It really is hard to believe that we've really only been in Scotland for 2 days. We have packed so much in! We were up early and ate breakfast at the hotel. Many of the boys tried haggis and blood pudding - go ahead and google what they are - and some even liked the haggis! I haven't run into any who liked blood pudding as of yet...
We had an early tour at Ibrox, the home stadium for the Glasgow Rangers Football Club. Coach John played for the Rangers back in the day, so it was a homecoming for him! The tour started with a video that explained the history and traditions of this incredible program. It also got into a bit about the Rangers/Celtics rivalry (that puts everything and anything in the States to shame). Basically, it's a city divided - you're either Rangers or Celtics - and if you're a true fan, you don't wear the other team's colors - EVER. Outside many pubs in the city, there is a sign that says "No football colors allowed". Meaning you can't wear green or blue...period.
The Stadium tour was incredible. The building isn't flashy by today's standards, but it's beautiful and rich with history. Check out this marble staircase at the entrance...
Murals of past managers and captains...
Checking out the pitch from the Director's box.... it's a natural/turf combo with a 12 inch rise in the center strictly for drainage purposes.
Check out this trophy room. I loved looking at the pennants from the teams that the Rangers have played hanging from the ceiling.
Our tour guide was fabulous (really fabulous. At one point I asked our trip guide who he was...sure that he was part of club administration...I mean, we are Florida Elite, I guess I figured they pulled out all the stops! But he was just an amazing tour guide who has been doing his job for decades. He had so many incredible stories and could talk from experience about the tragedies and triumphs of the club.) and told a funny story about how when they played Celtics in the Highlands of Scotland, they brought home this stag's head - and how the Celtics brought home the other half. (Totally not true).
PS...our boys looked super sharp in their new white shirts. Loved all the pottery trophies and prizes - especially the Loving Cup at the bottom, which they take out each year and fill with whiskey or champagne and toast the queen with!
This is the home changing room. Every other peg is longer...because part of the dress code when you were coming to work was to wear a bowler hat. The major difference in the away room is the pegs are 6 inches higher....because soccer players love mind games and they wanted the opposing team to feel small from the beginning.
Our boys on the home "bench".
We all are here...see!
Zack and Coach John.
Icons of Ibrox...maybe someday. Boys can dream. This was on the way to the store...these boys can shop.
After we finished our tour, we loaded into our sweet bus, and driver Dave took us to Edinburgh (about an hour ride). Many of the boys were asleep when we arrived, but woke quickly. Dave is a miracle worker. I have no idea how he gets our (huge) sweet ride to turn on a dime, but he does. We started out on the Royal mile, which is a street full of tourists, shops, and restaurants leading up to the castle. So. Many. Tourists. And so many tartan scarf shops...obviously I had to buy one in Creekside colors - go Knights!
We finally saw a unicorn. Did you know it's Scotland's national animal? For real. We keep asking tour guide Jamie what we have to do to catch one, but so far he hasn't been too helpful. We're thinking they might be in Edinburgh's secret city underground - which is actually a thing. They do ghost tours...you could definitely spend weeks exploring Scotland.
There was a woman taking these gentlemens' picture in the middle of the road near where we ate. We saw quite a few kilts on men who were dressed up (and on one guy who looked like he was the bachelor for a bachelor party - that one was waaaaay shorter).
Chris and I ventured off the path a bit and found a great spot for lunch. Procaffination. Bender was in his glory - scones, pastries, fun coffee and sandwiches.
We tried one of almost everything :)
After exploring the Royal Mile, it was on to the Edinburgh Castle.
Big hugs to all our parents at home...we promise we're taking great care of your boys and treating them like our own. They are amazing young men...but we all already knew that.
We had about an hour and a half to explore the castle. There was a prison, crowns and jewels, crazy big cannons and cannon balls, the Scottish war memorial, and maaaaaaybe my very first whiskey tasting. It was yummy - which I absolutely did not expect. It had honey in it, so it was a wee bit sweet. Lynn and I were a little scared. When she asked our guide what they mix whiskey with, she almost got thrown off the bus. Whiskey doesn't get mixed with anything here...ever. Like ever. If you suggest it, you are either thrown out of whatever establishment you are in, or laughed at to a degree where you wish you were. Anyways, the castle was incredible. The boys were particularly entertained by the 300 pound cannon balls - which, of course, they tried to lift. Of course they did.
Yikes - TWO pictures of me in one blog! Don't get used to that!! There was no dress code for adults, we just always wear our gear. I'm kidding...sort of.
Scottish National War Memorial - Every Scot who has died for their country since World War I has their name listed in this memorial.
The views of Edinburgh from the castle walls were incredible.
Bender found a horse to pose with...it's no unicorn, but you take what you can get.
Then we loaded the bus back up and headed for Murray Park to train at the Hummel Training Center - the Ranger's facility for their youth and professional clubs.
Where we totally accessorized our sweet ride with some volt bling.
Super nice training facility. The boys trained with one of the Rangers' youth coaches.
Indoor facility
It was an amazing opportunity for the boys! Location, staff, everything! Thanks Glasgow Rangers FC for your amazing hospitality!
Then, back in the bus to return to the hotel for the first time all day. We have found our self-assigned seats. Boys in back, adults in the front. There is no wifi, so we're hearing a bit more talking than normal - which is music to this mom's ears. Dinner menu is posted below - most boys got the chicken. The Potato Scones were incredible! Kind of like nachos on potato pancakes, maybe? Hard to describe, yummy to eat.
Love the black polos. The boys look so sharp.
Adults clean up well too!
Except for me...still in my gear. In my defense, we hit the corner store to buy granola bars for tomorrow after the game instead of showering. And, egads...that's 3 pics of me!
The traditional Scottish band was incredible. But no bagpipes. We were kind of hoping for bagpipes. Jamie plays (and has played for the Pope!) and we were wishing and hoping that he'd be able to show us. Maybe next time we're all here...
The band taught everyone how to do a Scottish line dance. Coach John and Bender were partners and tore up the dance floor. The boys all danced too. Unfortunately, this was the only picture I got, because I videoed the whole thing. It's hard to post videos to the blog, but they are posted on our Facebook group - Friends of Florida Elite SA 2003 ENCL Boys - if you're not already a member, I'd be happy to add you. Seriously, you need to see the video. Breaking it down! Everyone also danced the hat dance...video gold. Also posted on our Facebook group. The band also played happy birthday and the boys sang to Mr. Tim - happy birthday Tim!! 50 looks amazing on you!
All for now. It was a super fun night and we're sad to be leaving Scotland after our game tomorrow. The Scots know how to work hard and play hard. Florida Elite fits in quite well. It was awesome to see Coach John in his element - we're pretty sure his accent got stronger the second he stepped off the plane! Slainte! (cheers - I can't figure out how to make the accent mark over the a right at this second. Imagine it's there for me.)
I'm missing my girl tonight...but I know that she is having fun with one of her besties in Jax. Thank you Smallwoods for loving on my girl and thanks Ya for letting her stay in HHI and delivering her safely back home. Love you all! PS...thanks for the picture my sweet, strong, smart, beautiful girls!
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