Final day Scotland: Fringetastic

Our final day in Edinburg - and we made the most of it.

We actually ate breakfast this morning before heading down the to the National Museum of Scotland. The only problem was that by the time we got there, we had to head out right away to a show at The Central theatre. What was to be a fifteen minute walk stretched to over 25 minutes - funny how that happens when you're lost.

We made it to the production Chicano History 101 just as the doors were closing. After a heartfelt show about the struggle of Mexican Americans in America, we went BACK down to the museum to meet our friends - and headed to a relaxing lunch at Revolution. Jolie and I spent some more time exploring the history of fashion in the museum, and caught a few pop up dance performers in the museum and another street performer outside.

We headed back to The Central to catch a performance of AHSTF students from Texas performing an original piece called Vox: A fairtale for a New Age by Rowlett High School in Texas . This movement based piece was a beautiful piece of physical story telling - in almost complete silence. This was truly stunning.

https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/vox-a-fairy-tale-for-a-new-age

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLftSxgnJjk


We then went to George Square to see the musical improvisational theatre produced by Baby Wants Candy. They create an entire musical based on suggestions from the audience.

https://www.babywantscandy.com/

After the show - we walked back to our neighborhood and a late dinner at Rigatoni's. This is a fantastic little Italian restaurant with an owner who could have his own Fringe show. He dances and sings to the tables, makes jokes, and is a huge personality. They made room for us and stayed open a bit later just so our party of six could eat. The pesto I ordered was delicious - and I topped it off with Scottish tablet gelato - tablet is a little like what we call fudge. After a delicious meal, we stumbled off for a few hours sleep before getting a taxi at 3 am to get us to the airport.

Lessons Learned:

1. When you think you can't walk any further - you can.

2. When it's cold and windy outside, it's warm and welcoming in a theatre space.

3. Musical improvisation is a medium I had never tried before - and I love it. (I even had a chance to try it in a min-workshop with Baby Wants Candy - My students will have an opportunity to do a workshop with this crazy group next summer in Scotland).

4. Even when you think you're not hungry - Italian food can prove you wrong.

Peace.

Day 6 Scotland: Exploring the Royal Mile

Today we hit the ground running, but after a nice rest. We caught the bus down to the Royal Mile and found the Fringe office in an attempt to get tickets that were sold out. It rained and the sun shone off and on - so it was a constant on and off with the rain jacket.

We spent the rest of the morning exploring shops and searching for special items to bring home to friends and family. We also had the treat of catching a street performer named Mullet Man from New Zealand. He performed juggling and circus-type tricks - but his big finale involved an 80s rocker outfit with leopard print pants, an extremely tall unicycle, and lit torches.
http://www.nzmulletman.com/

We then headed to The Central theatre venue to catch an AHSTF production - Brollies and Bumbershoots - an original piece by the Elmwood School from Ontario. With the sun shining, we walked back to our dorm for a quick rest and then off to a big farewell dinner (as most of our group was traveling the next day.)

I've always known that the theatre world is a small world. I found a number of connections with people who were on this tour with us. Case in point - Ariel Belgley was on the tour with her mom. She now works for Circus Juventas and knows Liz Carey-Linskey with whom I serve on the board of MN Thespians.

Following dinner we headed back down to see the musical Dogfight in venue 45 - which is another venue that we might perform in when our students come to Edinburgh. It was a solid production of an emotionally engaging musical that I have listened to but never seen. The theatre was packed, and hot, but the production did not disappoint. 

 These are my friends Grif and Jennifer. Grif is the theatre director at Stillwater High School - and will be bringing his group next year as well. He is also friends with Katelyn Larson, my former vocal music director at SFHS.

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The temperate evening made for a lovely walk back home, and we stopped in the Pour House pub for a nice end to the night - with live music and good conversation.

Lessons Learned:

1. Rain or shine - the arts will find a way.

2. It's fun finding your name in Fringe Show signs and on various liquor bottles - even if it's not spelled exactly the same way.

3. When in good company, sometimes one forgets they have just walked several miles.

4. There's nothing better than a soft booth, good conversation, a few drinks, and live music to end a long day.

Peace.

Scotland Day 5: On the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond

Today was a big tour day out in the countryside. So many things to see - but also a wee opportunity to get in some little cat naps on the bus.

We started our journey out of the city to see The Kelpies - an installation of large public art that was created to commemorate the re-opening of two canals. Kelpies, according to Scottish lore, are shapesifting water spirits that come out of the water and onto land. They were often thought to take the shape of horses, but could also take the form of humans. I could not fathom the size these would be as our guide described them.

As we got of the bus, the rain started pouring as we approached the sculptures. After a moment in the gift shop, the sun suddenly appeared and the rest of the day was perfectly lovely. Perhaps a gift from the water spirits.

We then headed off to have a delicious meal on the banks of Loch Lomond at Ross Priory. After a grand repast, we had a short time to walk along the banks of the Loch and then saw Loch Lomond from another stop where our students will stop next year where there is another wee estate.

We headed to Stirling Castle, another tour we'll take with students next year. The history is so rich here and I can't wait for my American students to begin to understand how very young our country is. 

We topped the evening off with Dinner at TheAbbey Pub and a Fringe show from the Canadian venue entitled Famous Puppet Death Scenes. This puppet show was a brilliant mix of strange, sad, funny, haunting scenes that kept me guessing at every moment. You know a puppet show is well-done when you forget to see the puppeteer and start feeling genuine emotions about the puppets. Definitely worth the price of admission. 

http://www.heraldscotland.com/arts_ents/16411847.fringe-theatre-review-chase-scenes-famous-puppet-death-scenescanadahub-kings-hall-four-stars/

Lessons Learned: 

1. At the Fringe, take a chance on things you don't know or haven't heard buzz about.

2. A good show can keep you awake, even after a full day of walking. 

3. You don't always have to understand what is happening to have an emotional reaction to art.

4. It's good to be the king.

Peace.