Finally, the evening had arrived. This was a pivotal part of the trip, something I'd wanted to do since Jen and I saw the last remnants of the stands being dismantled on the castle esplande 4 years prior. The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
I'd had some idea of what to expect. I'd been to many marching band contests and performances, high school, collegiate, rock concerts and other musical performances. This was like those things, but was also something else entirely.
The queue for the event was utter chaos. People packed into Johnston Terrace just below Castle Hill, moving forward slowly around the corner to the esplande.
After getting our souvenirs and refs, we entered the venue and found our seats.
The color guard awaited the arrival of the military leaders overseeing the event.
The gentlemen took their seats, which were just above our own.
Finally, a lone drummer, playing the role of street performer with ragged kilt and overturned bucket. A bit of comedy, but also compelling.
And then the show.
These still images cannot do justice to the music and lights and movement we experienced. G says it was the best live show he had ever seen, and I'm not sure I can disagree. Each country's performers embodied the culture and tradition of their homeland so well, but the Scots made us feel their sense of identity in a way that was so profound. It was very beautiful, and it was wonderful to be a part of.
