Rick Buys a Kilt

Over the course of the year in Scotland, Rick had talked quite often about buying another kilt, and we had visited many shops and looked at the pricing.  The exchange rate grew ever nastier as we went along, which factored into not getting a kilt, but leaving Scotland without one finally seemed inappropriate, so Rick bit the bullet and decided to buy one, but not just any kilt - a 21st Century Kilt!  Howie Nicholsby comes from a line of kilt makers, but decided to do things a bit differently.  His kilts aren't necessarily traditional as they can include such things as pockets, tend to be made from non-traditional fabrics and tartans (a leather kilt, anyone?), and sit lower on the waist, more like a trouser fit.

Now, when we were thinking of 21st Century Kilts, we assumed that the shop would be very sleek, modern and minimalist, which couldn't have been further from the truth.  It is quite small, stuffed to the rafters with tubs full of scraps of various materials and, in one corner there is a seamstress working away, who turned out to be an angel of sewing, as she was able to whip up Rick's kilt in less than 2 weeks, as we were leaving for Canada that quickly.  Howie is a very colourful character and wonderful to deal with along with his long-suffering but very knowledgeable co-worker Fraser.  Rick chose more of a tweed with a bit of a chevron design, but the crowning glory was the use of the Canadian Tartan (yes, there is such a thing) along the front edge of the kilt, along with 2 strips of a red silk paisley material, which also edges his waistband and pocket tops.  Needless to say, it is a very unique kilt and Rick looks brilliant in it.  Who cares about the cost!  It was worth it.  Oh, and you get an exclusive, really cool kilt pin with every kilt.  Score!!

http://21stcenturykilts.com/
 

The wee shop on Thistle Street.

The shape of the kilt pin that comes with every kilt.

As you can see, it is far removed from sleek and modern, which made it much more comfortable and fun.

Samples everywhere!!

Working away in the corner, she sews all the kilts, and gets Rick's done in record time!

Ready to wear and ready to go.

What would a Scottish kilt shop be without a few bottles of whisky at the ready?

Rick having his final fitting.  Sorry, I don't have any photos of him showing off his kilt, so you will need to ask to see him in person for a viewing.

More of the Emerald Isle

We really felt the need to pay one more visit to Rick's homeland, of sorts, so off Dougal went again to the kennel and off to Northern Ireland we went.  We have visited NI a few times, but have never been on our own to explore, as Rick's cousin, Robert, always kindly offered to show us around.  As he is a very busy man these days, we rented a car at the airport and stayed in a hotel in Carrickfergus, which is to the east of Belfast.  We requested the smallest car they had as we had prior knowledge of just how narrow Irish roads can be.  This time, we explored a bit of Carrickfergus, including the castle that sits very imposingly on the harbour, spent some time in Belfast proper, and were able to meet up with Robert and Eileen for an enjoyable supper with some of their friends.  We took a day to drive up and around the Antrim Coast, which is renowned for its scenic beauty, and it certainly didn't disappoint.  We did branch off the main route to follow a road offering spectacular scenery, only to be engulfed by fog so thick that all we could see was a few feet of road ahead of the car.  A few times we did spot a sheep, so we knew there was at least some land between us and the sea.  Fortunately, the fog didn't continue once we were off that road, but we will just have to take their word for it about  its beauty.  What we did notice was that, as NI prepared for marching season, July 12th, there were more obvious signs about advocating either a republican or unionist stand.  We can't say that this overt display made us totally comfortable.  Still, it was an interesting experience.

One thing we were excited about was that the Tall Ships were visiting Belfast and that where we were staying was a great viewpoint to see them leaving in full sail.  As you will see below, our 3 hour wait left a bit to be desired!  The Red Arrows air team did a fantastic display however!

Eventually, we caught a train down to Dublin, our favourite place.  After checking into "our" hotel, we entertained ourselves by just wandering about, which is what we enjoy most.  We did take a train down to Bray, Greystones, and Dalkey, where we would live if we had enough money, which we don't!  Sigh.  As we have shown you Dublin before, we just have a few shots of some things we found interesting, as we always seem to find odd things wherever we are.

All in all, it was a lovely time spent in Ireland, which we will miss visiting as easily as the year allowed us.

