I hope my creative writing skills are up to the task. Believe it or not, finding internet access has not been as readily available as we expected. We spoke of bringing along a notbook but decided against it. Lesson learned, - - wireless access seems to be everywhere. Actually this entry is being made on Monday, April 10, because of the availability of access. One issue is I finally found an English keyboard. I tried a couple times earlier when I had access but the Turkish keyboard, set to English, would revert back to Turkish and create a bunch of gibberish. Must be the real meaning of computer power. I also forgot to bring along on this portion of the roadtrip, (Selchuk, Istanbul, Safron Bolu, Ankara, Toz Golu, Uchisar, and Goeme) the card reader to upload ... read more

After Pitlochry on the 15th the kids had a sleep in day on the 16th. After 3 days of performances, . . . .the Worlds, Perth, and Pitlochry, they were a tired bunch of kids deserving a sleep in and a couple days off. So the 16th - 18th and most of the 19th have been “days off”. On the morning of the 16th it seemed like people scattered like leaves going in many different directions. Some went on extended 3 day junkets while others were taking a number of shorter one day trips such as the Edinburgh Military Tatoo, visits with relatives, or just plain trips of exploration. Sorry about the photos, I'll have to learn how to correct the orientation. On the 17th Robb and I made our way to the Stirling train station ... read more

I found the photos ! The previous entry. ... read more

Today is August 12th, the day before the World Pipe Band Championships at Glasgow Green in Glasgow. I heard a rumour today that there are 269 bands competing. By 11:50AM the kids will have completed their performance and will then have the long wait till between 6:00PM and 7:30PM when results are announced. It is somewhat calm, quiet and subdued around the residence tonight. So now for what happened on August 11th. One mustn't be over optimistic but the kids had a band practice from 9:45 - 11:00AM and they were sounding AWESOME !!!. They had a big strong sound with powerful tone and I think they sounded better than the SFU Grade 1 Band which practiced right after them. (But what do I know ??) Anyhow, I think if they don't blow the competition off ... read more

Today we started with a cake walk. Well actually the search for a cake for the kids on their return from the Worlds in Glasgow on Saturday. So Doug and I are sent to research the local bakeries and report back to "those who must be obeyed" or as they are becoming referred to here as "the Queens". The Bridge of Allan has only two bakeries so the task was within the grasp of a couple older guys. But first we had to fill and order from one Queen to pick up 4 scotch pies from a small strore called Mathiesons. They are a small bakery selling some breads, rolls, desserts, sandwiches, and pies. That task completed we made our way to the bakery their highnesses had directed us to. A similar bakery to Mathiesons staffed ... read more