The military tattoo (100)

As I mentioned in my last blog we were very lucky to obtain three tickets to the military tattoo. We were going to use this opportunity to learn how to take the bus into Edinburgh, however, about two hours before we were going to leave my mentor, Brian, returned my call and offered to pick us up with his family to meet us and bring us home after the tattoo. After trying to refuse ten times, we said yes. Everyone here is SOOOOO nice. Brian and his family were wonderful and they dropped us off at the foot of the castle. Since Brian picked us up we had more time at the house and were able to see the horse races. Yes this picture of the races is from the window of our living room. We have a racetrack right across the street. Chris said sometimes they have people over and use the light post as a finish line for betting. Mr. Peronto would be right at home. :) After we were dropped off we went up to the tattoo. It was lightly raining and would rain for the entire evening. Brian's family, however, brought extra raincoats and blankets for us to use, so we were not as wet as a lot of people at the end of the night. The tattoo, however, was so unbelieveable you did not even notice the rain. All of my former students who were marching band members and especially those that went on to be in college marching bands this was the ultimate band concert of all time. Beside the unbelieveable marching, music and dancing the constant backdrop was the 1000 year old Edinburgh castle, which made for an almost fairy talesque feeling. I am going to include a number of photos, also at the bottom for those interested. I am also going to try and include some video so that you can get a feel for the entire evening. I would strongly suggest that anyone who can should try to come to this life experience. Before the evening began the annoucer went around and named over 35 countries that had people in the audience and the bands were from India, Singapore, New Zealand, Norway, Thailand and many other countries. There was even an American college Southwest Missouri State. My former students in marching band, you should tell your band directors to apply. Maybe they would accept a high school band Mr. Bailey. There were numerous high school groups from the United States in the audience, an idea for a future trip Mr. Drzonek. This show was also taped for the BBC and will be enjoyed by 100 million people around the world. If you have comcast cable, check it out. Enjoy the videos if they work and wish me luck on my first day of school tomorrow. My exchange partner, Jane, had her first day today and I cannot wait to hear about it. It was also her birthday today so wish her a belated birthday if you see her in the near future. Until next time.

Cheers