Scottish Highlands

Well, not exactly the highlands but this is Edinburgh. Far enough north to see the sun setting before 6pm; and it's only the end of October. I am sitting in the lounge of the hotel here (The George) which is called the Clans. I think they mean it here. Scenes of the ferocious folk adorn the walls here. Behind glass cabinets are the seals and patterns of the families or Clans. The Stewarts are here of course. When I am asked if I have any roots from here and say my mother's side is their eyes warm up to this foreigner. It is like the response I got when out in Kilkenny and mention my surname. "Oh, which part of the family?" Of course, that is where the conversation unravels and becomes another "oh, American looking for his roots?" kind of thing.I am used to this. On the Continent I am just another strange European. Sure, carries an American passport and all but now after 15+ years here (or there) I have begun to sound like them, there. but when here on the island I get a chance to "visit the roots" or at least play the game.Nonetheless, it is really nice here in the northern UK which is much different from the south. It’s kind of like going from New York to Jacksonville. Traveling from a big, modern city down to a smaller, older town. Edinburgh is a really interesting place. Very friendly people despite the rain they have to put up with here. They have books written about what one can smile about when it rains.I have tied the Haggis here and the some local whiskies too. Both have not turned me off to the local culture. This is my 4th week here and may be the last for this tour. But who knows where the dice will fall. At least it has been a pleasant couple of nights here in the "Old Country".