4 Aug Miltary Tattoo

Today is the day!  We will be seeing the Ediburgh Military Tattoo Live!

But first, we decided to do a circuit of Edinburgh on a Sightseeing bus.  Edinburgh is full of history, going back several hundreds years. The tourguide was full of stories and anecdotes.

Then chaos ensued!  We were told that there would be a 10 minute stop. I went for a wee break.  On return, I found the bus (with Karen, Wendy and Barry) pulling away from the kerb.  The bus monitor nazis would not let me on the bus!!  Then it was confusion as we tried to marry back up. It was an odd way to waste a few hours.

We (Karen and I) then went to the castle to have a look around.  It was a beautiful Scottish summer's day - it was overcast, there was intermittent rain and it was cool (if not cold!).  Inside the castle, we visited the Scottish War Museum, The Museum of the Royal Dragon Guards, the Scottish Crown Jewels (complete with the Stone of Destiny/ stone of Scone).  We took a few photos from the parapet of where we were going to sit.

Just a little damp, as we walk through the 'stadium'

Entering the Castle

Back to the apartment and get ready for the evening.  In preparation, we layered up clothes-wise and prepped for a rainy eveining.  Prior to the Tattoo, we had the Whisky Experience (Bruce Package) dinner package.  We sat at a table with fellow Aussies and Kiwis.  This was good company whilst we sampled Scottish food (including haggis!) and three different whiskies!  We had a brass quintet from the Royal Marines (who were in the show) play for us during the meal.

Main meal

The Whisky samples

Dinner was excellent and we were ready for the real show!  We moved to our seats which were at the head of the stadium (near the royal seats... truly!  The King of Monaco and Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex were in attendance).  The show was an excellent display of military music and cultures... and fireworks!  You will be able to see the show for yourselves on the 1st Jan, 2018.

The room where we had dinner

Our mid meal entertainment.

Not long into the show a light rain started to fall.  It was poncho time for everybody!  The rain never got heavy and it came and went several times.  The couple of hours were gone in almost no time.

 

Eventually, we heard those famous words "high above the ramparts... the Lone Piper stands".

A quick walk back to our apartment and off to sleep!

Great sound, lights and movement.