First Public Outing

**bangkok kilt** · 30th April 06, 02:39 PM

Ok, so today was my first official public outing in the kilt. I had worn it around home and some of my friends had seen it, but nothing truly out in public. So today I decided to wear it around Istanbul, which I was visiting this weekend.

Along the lines of the 'kilt-friendly' thread that's been going on, I wouldn't say that Istanbul was friendly; I think eventful would be more of a correct term. The moment I walked outside I started getting major stares. That was the start of the day. I got quite a lot of laughs and whispers behind my back. The funniest part to me though was when I stopped early in the day and got a "Villiam Vallace, Villiam Vallace" to which I nodded and smiled. Then out came the camera and it was photo opp time. That was to set the tone for the day. Having lived in asia for a time I am somewhat used to getting asked to take a picture with a family because I am white/foreign/light haired, however this was the next level. I lost count how many pictures I was asked to be in; I figure somewhere around 10-15 stops with multiple pictures at each. The last culminating with a mass group picture with at least 30 people.

Can't say the kilt is a benign article of clothing!

My "Villiam Vallace" friend

Me in front of the Hagia Sofia

Me and the kids

Man I should have been charging for this!

**cessna152towser** · 30th April 06, 02:52 PM

Great pics, certainly would take a lot of courage to go kilted there.

**Southern Breeze** · 30th April 06, 03:08 PM

Outstanding story and pics. I really like the Hagia Sophia one. You should think of yourself as an ambassador of the kilt. Thanks.

**bangkok kilt** · 1st May 06, 01:54 AM

Originally Posted by Southern Breeze

Outstanding story and pics. I really like the Hagia Sophia one. You should think of yourself as an ambassador of the kilt. Thanks.

Hmm, Ambassador of the kilt. I kinda like the ring of that. Gonna have to get way more kilts though!

**Robin** · 30th April 06, 03:18 PM

Lovely pictures!

In The Hague we have many people from Turkey and I often go shopping in an Arab/Turkish neighbourhood. Never had a problem...they respect tradition and traditional clothing.

Cheers!