Kelvingrove Park in the Summertime

Dearest Readers,

There’s something wonderful about Kelvingrove Park in the summertime. First, there’s all the animals and flowers that just aren’t around during the winter. It makes the park absolutely beautiful.

However, the wonderful thing I’m thinking of has to do with the Kelvingrove Bandstand. Over the summer, at least on many Fridays and I’m sure at other times, there’s live entertainment there.

And sure, you can get a ticket in order to actually see the show with all the lights and such.

The wonderful thing, though, is that you don’t need to get a ticket to enjoy the music. All you have to do is find a place in the park nearby, sit on a bench, and let the music and the cheering wash over you.

I was there on Friday night with a friend. We had a picnic, and then we sat and listened to the music and chatted until the show was over. It was a bit chilly for the summer, but it was also a very fun and relaxing time.

So, if you happen to be in Glasgow over the summer, see what’s happening in Kelvingrove. You might just be able to listen to some decent music last-minute with some takeout to fill your tummy. There are worse ways to spend a night.

Your Bonnie Celtophile,

Dani

St. Andrew’s Highland Games

Dearest Readers,

Today, I finally went to a Highland Games. I decided to head to St. Andrew’s 33rd annual games to watch some people run, throw things, cycle, and dance, and I was not disappointed.

When I arrived, the only event on was the Highland Dancing. Lucky for me, I made it just in time for the sword dance, which was a delight to watch. I especially love the little kids, who are just the cutest while trying to get their feet in the right places. I saw them do other dances throughout the day, as well, like the ones I know as the angry Irishwoman dances and the sailor dance. If you know what those are actually called, feel free to share!

Look at these Highland Dancers being their majestic selves.

The Heavyweights did their best today, but after some decent shows of throwing heavy things, the caber proved too much for the lads. There were no successful attempts. Still, there were a lot of smiles among the men, and that’s the important part.

The runners and cyclists of all ages were focused and ready, and it looked like everyone was having fun no matter what place they came in. Indeed, even in the De’il Take the Hindmost race (the last cycling race, where the person in last every lap drops out until three are left, and those three battle it out for places) people were smiling and cheering. By that point, many people had cleared out, but those remaining were there to support.

I’ll admit, it wasn’t the best Highland Games I’ve ever been to. It rained on us multiple times (ah, Scotland), the number of people made it difficult to see sometimes, and the announcer wasn’t as enthusiastic and dramatic as others I’ve heard.

Even so, it was exactly what a Highland Games is supposed to be: people gathering together to hang out, laugh, have some friendly competition, eat food, and show off their prowess.

It was, in short, quite a lovely day, and I don’t regret the long bus ride to and from St. Andrews in the slightest.

Your Bonnie Celtophile,

Dani

The Blogging Blues

Dearest Readers,

I’ve been gone for a while, and by that I mean I missed posting the last two Sundays (gasp!). I would like to say there are legitimate reasons for this, but really I’ve just gotten a tad lazy outside the time I’m spending working on my dissertation.

It’s also not easy to find things to share when I’m spending my free time largely knitting and watching Netflix, although I do believe I can do better both in blogging and in doing more with my time.

So, I will be back this coming Sunday, and I am going to try to post a couple extra times to make up for what I’ve missed.

I hope life has been treating you all marvelously.

Your Bonnie Celtophile,
Dani