First big step

**Mipi** · 26th August 10, 02:37 AM

OK, I've already told you about The Real McKenzies playing in Ljubljana (See post: The Real McKenzies). And, I was there kilted! That was my first kilted fully public appearance. I was a bit nervous when driving toward the venue, in addition I couldn't find any parking near the place. Left my car quit far away and walked couple of blocks. A lot of people on every street I walked. Must say, that maybe 80% of them didn't even give a s_ _t about me and my kilt. Let say, 15% took second look and rest showed some more interest and showing this different ways: two young Ladies giggling while I was passing by, one guy said something load which has no sense (at least to me)... The best was a girl, walking toward me with two guys. She almost drop on her knees, while trying to perform a kilt check. I was a bit sorry that I couldn't see what's going on behind my back. So, in one way I was disappointed how few reactions I caused and really proud of myself, walking proudly with my head high.
I missed the beginning of the concert, passed the security guy, who was trying to see what has one guy in his backpack. He just quickly checked me with his eyes only. After a couple of minutes someone taped me on my shoulder and there was my ex-coworker (was kicked out the company the same time as me) with his lovely wife. We're enjoying the music and chatting a bit (as much as you can at the load music). Friend was just saying how the pipe fit well into this music, she said that the guy plays them good. They both were saying something about how difficult it is to play this instrument and I was starting to explain something about Grace notes (like I am a real expert ) and she asked how I know this. After explanation, that I'm interested in Celtic culture, I found out she didn't noticed my kilt, while she asked if I have a kilt. Friend started to laugh and I showed my kilt and T-shirt with explanation why I wear a kilt, on my back (See post T-Shirt).
After concert ended we stayed on the spot and even one other friend of my joined us. Before going home I bought T-shirt with the band logo and the friend bought the CD. The path back to my car was a bit calmer while there was not so many people on the streets, but still enough to watch their reactions.
I know, you'll say "no photos, didn't happen". I took one very bad photo of the band with my cell phone and the friend took a picture of me in very bad lightning with the phone, too. I don't have it yet and even don't know if it's usable (quality).
Sorry for such a long post!

Best regards to all!

Mipi

PS: Rocky thanks for a tip on CD!

**Chas** · 26th August 10, 03:46 AM

Great news, Mipi. It is always good when the first occasion goes well. Pretty soon it will be like second nature. Post the picture (even if it is rubbish), just to mark the occasion.

Regards

Chas

**RockyR** · 26th August 10, 03:51 AM

Glad to hear you had a good time on your outting. What a GREAT first outting though... the Real McKenzies! Great band!

**NorCalPiper** · 26th August 10, 05:44 AM

Thats awesome Mipi. My Uncle (Who who was Vice President of Woolworths in the 70's and 80's) took me to Germany in the summer of '82, and we ended up going to a vacation/business meeting in the then Yugoslavia. We stayed in Opatija and we both wore our kilts a couple of nights out to dinner.....I seem to remember PLENTY of laughing by the locals and being a bit embarrassed (Hey-I was 11!). Glad things are totally different now! Cheers man!

**Nighthawk** · 26th August 10, 06:36 AM

So the Real MacKenzie's will go to Slovenia, but we can't get them to come to Colorado? Lucky you! I'd love to see them! Sounds like a fun first outing.

**GMan** · 27th August 10, 12:58 PM

That sounds fantastic.

**azwildcat96** · 27th August 10, 01:07 PM

Originally Posted by Mipi

I missed the beginning of the concert, passed the security guy, who was trying to see what has one guy in his backpack. He just quickly checked me with his eyes only.

This reminds me of my first concert in a kilt. It was not too long ago to see Iron Maiden. The guy in front of me was told to leave his wallet on a chain back in his vehicle, because no chains (translated weapons) were allowed in the concert. I started worrying that I would have to leave my sporran on a chain back in my vehicle, but the nice lady security person didn't even take a second look and waved us all through.

Behold, the power of the kilt!

Glad you had a good night at the show. I'm guessing it won't be your last.

**MacBean** · 27th August 10, 01:31 PM

I've never heard the Real Mackenzies but they put the semi-mythical Sawney Bean story to music, which caught my attention.

**ggibby** · 27th August 10, 02:58 PM

Good on ya conquering the First Kilt Walk jitters.

Must say I'm jealous for the show - TRM is some of my favorite drive-too-fast music, especially 'Dropping Like Flies'...

**Mipi** · 28th August 10, 11:14 AM

Originally Posted by Chas

... Post the picture (even if it is rubbish), just to mark the occasion.

Regards

Chas

So here you have a rubbish, I mean picture

:

You can barely see me, my DIY T-shirt and new T-shirt with band logo in left hand. Photo was taken in dark with my friends cell phone.

Wish you all nice weekend!

Mipi