The Official Kilt Kamp 2014 Registration thread

**okiwen** · 18th July 14, 09:13 PM

Well, now that IS offensive. I guess I don't see the humor there. I have traveled the world over and don't find this to be true at all. I am sure this was your attempt at humor....but....didn't work.

Originally Posted by Aspiringloser

Basically, don't act like such an American

**Aspiringloser** · 18th July 14, 09:19 PM

I thought it was. Sorry you didn't.

**KiltedKnome** · 18th July 14, 11:22 PM

Originally Posted by Benning Boy

Knome, I ask about security because it's become so common in the US. I can't think of anywhere you can enter a federal tourist site without some sort of screening, there are always eyes on you, and even here in Kansas state sites are watched, you even have to pass through metal detectors etc. to get into some. Even the library wants metal detectors to keep legally armed citizens out. The whole security thing has gotten freaky. When I last entered Canada, using a passport card, not a regular passport book, they scanned it several times and asked me a lot of questions. I don't know why, but I got the impression I'm on someone's list, and I've always thought I was a good guy. Now I'm just paranoid about traveling.

As for courthouses, I entered the Nuremberg courthouse to see the Nazi trial room without anyone even bothering to look up, or ask my business, but there's no way I'd ever get into my own county courthouse so easily. Maybe Victoria's court house is an interesting example of 19th Cent. architecture. I might want to go in. I don't know.

Steve, this will be one of the most plasticized trips I've taken, but a little cash is always nice to have on hand. Yes, I may want some Canadian money to bring home as souvenirs, but mostly I'd want it or small purchases and tips and such.

My parents were frequently complimented on how polite we boys were. I haven't forgotten how to be polite. I still say you're welcome, not no problem. Generally I'm pretty quite. The loudest I get is singing opera. So Canadians shouldn't find my demeanor offensive. I won't even be traveling with anything more deadly than a Swiss Army Knife, so don't think I'll have any problems that way.

It's just that the world has gotten so crazy, and I do read quite often about Canada's ways of making the non-PC submit, but it's more often in the eastern provinces, that I'm wondering what to expect, just how often to check my six.

BB ...
I think you will find your trip to our island relaxing (once you get through the chaos of getting on a ferry at the start of a long weekend). I do not believe you will run into any of the security issues you describe.

The courthouse is boring -- no interesting architecture there -- so don't put that on your bucket list. We do have a lovely legislature building designed by Francis Rattenbury -- parts of it are open to the public (http://www.historytothepeople.ca/gre...on-rattenbury/) and across from that massive structure is the Empress Hotel, a landmark in Victoria, and nearby is St. Ann's Academy (a National Historic Site). And then there are the cathedrals, the gardens and the Royal BC Museum.....

So, I encourage you to bring some good walking shoes, put some loose change in your pocket (you might want an ice cream), and enjoy your time here. After all, you won't be sewing all of the time!

**plaid preacher** · 19th July 14, 05:51 AM

Originally Posted by Benning Boy

It's just that the world has gotten so crazy, and I do read quite often about Canada's ways of making the non-PC submit, but it's more often in the eastern provinces, that I'm wondering what to expect, just how often to check my six.

Benning Boy, I can concur that world has indeed gotten crazy, and security/paranoia has become a big thing in the US. I also get your question about security. Several years ago I was in Nashville for an event and did some sight-seeing on the final day. I was really shocked when I walked into the state legislature and was greeted by a State trooper and metal detector. This was a level of security I had never experienced before, not even in our National Parliament Buildings. Now I know the world is changing, and you may discover some of that, but I don't think to any extent that you do in your own country.

Regarding the Canadian thought-police and the horrible evils of socialism that you may have heard about up here, my take on all that is that those comments are made by some of your politicians to score political points with their base, and so far as we Canucks are concerned are completely unmoored from reality. Can't wait to meet you in a couple of weeks.

**KiltedKnome** · 19th July 14, 08:01 AM

For those new to Victoria and the island, here is a link to a pamphlet put out by Victoria tourism:

http://www.myvirtualpaper.com/doc/Ma.../2014030501/#0

**jhockin** · 19th July 14, 01:55 PM

Just want to wish everyone a great kilt kamp, I'm sure ( based upon my ow n experience) you will find it a great learning experience. For those not familiar with our "Wet Coast" weather, pack a light rain jacket or an umbrella .. Just in case. We have a saying: "If you can't see the mountains, it's raining; if you can, it will." Not always true, esp. in Victoria/ ' on the Island', but best to be prepared.

**Steve Ashton** · 19th July 14, 03:33 PM

Interestingly enough, over here across the water from Vancouver, Victoria is dryer than Miami.

Technically it is called a rain shadow. Our mountains are to the West of us so much of the rain drops before getting to us.

We have more sunshiny days, and better weather in terms of temperature, than most cities in the American south.

Yes, this is Canada but it is not the "Great White North".

But please do not get any ideas of moving here. It's my secret and I'm not telling anyone.

**ASinclair** · 19th July 14, 04:10 PM

Originally Posted by Steve Ashton

Interestingly enough, over here across the water from Vancouver, Victoria is dryer than Miami.

Technically it is called a rain shadow. Our mountains are to the West of us so much of the rain drops before getting to us.

We have more sunshiny days, and better weather in terms of temperature, than most cities in the American south.

Yes, this is Canada but it is not the "Great White North".

But please do not get any ideas of moving here. It's my secret and I'm not telling anyone.

Take off, eh!

**KiltedKnome** · 19th July 14, 04:57 PM

Originally Posted by jhockin

Just want to wish everyone a great kilt kamp, I'm sure ( based upon my ow n experience) you will find it a great learning experience.

Heh, you can always paddle over for one of the evening events!

**Deesquared** · 19th July 14, 07:04 PM

Thanks for all the recents updates and info on the ferry. I'm getting excited!

Steve, can I buy the hair canvas and some buckles and straps from you? They don't sell the canvas at Joann's in Bellingham, and I'd have to drive out to Richmond for it. Then over to Coquitlam for buckles!

I am planning to walk on the ferry at Tsawassen, and buy a ticket on the ferry for the bus that goes into Victoria. I plan to arrive Saturday afternoon, and would be very grateful if someone would be able to pick me up from the bus depot and take me to the kilt shop.

My accomodations are very close to the shop, so I will be able to walk back & forth easily.

Looking forward to meeting everyone!
Dianna