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.