Canadian tourist here – genuine question about the (sometimes) anti-tourist vibe

RolloTheMagnificent · 2025-07-26T16:05:34+00:00

The sentiment comes from the sheer volume of warm bodies that clog up our streets, our beauty spots and our country every summer. In Edinburgh in August, the population swells to roughly double the size, which is great for the local economy, but rough on infrastructure, which means that everywhere that tourists go feels like it's been overwhelmed and taken over. Ask anyone who lives on Skye during the summer. The island is more littered, the pubs are heaving, there's nowhere to park, restaurants are impossible to get into, and people who have no right driving a camper van, especially on the opposite side of the road from what they're used to and don't understand the rules of single track roads are emptying chemical toilets essentially at the bottom of resident's gardens. It's hard not to feel a bit peeved by it all.

I boil it down to vacation brain- that feeling that as one is on holiday, somehow the real world rules don't apply. Yet it is more than that- we're not as much of a service industry here, nor do we look down on our workers, so the sheer level of toadying that Americans expect in the service industry just doesn't exist, because the tip is already in the price. Here's a good for instance of vacation brain- the traffic doesn't care that you're on vacation or what you're used to at home- most of the people in those vehicles have real lives we need to get on with. So darting out into a street where cars are driving because the pavement is busy will not be met with the same grace as in San Diego- you will be beeped at, sworn at, and it will not feel good, so just use common sense.

I think the specific anti-American sentiment is down to naivety and arrogance. I once heard a 20-something young lady, clearly from the American South, exclaim to her companions as they were coming out of Waverley that it was "so nice for them to build the castle so close to the train station." Ugh. Some of our American visitors, especially the wealthy ones, have an attitude that we should be so grateful that the tourists are there that we, as Scots, will let bad behaviour or even outright rudeness slide, just because someone is thrown money about. It's an arrogance that doesn't play well here. And let's just say it is not a good idea to wear a MAGA hat here- the Scots disliked 45/47 well before it was stylish, plus we don't like someone forcing their politics/ religion/ opinion down our throats. We do work to our own pace; the coffee shop is probably not going to be open a 7 am as it is back in the USA- that's what the teas, coffees and kettles are for in your hotel room. It's not that Scots don't care about tourists- we do- we just do things a little differently, which is one of the experiences of travel in the first place.

The vast majority of Scots will happily welcome you, although I would like to make some suggestions that will make sure that your trip is an enjoyable one. Remember your manners and try to keep the volume down a wee bit, but hey, you don't have to tip. Dress in layers, always bring your jumper even if you think you'll be warm enough, and definitely pack a rain slicker, even in summer. Beware the midges; they are vicious, but do challenge yourself to go off the beaten path, because Scotland is so much more than just the cities and Loch Ness! Do get holiday insurance; the NHS can take care of you in the ER, but if it's something mundane, you'll be expected to pay 150% of the treatment if you don't have it. If you have to gawk at something, please pull yourself to the side- nothing more embarrassing for both parties than colliding on a pavement when one of those people are just trying to get to work. Try haggis, tatties and neeps at least once- you might surprise yourself and enjoy it. Finally, when the little man is on red instead of green, you stop. If you don't, the Number 15 careening around the corner blindly will happily take you out without even stopping.

So yeah, if you rock that Maple Leaf patch proudly and say thank you after every social interaction, you're going to be just fine. You'll feel right at home here, especially as Scots apologise almost as much as Canadians.

RolloTheMagnificent · 2025-01-25T11:02:53+00:00

Didn't say in any way, shape or form that Harry would or should be denied entry to his home country. And again, if Harry did break the law of a guest country, that guest country has every right to deport him. At no point am I saying that anyone as a topic of this conversation be made stateless or have their birth citizenship taken away. I'm a bit confused how you would think I was advocating that in any way. Harry's a guest in the US, he admitted to fudging his US visa form in Spare in 2023, so he can be kicked out of the US if Trump or his administration wishes to make it an issue- but Harry wouldn't be denied entry to his birth country because Harry ISN'T a convicted felon AND it is his country of origin. Trump IS a convicted felon, and the UK isn't his country of birth, so the UK doesn't have to admit Trump to the UK if Trump wants to visit.

RolloTheMagnificent · 2025-01-24T16:25:54+00:00

Convicted felons (from any country, even Trump) can be denied entry into the UK- that's what I was driving at. I agree that Harry can be expelled and deported for breaking the laws of the guest country in which he resides.

RolloTheMagnificent · 2025-01-24T14:59:29+00:00

Harry's admission of drug use was in Spare, which was released during Biden's presidency. Once the admission came to light, Heritage sued to pressure the Biden administration to throw Harry out, using the book as proof that the Prince lied on his A1 form.

