Edinburgh

I write this with great pleasure from my bed in Edinburgh, Scotland. I arrived Friday the 27th and have the fortune to spend the next month here. I've traveled with my band to play at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

We were given this unique experience thanks to the hard work of our pipe majors. They have been putting in years of work and rapport building to give the young people in our band an experience they won't soon forget.

It feels completely surreal to a part of something so large. Performing is in my blood and the rush from performing for 9000 people is incomparable. I've never done a performance in which the show continues after w're off stage. We walk off the esplanade (parade square) and down onto the Royal Mile to continue the show for curious crowds eager to catch a sliver of what the full show may have included.

I get to share this opportunity with some of my friends and mentors. Brad Smith has been an important person in helping me become a leader within the band, and a friend along the way.

I am, however, most excited to be sharing this trip with my little brother. Although I haven't seen him much, because he has larger responsibilities musically, the micro moments we get together really make this trip all I hoped for and it's only just begun. I am lucky to have a talented and charismatic brother, who not only carries himself well but represents our family, province and country proudly.

I believe both of us feel a strong connection with the atmosphere, culture and people here. Thanks to our grandfather we are proud to have the spirit of Scotland coursing through our veins and thanks to the generosity of Paris Port Dover we are able to immerse ourselves where we feel most natural.

Although some tough decisions have had to be made by myself, everyone still seems to be having a good time.

I could write forever about the dream I'm living in at the moment but I feel I'll dilute the significance of what I'm feeling if I ramble much further.

Further updates will follow when I've experienced more of this place I can feel is my home in a sense.