Edinburgh: Parade
Brooke Privett
Today was the day of the official cavalcade parade for the Tattoo, and boy was it fun! It was estimated that there were 100,000 people in attendance, and once again, they loved us. We really boogied down during the parade! Once again, my picture is probably on many random people’s cameras.
When we got back, it was time for me to finally do some laundry!! I also got to talk to Mom and Dad today on Skype, which is always fun! Skype is pretty nifty because it keeps me from getting homesick since I actually get to see them through webcam. It is also free, and I strongly recommend it to anyone who will be traveling out of the country and need a way to communicate.
I went out tonight to a pub called the “Jolly Judge” with several of my friends and discovered a new drink that I believe should become popular in the states. First let me explain myself: Scotland really only has room temperature water to drink. If you want anything cold, it either has to be a soda (which is extremely carbonated here, and I dislike that very much) or a cold beer. I can’t stand beer! One of my friends offered to buy us all a round of drinks. I asked the bartender if they did any type of mixed drinks, and she said “Not really, but have you ever had a Chandey?” I said no and she told me that it is a light beer mixed with Sprite. She let me try it first, and it was AMAZING! Now remember, I detest beer, but this was the most refreshing drink I have ever had! I am bound and determined to make this drink popular in the U.S.!
As we were talking, some Scots walked up and began talking to us. It just so happens that they are the bomb detectors who ride the buses with us to the castle! They are from southern Scotland and are incredibly hard to understand! One of them, Alexander, was trying to ask me a question and I finally had to say “Slow down and complete all of your words.” It turns out that he was trying to tell me that we should feel honored to be a part of the Tattoo because one of the items on the “International Things to See Before You Die” list is to see the Edinburgh Tattoo. It is amazing to me how the English language can be used so differently! After a great time hanging out, we realized we needed to get back due to the 12:00 curfew, but I needed to get back because guess who has a 9:00 tee time in the morning!?