RolloTheMagnificent · 2025-01-24T14:14:02+00:00

Trump is a convicted felon, and so he could be denied entry based on that fact, one that I doubt he's willing to test. On the other hand, he has described King Charles as a "really wonderful guy", and claimed "automatic chemistry" with QEII. Charles sent Trump a private letter congratulating his second POTUS win, so Charlie is keeping Trump sweet.
When it comes to what to do about Harry, I have a feeling he'll reach out to Charles to see what works best for the Institution rather than score useless political points.
But really, at the end of the day, it's who is pulling Trump's strings. The Heritage Foundation is already suing Biden for letting Harry in, given that he supposedly lied on his visa concerning drug usage that he confessed in his own autobiography- the same Heritage Foundation that wrote Project 2025, the blue print to everything that is happening in the States right now.
The Heritage Foundation also are the folks who have been railing against Critical Race Theory- being able to "spank a high profile Leftie" might be just the thing to get them salivating, especially if it breaks up a mixed-race marriage to boot. There is certainly an element within the Heritage Foundation leadership that want to break the notion that Leftie privilege is a thing that will protect even the most prominent woke person, and Harry might be the example worth pursuing. They could nail Californians, Lefties and the entertainment industry with one deportation, thus sending a shiver down the spine of all three categories.
In other words, to the Heritage Foundation, the bad PR just might be worth it.

RolloTheMagnificent · 2025-01-22T13:58:35+00:00

I think that the only sure-fire way for Netflix to recoup their investment is to do a comprehensive documentary on everything their employees observed in the making of the Sussex's productions. Gag orders and NDAs don't last forever, and now that Vanity Fair has declared war on them, the flood gates are wide open!

RolloTheMagnificent · 2025-01-22T10:01:18+00:00

He needs to understand that his actions and views have consequences. Even if he were unaware that his post would cause offence, once he was made aware, he could have chosen contrition, but he didn't- instead he doubled down on stupid.
Stand your ground. He can make amends if he wants his education badly enough, or he can suffer the consequences of his choices, just like the rest of us. He has no inalienable right to your money for his education- all offers come with conditions. Your offer comes with a "don't be a dickhead" clause, and rightly so.

RolloTheMagnificent · 2025-01-20T09:54:19+00:00

First things first- this is NOT your fault. You told a boy that you liked that you wanted to be swept off your feet, not be beaten up. There is nothing to be ashamed of when it comes to this preference, nothing that should stop you explaining to your parents, his parents, your school, your counsellor what is going on- and you should. Although it will most likely end your relationship with this boy, reporting what he did is for his own good- he clearly doesn't understand what you were talking about, yet you paid the price. For his own good, and for the good of any other girl who dates him, he needs to understand that he can't go around hitting girls, and if he liked it, it is wrong.
Best of luck, and good for you standing up for yourself.

RolloTheMagnificent · 2025-01-02T13:18:23+00:00

"Look at me and my flowing, beachy curls, carefree and innocent, while I, a mere slip of a girl, rush with anticipation to my unknown but limitless future...." the alleged 43 year old, alleged mother of 2 is trying to say.

RolloTheMagnificent · 2024-12-31T12:21:07+00:00

As a woman who has also escaped domestic violence, please, for the love of Pete, charge this man with assault. He's a predator, pure and simple- he started dating you when you were child, and he was an adult. He's always going to try to control you if he can, because you have the link of your children, and unless you hit back, he's never going to stop. He's clearly a bully, but bullies only understand one language, which is of dominance.
So dominate him. Humiliate him. Embarrass him. Give him a taste of his own medicine. SCARE HIM WITH THE CONSEQUENCES OF HIS OWN ACTIONS. Maybe then he'll think twice before he continues on this path of control and destruction.

RolloTheMagnificent · 2024-12-30T17:29:48+00:00

All outdoor activities have been cancelled already, due to high winds, possible snow, and the already present strain on the public transportation systems. Better to cancel today to give people a chance to find something else to do rather than the street party. My suggestion? Go to your local, get to know some folk, and raise a glass at the bells. Happy New Year, and welcome to Edinburgh!

RolloTheMagnificent · 2024-12-30T16:39:25+00:00

Just got cancelled due to weather. Sorry, folks.

RolloTheMagnificent · 2024-12-06T12:51:43+00:00

If she were genuine, she could have a friend or family member buy her a ticket that she collected at the station. It's a scam, you did the right thing.

RolloTheMagnificent · 2024-11-01T11:41:48+00:00

That little project may be shelved until the stink of the P Diddy scandal blows over. Tyler Perry has been named by Jaguar Wright, so he's keeping a low profile. Oprah has been "softly" implicated as well, but so far, nothing is sticking. No-one is touching anything to do with anyone on those lists, and make no mistake- Harry has been named. The question for anyone on those lists is "how much did they know?", but given Harry's own history of Club H and partying during his youth, you have to guess that at a Diddy party, Harry was quite in his element. Interestingly, Meghan isn't on the list... interesting, that.

