My adventure began before I had even left Linlithgow. As soon as I signed up, I was welcomed with open arms by the US ladies and brought into the Outlanders United fold. I discovered that the only other person going from Outlandish, UK was Julianne, who actually lives in the US. I’m so glad that we have a much bigger contingent heading over next time.
Chatting with April, Debs, Ashley online beforehand, getting to know everyone, booking into the group hotel, getting signed up for the parade, checking out who else was going from Visit Scotland etc.- the excitement was building until it was time to leave – which was just as well as it didn’t give me a chance to worry about the flight, as I’m not the World’s best flyer. Thursday 9th of April was D-day. Luckily flight was fine- and full of people heading over to the parade.
Off to Hoboken for a quick stopover with a friend to rest up before the main event. Next morning, Tartan weekend started for me in earnest. I had been invited to attend the American Scottish Foundation breakfast at University Club of New York. I met some wonderful people, including Alan Bain, Chairman of The Foundation and others from the New York Caledonian Club. And I had my first meeting with the lovely Claire Mackay, the Outlander Herbalist, who has since become a good friend.
Next stop was the Waldorf where the Outlanders United were staying. A quick rest then off with a group of 12 ladies in a limo for dinner at the St. Andrew’s Bar and Grill. At dinner I had the pleasure of meeting Howie from 21st Century Kilts, who was great fun. Then on to the main event of the day, the New York Caledonian Ceilidh.
Great excitement as The Grand Marshall of the Parade, Graham McTavish was there and was lovely and very generous with his time, having endless photos taken. I was a bit shy at first and almost missed the boat, but plucked up courage to ask just as he was leaving. I’m so proud of this picture.
Lots of ceilidh dancing, with varying degrees of competencies, ensued and it was a fantastic night.
Collapsed into bed for some much needed sleep ahead of the big day. Started with delicious bagels for breakfast with my new friends, Julianne, Stephanie and Brandon then we all headed down to Bryant Park for the Parade warm up.
Enjoyed getting into the mood listening to the pipe bands warming up, and soon it was time to get into our groups for the parade itself. We had two Outlander Groups, each with our own banners and our own piper. We had the wonderful Elias and Andrew, and my good deed for the day was to carry Andrew’s bag through the whole parade.
Parading down 5th Avenue as part of the Outlander Community was such an emotional experience, it will stay with me forever. Graham was superb as The Grand Marshall and he waved us all past to cries of Tullach Ard, which somehow became “To the Bar”. So, we headed to “Stout” for the post parade party with lots of pipers and musicians and a grand time was had by all.
On Sunday it was goodbye to all my Outlander friends, but not for too long as I knew I would be seeing some again at The Gathering in Crieff. A relaxing day with my friends and showing Pocket Jamie and Claire some of the sights of New York.
The excitement is already building for next time and can’t wait for all the announcements to come out (who will top Graham as Grand Marshall?) This time, Mary’s Meanders won’t be flying solo. New York- are you ready for Outlandish UK?
PS Met a number of Outlander fans on the way home – check out these tattoos!
