowledgeable about my spirits. I’ll have to ask for a second lesson.
Saturday we headed up to the Braemar Highland Games. The grand finale of the Games season, the Braemar Gathering, is the biggest and most prestigious Scottish Highland Games event. Queen Elizabeth II is Patron of the Braemar Gathering, which not only attracts a great crowd but also enjoys annual attendance from the Royal Family. Steeped in tradition, the Highland Games date back more than 1000 years when locals showcased their men’s physical prowess. The events, many of which I attached videos of, include the weight toss (56 pounds), the caber toss, the hammer throw, tug of war, running events (up a mountain and down again), Scottish dancing, piping and drum majors (the conductor of a pipe band) tossing their mace over a bar and catching it in stride. All in all, it was a day full of manliness, grunting, beer drinking and bagpipes that I feel fortunate to have experienced.
I can’t fail to mention that the Queen was in attendance and that the crowd erupted into God Save the Queen as she was driven to her seat. Camille could
not understand why she could not go sit with her. After numerous attempts at explaining that the Queen was not interested in sitting with us common folk, we gave up. She still is perplexed by the whole situation; perhaps we will invite her over for tea one day.
I should also mention that the area of the country that these games took place was stunning. It was a three-hour drive from the house and the whole ride was beautiful. The heather was blooming and many of the mountains were completely purple. The area is known as the Cairngorms.
Tonight we will be heading out to dinner with Joanna’s parents. We are going to a traditional Scottish restaurant. If it’s anything like my traditional Scottish breakfast, it will be delicious and coronary blocking.
Finally, I have to mention that I sat through my first soccer game in its entirety. It was excellent. It was the Glasgow Celtics taking on the Spartaks from Moscow. The match was worth 10 million pounds and the winner went on to the UEFA Champions League. Regulation ended 1-1, and then onto extra time, then penalty kicks. Celtics ended up winning and now everyone
around here is very excited, except for the Rangers fans. I’ve tried to attach video of the excitement, but if it didn’t work, go to you tube and search Celtic - Spartak 1:1 Compilation of the match.
Go Ducks! I was happy to see they were victorious last night. I found a bar in Glasgow that is playing the game next Saturday. I wish I could be home watching it with the boys Oregon style.
Let me know if the videos don’t play for you, I can email them to you if you’re interested.
As always, having fun and missing you all at the same time.
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anonymous
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Great videos, Timmy, and the YouTube Celtics Football video came through fine. What a truly inspirational soundtrack. Did you go to the game? We had a band of merry prankster (jeff, chris,gino. kevin, myself) attend the Ducks victory yesterday, lots of fun, but not the same with out you. I am going to start training for the caber toss this week to make my Braemar Highland Games debut next year. I'm practicing with a broomstick today to work my way up gradually. Take care and keep up the awesome blogging! Hank "The Caber Man" Fien