To Scotland with love

Dearest Scotland,

Really, you voted no to your state of independence?

Who do you think you are, Québec?

I know the currency and banking issues were worrisome (100 kippers = 1 haggi, 100 haggis = 1 nessie, 100 nessies = 1 braveheart), as were the new trading agreements to be worked out.

(Possible headline from the year 2020: "Scotland, Iceland, the Faroe Islands, and the Falkland Islands to form the Sheepen Area.")

But those were wee laddie potholes on the high road to freedom.

Now there's no more champagne for Lulu.

Aye. 'Tis indeed something to scream and shout about.

When you think of pizza, think of dead South American revolutionaries with an "image" problem

I can't believe I forgot all about this pic!

From my Edinburgh trip this past summer: Lassies and germs, I give you Che Pizza somewhere in Old Town.

Whoever said Che was assassinated by a Bolivian junta? Nah, he just fled to Scotland and started making the most delicious pizza, wraps, and burgers known to working-class humanity!

¡Delicioso, comrades!

I miss you, Edinburgh (part 4)

Saying goodbye to Edinburgh. At Waverley Station, 7 July 2012.

I miss you, Edinburgh (Part 3): On the Royal Mile

Old Town, the Castle, the the churches, the tourists, and, on cue, the bagpipes along the Royal Mile. It doesn't get much more Edinburgh than this.

I miss you, Edinburgh (Part 2): Ode to a Belisha Beacon

My British friends laugh at the fact that I'm kind of fascinated with this historical feature of the street in the UK and some Commonwealth countries--the Belisha Beacon. I don't know I am, but I am a tad obsessed. It seems somewhat exotic and elaborate--although entirely functional--to have this tall, stripey light at "zebra crossings" (i.e., crosswalks).

Plus you've got to admit that Belisha Beacon would make a great name for a British "female illusionist." That and Sunny Spells.

I miss you, Edinburgh (Part 1): At the céilidh

Filmed on my trip to Scotland, July 2012. How I wish I were there--even though I'd still sit out this dance.