The Devil's Kitchen takes a look at Scotland the Brave, in light of the recent attack on a young child in Scotland simply because the adult and child were wearing England shirts in Scotland.
It's interesting to me not only because of my heritage, (Scottish, Irish, Welsh, Cornish, and one French guy that we never mention...) but because I'm about to be completely immersed in a culture and history I'm not all that familiar with.
I sometimes wonder how people will react to the Royal Marine Commando and his outspoken American wife. I don't believe the British, as a whole, view their miliary with as much respect as we do. Then you throw me in the mix. I just wonder. I've actually had email converstions with The Devil about this exact thing, it was very helpful (thanks again!).
In all the time I've spent in England and Ireland, I've never been treated with anything but caring (except for that one guy that ran into me in the London underground and didn't say he was sorry... he was mean). I can't imagine it being any other way living there. I'm optimistic.
There are reasons why your ancesters immigrated, and they don't include because Scotland was a wonderful land full of opportunity and wonderful people.
Posted by: the big mamoo | June 23, 2006 at 11:57 AM
"There are reasons why your ancesters immigrated, and they don't include because Scotland was a wonderful land full of opportunity and wonderful people."
Everyone seems to be an expert on how awful Scotland and us Scots are nowadays.
Mind you, much of Scotland is pretty awful and there are plenty of awful people here, but what country can claim to be different?
Posted by: BB | July 07, 2006 at 02:12 AM
These days, everyone's an expert on everything, right. :o)
I'd venture to say that Mamoo's tone wasn't dreary, more joking, as that saying is somewhat commonly heard in the States regarding any culture.
My fiance's mother is Scottish and his father English and they like to tease each other. I hadn't really noticed (I know my history a little, but hadn't noticed recently) the hateful feelings between the Scots and the English until all of the World Cup news.
I'm actually going to visit Scotland (to meet the mom's family, my new family) on my visit next month. I'm really excited, can't wait to see Scotland with someone who knows it!!
Any tips on what I should see or do?
Posted by: Kath | July 07, 2006 at 08:01 AM
Re the hateful feelings between us and the English. Thats a puzzling one. I'd like to say that it's all a media creation, thats been whipped into a frenzy because of the World Cup, but I'm not so sure now.
I know plenty of people who say some really stupid things about England, but then I know plenty of people who don't. Like I say, puzzling. A bit disturbing too.
Re Scotland - it depends. Where are you going and how long will you be here?
Very briefly - Edinburgh. It pains me to say it, as I'm from Glasgow, but Edinburgh is a great city.
Historic, beautiful and a great place for a night out.
Glasgow - I hear they've done great things with it! Though last time I was in the city centre, it was a shoppers paradise. A good place for a night out too, as theres approximately 750000 pubs in the city centre alone.
Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery in the west end has just reopened, which is a great place to visit, even if you aren't into museums.
If you like your Whisky, try and take in a distillery tour. Theres one near me, Auchentoshan, that does an excellent tour.
A visit to Loch Lomond/the Highlands etc would be essential, as the scenery really is something else.
On the way to Loch Lomond, if you take a slight detour, you can drive past Faslane and give the Marines on the base a wee wave!
Posted by: BB | July 07, 2006 at 08:48 AM
After writing this, I'd asked Royal if he'd ever been treated badly while in Scotland - even though he is half Scottish, he was brought up in England and has the English accent. He said no, not really, just the occasional "bloody English bastards" from drunk people at pubs a couple of times. It's nice to hear from someone with a Scottish point of view that doesn't feel that way.
WOW! Thanks! I think we're going for about 3 - 5 days, not sure where though. But I'll certainly be bringing up your list! I would love to see Loch Lomond, I've heard about that before... you've given me much to research! Definitely let me know if you'd ever like to know what to see in Texas :o)
Posted by: Kath | July 07, 2006 at 09:18 AM
If I ever make it to Texas, all I'll need to be a happy man is a good bar and a friendly gun club or shooting range that will take pity on me and show me how to shoot.
I am a simple creature.
Posted by: BB | July 07, 2006 at 09:40 AM
Ah, most men are - teasin'.
I could definitely arrange both for you, heck, I'll show you how to shoot, unless you don't wanna be taught by a girl...
Posted by: Kath | July 07, 2006 at 09:42 AM
How could I refuse such a gracious offer. Specially as you know at least 100% more about shooting than I do!
Posted by: BB | July 07, 2006 at 03:18 PM