The big day is upon us. New Years Eve in Edinburgh, Scotland. The famous Hogmanay which for us is a once in a lifetime opportunity. To be honest, I can't believe that we are here.
So wait for it.......
wait for it......
Voila!!!!
I bought a traditional Scottish kilt (The MacPherson clan colours of course) to wear for the evening. I love it so much, and it is so warm, that I will be wearing it many times in Edinburgh.
I couldn't decide between my black sweater with it, or red.
I think red rocks it!!!
Ok...so my outfit is picked out and laid on the bed to wear. We slept in to actually be able to stay awake until after midnight tonight. But now we must get food into us to sustain us for all the dancing we will do.
Hmmmm, what to have?
Haggis with Neeps and Tatties of course. (Turnips and potatoes)
Our host was a bit under the weather so our fellow travellers who are staying here jumped in and saved the day. Bella, from Australia and Amelia, from New Zealand cooked a delicious dinner.
The Haggis, is a savoury pudding containing sheep's pluck (heart, liver and lungs) with minced onions, oatmeal, suet, spices, mixed with stock and traditionally encased in the animal's stomach. Simmered (or baked) for approximately three hours. Served with a glass of Scotch whiskey.
I can't wait to try some?
The Haggis!!!
Our New Years Eve dinner with our new peeps.
Left to right,
Bella, Harry, and Numa (from Australia) and our host Anne (Scottish), and Dennis (Germany).
We were hesitant but determined to try it. To our grateful surprise it was delicious. To us it tasted like minced hamburger with spices. Very good. I will have it again.
Now to make the plan. I had purchased our tickets for Hogmanay from Canada many months ago. Thank goodness because the Keilidh Dancing Venue was sold out.
There were different types of tickets. One for the Street Party on Princes Street. As well as a Concert in the Gardens featuring the headliners 'The Pet Shop Boys.'
The Scottish Keilidh, usually spelled Ceilidh, and pronounce 'Kay-lee,' is the Gaelic word to 'visit.'
A non-competative, casual and relaxed version of Scottish country dancing. The main purpose of it is the enjoyment of the dance.
Similar to our 'square dancing' or 'barn dancing' is has become increasingly popular with young people over the last 20 years. The ceilidh dances are either with one partner (a couple) or in a group of 6-8.
Arriving early as we often do, the venue is all lit up and a perfect location right off Princes Street.
No one here yet? I am ready to dance.
And cue the band! We are ready to go.
I was not the only one in my kilt.....there were many men and women, and they looked amazing....my kin so to speak.
I don't believe the hat is Scottish but it is representative of the curious cows here....The Highland Cattle.
For the most part, the crowd was, as a whole, novice Ceilidh dancers. We all learned together and that is what this gathering is all about. Everyone was dancing. Some onlookers and seaters but most were laughing and having a great time.
Very little down time between musical groups and the songs were very long. Which translates that by the end of the song we either had the steps down pat or we went to get a drink to cool down.
Random fireworks on both sides of us where seen by all. Every hour they would set off about 10 good booms. But at midnight......stay tuned.
At this point the clock is starting to count down. Sparklers started to show up amongst the crowd. We were crunched together like sardines but the anticipation was crazy.
Can you find the Canucks in the crowd below?
Remember that picture of an empty dance area? Well this is what it was like all night.
A Sold out full house.
Everyone was having fun dancing and laughing. Deb and I met so many people during the night, by joining groups for the multi-couples dances, and enjoying ourselves so much that I actually had a headache from laughing. At one point, in that massive crowd, our dancing group of 8 was going in and out (under peoples outstretched arms) that myself and a gentlemen got separated from our group. All of a sudden, Debbie grabbed me and brought me back. Thank goodness for Debbie keeping an eye on me.
5, 4, 3, 2, 1, ......HAPPY NEW YEARS!!!!!
The fireworks were spectacular. They were set off in the direction of the Edinburgh Castle. As well, behind us, at Calton Hill. Surround sound fireworks!!!!
Having been big girls, staying up late, we had to now make our way through the crowds on Princes Street to get to the buses to take us home.
They expected between 80,000-100,000 people to attend this year.
Yup I would say that is a good estimate.
The Vikings arrived late for the Ceilidh.....oops.
No dancing for you...
Still making our way home, we had time for a self-timed photo on a quiet spot on the street. Bundled up because we thought it would be chilly like Winterlude in Ottawa, it was a beautiful mild night.
Happy New Years to all.
Love from Deb and myself.
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