10 Things I learned at the Scottish Festival

Tonight the Omahecks ventured south to Thanksgiving Point and the Scottish Festival and Highland Games. Not knowing completely what to expect, I have to say that we learned quite a bit: primarily that we need to be better about carrying a camera with us. Sorry, no photos.

Learning Points:
1) Haggis (at least what they serve at the Heritage Foods trailer) isn't too bad. In fact, Tate is a real fan.

2) Pipe and Drum bands are very cool.

3) The concept of belonging to a "clan" is really appealing. Maybe that's why I flaunt my Batesville roots. Being from Batesville is like being in a clan.

4) Traditions for the sake of tradition has its place (it's generally called kitch).

5) Traditions that bonds those otherwise unconnected is powerful.

6) Traditions that can generate a profit: wicked awesome!

7) 6'9" is freakishly tall. We saw Cyndie's HS classmate and our college friend Kenneth Roberts at the show and even from a distance he's just still really long.

8) The origin of the word "tattoo" comes from a Dutch phrase for "shut off the tap." When the English military bands played the "tattoo", the bar tenders would stop serving drinks and send the soldiers back to barracks. Any guesses where the other usage of "tattoo" comes from?

9) The more swords and weapons, the cooler the tent.

10) There is a special place in Heaven for a guy who dresses in medeival armor and spends an entire evening fighting an incessant line of children. Accosted by pygmys armed with shields and foam swords, he also puts on a good show and lets the children win. Every time.