Kilted to Airports

[turpin]

Sometimes you get noticed more than others....

Oh, Ya think so, Arlen?

Like yesterday for me. I'm going to lunch in LaCenter Kentucky (15 mi west of Paducah, of course). We go into the Bluegrass Cafe, a local mecca for Southern U.S/Greek fusion cuisine (think chicken-fried baklava). The Greek owner spotted me in my Gordon kilt and came right up to ask if I was from Scotland. "No, Chicago" I replied. We got through the usual "why" questions in a very friendly way and I sat down with my co-workers, who were not really used to seeing the attention a kilt garners.

Not long into our buffet luncheon the owner brings out 4 slices of pie. "Complementary" he says, "for coming to my place like that. I like it." The lady across from me was just staring at me and semi-speechless (something about "does that alwats...how can you...I don't get it." I just smiled braodly and replied "BEHOLD, the power of the kilt!" in my best Charlton Heston as Moses voice. They all cracked up. (The pie slices were coconut cram, chocolate cream, peach cheescake with peach topping, and something called sawdust pie (think coconut pecan pie with whipped topping).

Next thing I know there's an attractive blonde lady tapping on my shoulder. She starts asking me questions. All types of questions. Turns out she's a reporter for the Ballard County press (such as it is) who had spied a human interest story in the making. Many questions and three pix later, I am left to complete my meal in some semblance of peace. She promise to send me a link to the story when it's published. I'll post it here if it happens.

Just another day on business travel. Except it was a real kick to see the reactions of my friends from the Comomnwealth of Kentucky.

[Rex_Tremende]

I'm going to lunch in LaCenter Kentucky (15 mi west of Paducah, of course). We go into the Bluegrass Cafe, a local mecca for Southern U.S/Greek fusion cuisine (think chicken-fried baklava).

I know that place! What are you doing in LaCenter? My mother grew up outside of LaCenter (my father in Bandana), a handful of aunts and uncles and cousins still reside in the area, and my grandparents and several dearly departed relatives are buried there, but it's not exactly a destination. My folks have retired to Paducah, so I haven't been there in a while, but I remember it well.

Regards,
Rex.