The imposing Carrickfergus Castle, built in Norman times.  It is one of the best preserved medieval structures in Ireland.

Inside the castle.

One of the upper rooms.  Notice the thickness of the walls, which may be why it withstood so many seiges in its history.  We assume that the games are not original.

You know it is a bad day when your armour needs a pee!

Speaking of which, the facilities at the castle leave a bit to be desired.

Beautiful downtown Carrickfergus, as viewed from the castle.

This shows you how close we were staying to the castle, as our hotel is in the center of this photo.  It is also near Robert's yacht club where we had our very first taste of Guinness oh so many years ago.  We actually had glasses rather than pints, which we now refer to as starter Guinnesses.

Looking east, the direction you drive to eventually get to Robert and Eileen's house.

The castle by night.

After our journey through the fog, we were pleased to be bathed in sunlight in the town of Ballycastle, with its lovely beach.

Our next stop was Carrick-a-Rede bridge, which is a rope bridge from the mainland to a small island off the coast.  There has been a rope bridge here for 350 years. You have to walk from the car park to the bridge, but it was a great day, so the walk was lovely.  As you can see, the route was quite popular.

And here we stand in traffic.  While you wait your turn to cross the bridge, with a limit of 20 people at a time allowed on it, it gives people who are uncertain about heights a lot of time to talk themselves out of crossing.  Fortunately, Rick kept his resolve.

A first glimpse of the bridge.

Looking down, although they sure don't want you to stop and take photos, as they badger you to keep moving.  On our way back, a woman in front of Rick did stop to take a few selfies, which didn't sit well with Rick, as more time on the bridge was not what he wanted!

And here is the proof that Rick made it.  Once on the island, he realized that he had to come back over the bridge.  Drat.

The water in this area is certainly beautiful.

Back on the mainland, safe and sound, but with a great view of the bridge.

The beautiful Antrim coast.  Sometimes old sayings are true, as Ireland is certainly green!!

The next stop was the remnants of Dunluce Castle.  What a lovely hulk of ruins it is, just what we enjoy. 

At least the bridge to the main part of the castle isn't a rope one.

In popular lore, Dunluce was quickly vacated at one time when a severe storm caused part of the kitchen to plummet into the sea.  The fact that the kitchen still remains would seem to contradict that story.  It probably was just a really nasty place to live during the winter storms!

The central court of the castle.  Archaeological work around the castle has discovered the existence of a town outside the castle walls.

Coastal view from the castle.

The crowds start to gather for the passing of the Tall Ships and the aerial display.

The Red Arrows flew one way...

...and another...

...and sometimes didn't seem to know which way to go!!

All in all, a spectacular display.

After 3 hours of standing, a couple of ships finally left and sailed out of the lough.  Well, sailed isn't exactly the word, as they left under motor power, and also travelled on the other side of the lough, so even with a telephoto lens, this was as good a view as we could get!  A slight disappointment.

You'll be pleased to know that neither of us were kidnapped!!

Carrickfergus' lovely train station.

In Belfast, we had supper at the Morning Star, which is a pub that Robert took us to on one of our previous visits.  We were proud of ourselves that we could find it.  The building is from 1810.

My train seat companion down to Dublin had an interesting tattoo - or maybe he was just commenting on the coffee company's commitment to the environment.

Rick's beer of choice one evening.  You do know a Galway Hooker is an Irish fishing boat, don't you?  What else could it be???

My drink of choice.  A cute hoor is a bit of a rogue who is quite brilliant.  Once again, you knew that, right?

The beach at Greystones, which is south of Dublin.

I'm not sure why this beach-goer looks so grumpy.  Maybe he has sand in his trunks!

Another beach, this time at Bray, which is also south of Dublin.  It is a very rocky beach, but fronts a nice wee town.

Once in Dalkey, we headed down to one of its two harbours, where you might say it has a rocky shore.

Oh, and gulls.  The local fishermen leave bits of fish in the tubs and the crowd goes wild!!

We didn't try to join them for lunch.  Noisy bunch.

Oh my...a bunny in bondage.

Oh yeah, baby, I'm bad.

We liked this device at one of the pubs, where you can call for whichever service you need.  I wonder why more places don't use something like this.