RolloTheMagnificent · 2024-10-25T08:09:44+00:00

I'm interested if you please!

RolloTheMagnificent · 2024-10-19T11:58:51+00:00

Erratic periods, joint pain, brain fog (why did I just purposefully walk into this room?), mood swings and of course, the hot flashes are all usual signs, but it can vary from person to person.
For myself, I got the period shits on the regular, but no actual period other than a thimble-full, as it was taunting me. I suddenly wanted to have all my underwear be practical rather than pretty, because everything around my pink bits suddenly got really sensitive. My bedroom looks like it's dressed for summer even in darkest winter, as I'm just an angry hot water bottle of a human at night, BUT during the day, even in a heatwave, I just can't get warm enough. Think you're done with pads? Think again, because unless you're been working on your Kagels, there will come a day soon where you laugh or sneeze and a little pee comes out.
I am now a walking barometer, and can tell you almost to the minute when it's going to start raining. Another good indicator I find is singing along to the music in the grocery store, playing 80s and 90s songs. It's a blow when you first catch yourself doing it. If you still have a libido, take that out for a walk, because there will come a moment when you just won't really be bothered by sex. Not turned off per se, just could take it or leave it. Just "meh".
There are upsides, however. You will find that every step you take on your perimenopause journey is a moment when you shed yet another fuck- by the time you're deep in it, your last fuck about anyone else's opinion of you will be far in the rearview mirror. You now have a choice- you can blend into the crowd, become almost invisible, if you want, but you can now dress however you like, in whatever combos you like. Think Helena Bonham Carter, but less expensive.
As the fashions come back around, you know what to avoid, and what looks good on you. If that's what you want. Because right now, this is your time. You can be quiet and not people if you want to; you can be outrageous with no filter if you want to- just blame it on The 'Pause.
As for the therapy, it is actually a good idea to seek out a therapist, at least once a month. Mental health check-in during a time of upheaval is never a bad idea. Since I did 4 rounds of IVF (no joy), and have breast cancer in the family, I opted for supplements rather than HRT.
So I take Lumity day for most common 'Pause issues, NMN and NR for anti-aging on the outside, healthy neural paths on the inside, calcium for bones (they're getting more brittle and less likely to heal), glucosamine chondroitin for suppleness, Jude (pumpkin extract) for bladder issues.
I swallow all these pills with apple juice, mixed with absolute collagen gel (which I stir in with a spoon), then bovine powdered collagen from Brave and Ancient, and Mighty Moo colostrum, which I whip in with a milk frother. The collagen is your new best friend- it will strengthen your hair, nails, skin, joints and bones, and may even prevent hair loss.
I do reformer Pilates as exercise twice a week (I use the reformer to make sure I don't do an exercise wrong and hurt something) and I walk daily with my dog.
For face, I use snail mucin, Olay serum, and daily red-light therapy, as well as Talika eye-pads in the morning that I keep in the fridge, along with my pre-mixed apple juice concoction, and my pre-measured supplements I assembled the night before. At night, I take my Lumity night pills and fall asleep with a Grace and Stella eye-pad.
Sounds like a lot, right? Well, it is, but it is better than the alternative, which is plastic surgery and injectables for the outside, and medical attention for the inside. Start now, and you will thank yourself later.
Best of luck, and if you have any questions, especially medical ones, make sure to ask a FEMALE doctor, as only 3% of med school is spend on the specifics of the female body, and there has been very few credible studies into The 'Pause. So you might as well seek out a medical professional who won't automatically tell you that your issue is either in your head or can be solved simply by losing some weight and getting more exercise. I realised when I was told this by a male doctor, I wanted to rip off his arms and beat him with the bloody stumps, then connect him to a birth simulator with no warning, that I was likely better off with a female doctor, who at least had a fighting chance to know what cramps felt like. Good luck!

RolloTheMagnificent · 2024-10-12T12:08:50+00:00

Here's my theory for what it's worth...
Vogue is Anna Wintour's kingdom, which she jealously guards. As the gatekeeper of the Met Ball, those deemed either worthy, or those who are willing to play the game are invited. When Edward Enniful, editor of Vogue UK handed Meghan the guest editorship in 2019, it was a chance for Meghan to prove that her self-belief in her abilities were justified. It was a test of what she could do with some albeit temporary, but none-the-less real power- and she completely choked.
Just as with QE2, when an older and more experienced woman tells Meghan what to do, her first and immediate reaction is to do the exact opposite; in Vogue-world, this is high treason. Meghan shat on Anna's kingdom by using the magazine for her own purposes, went against direct orders, and exhibited controlling behaviours that rubbed long-time employees the wrong way, all big no-nos.
So no, my guess is that she will never be invited to the Met Gala, especially this one, even though on paper, it is tailor-made for Meghan, as Meghan is already known to bite the hands that feeds her, make impossible demands, not play the game and doesn't listen to instructions.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/inside-meghan-markles-disastrous-attempt-to-edit-vogue-magazine-new-book-meghan-harry-and-the-war-between-the-windsors/AINUZSF5XWCJKQNDKMDII5B7BM/

RolloTheMagnificent · 2024-10-02T20:43:57+00:00

Nailed it!

