Serendipity, Lady Luck, the blessings of God. Basically all the same thing, just worded differently for romantics, gamblers, and religious people. (For the record, I'm actually a fan of "blessings of God," but I didn't want to risk sounding sacrileg by accident - because I tend to get a little carried away when I write.)
So, today, Google, I'd like to tell you about a time when Serendipity made a great effort on my behalf.
Once upon a time, I was in Germany, studying abroad. We were having a fabulous time, even though it was rainy, like ALWAYS. Once, while we were prancing about the damp gardens of the Palace at Potsdam, honoring the fallen hounds of Fredrick the Great, a couple of friends and I were like, "Hey! Let's go to Scotland!"
And so it was. A few weeks later, we jetted off to the mystic moors and crumbly castles of Scotland. There was nothing to disappoint. Beautiful weather, hilarious tour guides, breathtaking scenery, delicious food, and a trip to Hogwarts.
But even more thrilling than stealing water from Loch Ness to preserve in little Scottish whiskey flasks, was the moment Serendipity decided to pull out all her stops.
On the last day of our trip, my friends and I had decided to just wander around the beautiful, ancient streets of Edinburgh and see what kind of adventure we could rustle up. As we casually strolled down Kings Street, we heard some commotion from down below. We hurried down to see what was up and received the thrill of our lives.
Unbeknownst to us, it was National Arms Day. Do you even realize what that means?! Well, let me tell you. It means a parade of hundreds of men in uniform. It means lots of kilts, bagpipes, drums, and NOBLE PEOPLE. Noble people with gold chains, walking sticks, large hats, and glory. Lots of glory.
Needless to say, we just about died. We claimed a front line spot and nearly overdosed on the glory. The parade ended in the square underneath the towering Edinburgh castle, where military men, musicians, nobles, and commoners mingled. A few minutes later, the parade participants entered a courtyard-like place surrounded by a large, green hedge.
My friends and I peeped over the top of the hedge, watching like creepers. Then a kindly military man tapped us on the shoulder and told us cheerfully to go on in and "have some cake and tea." Truly, Serendipity was working overtime on our behalf.
Trying to suppress our utter thrill, we graciously accepted. We entered the courtyard of heaven. After hovering nervously a few hundred feet from the large tent where the "cake and tea" was being served, we finally saw another "pedestrian" go over to partake of the goodies. So, we took a deep breath and headed into the swarm of uniforms.
And let me tell you, those Scottish gents are unbelievably charming. In the bustle of the refreshment tent, I accidentally bumped into a kilted man's bagpipes. But before I could even begin to apologize, the man turned and said, "Oh, I'm sorry love!"
I was struck speechless. I think I managed an appropriate response, but I don't really remember. After all, a Scottish bagpiper just called me "love."
A few seconds later, my friends and I were struggling towards the orange juice table, when a noble who had just picked up a glass of juice turned and saw us. He instantly offered his cup to my friend and said something completely charming that I honestly can't recall. My "wow" factor had already been blown into outer space.
Dazzled and giggling, we made our way back to some seats and enjoyed a couple of hours listening to the Lord Proverst of Edinburgh speak, watching traditional folk musicians perform, and taking creeper pictures of good looking soldiers and nobles.
We finally left, happy and ready to die. But first we ate a pulled pork sandwich (actually watching the meat be pulled from the haunches of a roasted pig in the window). Then we died of ultimate happiness.
Serendipity, thank you. I hope we meet again soon!
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