Ton's First Scottish Experience

My trip to Scotland

(or "why is it raining all the *%#@ time?") All pictures by TonV, except where otherwise indicated. Pictures thumbnailed, click on thumbnails for fullsize versions (all of them well under 100kb) and use the back button on your browser to return here.

For my first ever game across the channel, I had been graciously offered free space at the home of Preston (one of the Cheddarheads) in London. I took advantage of this opportunity to arrive a few days early and take in the sights of London.

Yes, I played quite the tourist. But my only other trip to London had been many years before and I don't think me and my friends back then ever left the virtual reality arcade... I was especially impressed with the British Museum and National Gallery.

For the last time: "It's not a duck, it's an albatross!"

(I only stuck this pic in because I thought it was rather amusing).

Fans are friends. Scottish Cheddar and Dutch Edammer demonstrating one of the fundamental principles of the NFL-Europe.

Onwards to Scotland! I had managed to secure a seat on the Cheddar-train (again thanks to Preston) and was eagerly awaiting my first taste of Scotland. Which turned out to be rain...

Still, rain or no rain, a lightning fast tour of the beautiful city of Edinburgh had been arranged by that master of planning, Doug Adamson. Also my kind host for the two nights I would be spending in Scotland.

The big castle in Edinburgh is very impressive and by a fluke of fate, we met Luginbill's charming wife as she came out of the gate. The Cheddar's attempts to send the Admirals to Murrayfield instead of Hampden failed, fortunately!

The famous Cambridge bar. I was especially glad of making this away game, as it would be the last Cambridge Bar night. A terrific time was had there by me and I'm sure, everyone else. The steady drizzle did not hinder the game of cobble-passing outside.

This was at the start of the evening... It only got better from there. I was even interviewed by Gia for national tv broadcasting! Despite the generous flow of beer all evening, I think I gave a pretty good performance. Ross was interviewed as well and mentioned how he'd like to see a Claymores' victory... Obviously too much beer had been flowing in his direction that night!

The next morning, feeling just a bit breakable, it was on to Glasgow in one of the three buses organised by, who else, Doug Adamson. A good time was had on the trip! Especially after I won a prize in the bus-raffle.

The game was amazing fun, despite the fact that the drizzle had followed me from Edinburgh. I had gotten a free ticket via the Scottish fans and ended up sitting in the middle of the entire Scottish section. You haven't lived until you cheer, dance and hoot your heart out on your lonesome, while completely surrounded by opposing fans. Not once was I made to feel unwelcome though, the occasional comment of 'Aw be quiet!' only being delivered in good humour. I felt a bit sorry for the Scots when the Admirals ended up winning... but only a little. After all, I hadn't come all this way to see my team lose.

(picture by Iain 'Preston' Carey)

Thanks to the kindness of yet another Scottish fan, I had gotten a pass for the after-party. I was one of only two Admirals fans there (Ross was the other, obviously). But my luck continued and I got a big round of applause when I won the last prize in the raffle! A big bag of Claymores' goodies was handed to me by a very bemused looking Dameyune Craig. Ah, the look on his face was priceless .

As a final proof of the fates smiling on my away trip, I managed to this shot with the twins. Yes, my grin was not entirely due to the Admirals' win...