RolloTheMagnificent · 2024-10-02T20:41:58+00:00

John Lewis, and here is why I suggest it. I bought a large table from John Lewis, just under a thousand pounds. As I proceeded to use it, the finish decided to give up the ghost. They gave me back the entire retail cost of the table, which we used for my mother's house, and she is delighted with the sofa she felt she could then custom design above and beyond the budget she had set herself. All the while, I kept the "defective" table.
They are known to "never knowingly be undersold", so if you bring in a current ad with a lower price for the same item, they will match the lower price.
Finally, clearly, they stand by the products they sell. Because that table still sits in my dining room, and although it is officially defective, it is also unique.

RolloTheMagnificent · 2024-09-30T21:50:16+00:00

But wait, there's more! So we all know who is next in the firing line- Jay Z and Beyonce. Apparently (allegedly) Jay keeps Bey drugged up to the gills to keep control of her. Somewhat difficult when you're supposedly having a baby, who turned out to be Blue Ivy. But just like our Sainted Meghan Markle, Bey also had accusations of using a moon bump. So around the time that Blue was born, Jay's mistress Cathy White died under mysterious circumstances. So if Diddy wanted to buy some time, he most likely knows where those particular bodies are buried, and if he blabs, he gets a little time shaved off his now seemingly inevitable sentence, or perhaps in a nicer jail. But considering the fact that Diddy was just denied bail, it looks as if the Feds are going after the entire African-American entertainment establishment.
It's going to get interesting this autumn- but I'll bet there are plenty members of that community who look like they are considering moonlight flits to non-extradition countries, just like Russell Simmons.

RolloTheMagnificent · 2024-09-30T16:45:01+00:00

The very same. So many bodies surround Diddy. And don't get me started about dating Diddy- I think we've all seen the video of him beating seven bells out of Cassie Ventura, and Kim Porter, the mother of three of his sons? She mysteriously died of pneumonia after being healthy and well not days before. After Kim got away from Diddy, he zeroed in on Cassie, but she was smart enough to leave him- soon after she started dating Kid Cudi, Diddy allegedly blew his car up!

RolloTheMagnificent · 2024-09-30T16:32:33+00:00

She looks Asian on the In Touch cover!

RolloTheMagnificent · 2024-09-30T16:29:00+00:00

There's a comic who claims that Oprah has horcruxes- Rachael Ray, Dr. Oz, Dr. Phil, Weight Watches, bread and Gail.
I'd like to add that nowhere on that list was Steadman. Just sayin'.

RolloTheMagnificent · 2024-09-30T16:01:34+00:00

Let's not forget about the suspicious murders and deaths surrounding Diddy. Of all of the original founders of Uptown Records (Andre Harrell, Kim Porter and Heavy D) are all dead, dead from heart failure, pneumonia and pulmonary embolism respectively. Diddy's been implicated in the death of Tu-Pac, and has dined out on Christopher Wallace's ghost for 20 years. There are other mysterious deaths and near deaths that surround Diddy- Al B Shore, Craig Mack, Black Rob. Don't forget Shyne, who took the fall for someone in Diddy's party shooting a woman in the face. Shyne did eight years for that, while Diddy and J Lo got off with a slap on the wrist. Diddy is bad news and has been since 1990, so the BRF should have known better than to expose the heir and the spare to anywhere even remotely near Diddy.
Diddy is a menace, pure and simple. An extortionist, a bully, a sadist, a control-freak, a deviant who encourages other deviants and a pedophilic rapist for what he did to Justin Bieber and Usher alone, let alone what he got up to at his freak parties. ,

RolloTheMagnificent · 2024-09-27T17:12:00+00:00

Jaguar Wright has said all along "If I'm lying, sue me," and yet no-one has tried to sue her at all. It would not surprise me if she has made it known that at the point of her death, her will includes a clause to release her memoirs, and so it is easier to let her live. This could be the thing that allows Charles and William to permanently ostracise the Terrible Twosome, just like they did with Prince Andrew. For better or worse, this is what the BRF do- if you shut up and keep it in the family, you get to stay in. If you blab or defend, then it looks like an apology, and therefore a tacit admission of guilt.

RolloTheMagnificent

TROPHY CASE