So I left the Southern Maryland Celtic Festival early to drive the 3 and 1/2 hours to Norfolk for the VA International Tattoo 2011. My oldest daughter gave me tickets (as long as I took her along) to the Tattoo for Christmas. I was worth the drive and then some. Unlike some of the Rabble, I have never attended the Tattoo in Edinburgh (or any other for that matter), so I have nothing to compare to. However, this was one of the best events I've ever attended.

Unfortunately, I did not run into our famous Mael Coluim at the Tattoo - though I did look for him. Mael, I hope you enjoyed it. I'm pretty sure your eyes were tearing up as much as mine throughout the evening.

When we arrived. the Colonial Williamsburg Fife and Drum Ban was performing outside.



The show began with the massed bands and chorus: