Cheerio Dear Tim, Elizabeth and Camille, I will try to avoid adding too much sentimental pish. Here is what I have learnt in the past
year.
1. You are great folk with a splendid wee girl
2. You all like to party (not generally used as a verb in Scotland but 'hands across the water' and all that)
3. Not everybody in US are gun-wielding, fundamentalist crazies
4. Why weren't you fat? When I first heard you were coming over I was hoping to stand in your shadow and feel good about myself. You selfish bastards.
5. Americans can readily adapt to traditional Scottish culture. Tim rather quickly -
i. abandonded his family to live in pubs
ii. Got into football (no, it is bloody not called soccer) in a big way.
iii. Became obsessed with Celtic Football Club, known locally as "them", "the pigs" or another word of a broadly similar length to "celts"
iv. Starting eating anything we put in front of him, most recently resorting to what we told him was deep fried haggis. It wasn't, but that dog must have been relieved to get that out of its system.
6. When our neighbours tell you that we are swingers you believe them. We are not, but if we were you'd both be getting it - ands thats just from me.
7. You all now secretly use the C-word more than you used to.
8. Your friends from back home that we met are a bunch of big, boozin', bingen' bastards, much like what we are used to here.
9. Elizabeth can fairly run. If you stayed be you'd probably be representing us in the Olympics
10. You have opened our eyes to the 5 best things about Scotland. Let us know if they are the wrong order Elizabeth -
i. the 5 a day policy on fruit and veg
ii. free health care for all
iii. nursery places for all kids
iv. in Scotland only folk under 4'11' are technically midgets
v. the electric lawnmower
11. I'll miss you all a lot and will come over for a family binge, probably with the McManus' in tow
12. Thanks for not pointing out to Gerry that his surname contains the word 'anus'. You are truly good people.
[Wendy] Finally the Hendry Family would like to say how much we will miss you all. Not only have you learned a lot about Scotland and the Scots, equally we have learned so much from the three of you. You will leave a great big hole in our hearts (thought I would add the sentimental pish) that will be hard to fill.
Safe journey home. Be assured that the Scots will invade your home at the earliest opportunity.
All our love.
Stuart, Wendy and Alex X
Did you notice the smell Tim? Hey Tim, you forgot to mention just how bad "the piggery" smells. Most of these folk arent house trained.
They stole the song from Liverpool FC who sang it first after a hit by Liverpudlian band Gerry and Pacemakers. Liverpool sing it louder, better and without the accompanying stench.
Come on Rangers!!!! The song they are singing that includes the lyrics "walk on" is 'You'll Never Walk Alone'. It has been recorded by everyone from Elvis P to Frank Sinatra and was performed by Doris Day in Carousel. It was adopted as a football song by Celtic and Liverpool after Gerry and the Pacemakers recorded it. Pass on my best wishes to Wendy and Stuart! Hope all is well! :)
The futbol song/chant "walk on" on your last video is sampled in the Pink Floyd Song "Fearless." You should listen to their song cause it's clearly from a futbol game. I wonder if it's from a Celtics match?
forgot to add... Tim, I could be thinking of someone else, but don't you already have a flask that has that engraved on it? Seriously, how many do you really need?
Viva Espana!! Oh man, I loved reading about your trip to Spain and the pictures are awesome... if you guys do spend a summer in Sevilla, I will have to come visit you : ) I have to say that the pictures of the big ole slab of jamon took me right back... that was one thing I was never really down with, but who am I, the Spaniards all seemed to love it! Wish I could have joined you for a drink @ the plaza mayor. And Camille is freakin adorable. I love her flamenco dancing and I am amazed that you were able to take those videos without cracking up in the background... she is so great!!!!!
The Sun The best thing about the sun returning to Scotland is that its closer to the return of the Broadbents. what a wonderful trip it must have been. The Gianfortis
Camille is a futball star! What great pictures and videos! I wish I could have sat on a stool at the barn with you and stuart and jerry! Have the celtics and rangers played yet?
missing y'all,
hf
Giants Oh to be a kid again!
Tim, it was great to here your voice, thanks for the message
We saw the pictures of your trip with the crew and are sorry we were not there to enjoy the good times. Hello E. and C. we miss you all
The Gianforti's
Another Brick in the Wall Tim, It's a shame we didn't capture Camille pushing the pram into the brick wall on top of the museum in Edinburgh. I'm beginning to wonder what is actually going on in Bearsden. Another note for my little black book -hmm???
chris
I beg to differ with Blake too, Tim, but you know what... the road of want leaves a lot to be desired as well. There's got to be a happy medium somewhere. Thanks for the blog. I shared it with Hank and Krista's Grandmom. GF
chris' mom loved seeing all of you.the pix are amazing. continue living this incredible experience in good health. glad you could all regroup and re-energize from seeing each other. love to you and special hugs to camille. love the widjeskogs
I miss you too Timmy!!! That looks like a classy place, Gino's. Italy looks amazing. I could only imagine what all that food must smell like. One day I'll mae it big to the mother country.
That stunning blonde in the window looks very familiar!!! Reminds me of a scene in the ACDC video, Shook me all night long.
Enjoy!!!
Gino
Golf Heather and I played a PGA course in South Carolina this week. I was 77 over par and Heather was 74!! I definetly got my money's worth. Don't feel too bad.
Wow! Wales looked absolutely beautiful! And seeing pictures of England...made me miss it so much! I love reading these (Tim your humor is hilarious!) and being able to see Camille...what a trooper she is! We miss you guys....keep these updates coming!
All is Well Things are going well here in Scotland. I don't have any trouble understanding the kids. They do use different words for things than we do, but I'm already used to that. My favorite thing was archery. I liked it so much I may start taking classes soon. Hope you are all doing well. Go Ducks!!
How is it in Scotland We liked your video of the kids in the mud. We are having a great time here in the USA. Are you having a good time?Do you understand all the kids words? What was your favorite thing at the Outdoor week?
MacGregors Tower? Hi, At least you didn't make the usual mistake and call it a folly!
It's actually MacCaigs Tower (http://www.obanargyll.com/mccaigs-tower.html)
Honeymoon suite - lol - cheap and cheerful though by the looks of it.
I'm a local and wouldn't swap living here for anywhere else.
Interesting blog. Cheers.
Outdoor school this week! Joanna,
I'm off to Castle Toward with the kids. I don't know what to expect besides little sleep! Have a good first full week with the kids.
Tim
Hi, Chad emailed us all your blogging site so I thought I would catch a glimpse of my homeland. When reading your blog the mention of "driving rain and gusting winds" had me forcing back the tears of longing for such conditions (not). I was reassured by the fact you have encountered one of the many Scottish cultural traits. Some say,"A true Scotsman wears nothing under his kilt!" actually .... he never refuses a drink!
We are a family of three from Eugene, Oregon on a year long adventure. I am on a teaching exchange for one year in Glasgow, Scotland. It is my hope that through this web site, friends and family will have a sense of our experience. ... full info
Chris and Nikki
Chris
Absolutely amazing picture!