Burns Night

Ambassador Cruise lines is based in the UK, so Larry and I are often reminded that as Americans, we speak English as a second language. There are so many different words and turns of phrase.

We were confused, for instance, when the cruise director suggested wearing “Larry shirts” to a Caribbean party. At least to our ears, it was “Larry.” In reality, he was saying “lairy,” a Brit word for loud and garish.

This exposure to UK culture certainly keeps us on our toes. On January 25th, we enjoyed a taste of Scottish culture, literally and figuratively.

The 25th is Robert Burns birthday, so the Scots have a special evening of festivities to honor their national poet.

Larry and I had no idea what to expect for Burns Night, but the ship had it all planned out.

It started with a Scottish flag hanging in the entry to the dining room. Next, we noticed several male passengers in kilts, and women wearing tartan scarves.

The ship had a special menu for Burns Night, too, including such items as Scotch eggs and even haggis.

I gave the haggis a try, and while I didn’t care much for the aftertaste, it was much better than I expected.

After dinner, a Scottish woman recited Robert Burns famous poem to a haggis, which she enthusiastically stabbed with a butcher knife at one point. The poem is in Scots dialect and she was very entertaining.

As the dance floor filled with couples ceileidh dancing, I sipped a smoked whisky and enjoyed the spectacle.

Who knows? If we’re home next January 25th, Larry and I just might throw a Burns Night party of our own. I am Scottish on my dad’s side, after all.Read more