fringing-with-mr-dennis

[fringing-with-mr-dennis]

Catching up in Chicago

Day 39

Wednesday, September 6, 2023

This morning started at 5:30 AM in Dublin as Renee’s alarm went off.  We’d decided that we’d try to get a taxi at 7:00 to get to the airport.  The girls were departing via Air Canada at 10:45 and I was to leave at 11:30 via United.  They were flying to Montreal and then on to Chicago.

I was flying directly to Chicago.

And, yes, we were able to meet up again in Chicago after having gone to different terminals in Dublin for our flights out of Dublin.

Fortunately, they were able to catch all of their connecting flights AND locate the errant piece luggage that had been lost in the chasms of United storage warehouses for two weeks. They are currently driving back to Wichita at this very moment.

I, on the other hand, have been flying “Standby” and getting out of Dublin was a breeze—essentially, I had all of two rows completely to myself!!!

And there the fairytale ended!!!

The flight I was to catch out of Chicago was completely booked with several on the waitlist ahead of me!  And that was my only option for catching the next flight after that!

So, guess what?  Yes, I’m still in Chicago, four hours (and two martinis later) waiting for a flight out of Chicago. 

I’m glad that my plans over the next few days are rather open-ended, because at this point, I’m not sure where I’ll be in another 6-10 hours . . . probably spending the night in an airport lobby?!?!?

[fringing-with-mr-dennis]

Catching up with one of the most beautiful spots on earth . . . outside Colorado . . .

Day 37

Monday, September 4, 2023

Well . . . it’s now 8:46 PM and we’re heading back to Dublin from Belfast . . . on a train!

Normally, I really enjoy traveling by train . . . in the QUIET car!!!  Why do we always end up in the car with the LOUDEST crowd.  Last night was a bridal crowd that had possibly partied all weekend in Galway! Tonight, its used-car salesman convention that had possibly partied all weekend in Belfast!

Or, maybe I’m just too old . . . too tired . . . too much discomfort with this head cold . . .  dear reader, take your pick!!!

Today was our final official day of touring with the Irish Rail Tour.  Today started at the butt-crack of dawn in order to get the train to Belfast.  Once there, we joined another tour already in session.

One of the BEST parts of the day was revisiting places I’d been on my previous visits—Glenarm, Carnlough, Waterfoot, Cushendall—though I didn’t get to see my friends there because the tour folks weren’t clear in their descriptions of the day and I wasn’t able to prepare adequately to warn them I was coming through.

I spent a month in Waterfoot in early 2019 while writing blood(line). We sailed through the little village too quickly for me to take photos, but Carla was able to snap at a group of houses when I pointed in that general direction . . .

and I think she actually captured the right one!!!  But, I was sitting on an “inside” seat beside a tourist who was in no mood to share her window with me.  So I didn’t get to take any photos—one of the most uncomfortable bus rides I’ve had in a while.

After several other meaningless stops along the day, we finally got to the Giant’s Causeway . . . the real reason we even did the 1-day Northern Ireland trip . . . for a 2-hour stop!

So, as I pushed Renee and Carla in the direction of the shuttle-bus down to the Causeway, I took the path less traveled—up and along the cliff ridge.  And, for the longest time, I was the only person around—so very satisfying.  It’s not the easiest stroll, but the views were remarkable!!!

That was definitely the best part of the day!!!

Oh, and BTW, the used-car salesmen got off the train at the last stop!  The car is quiet again!!!

Then, there was one last stop, “The Dark Hedges” for all the Game of Thrones fans on the bus—not quite sure it warranted a 30-minute stop.

But, then again, maybe it’s just an “old . . . tired . . . head cold” thing.

[fringing-with-mr-dennis]

I posted to the wrong blog

[fringing-with-mr-dennis]

Catching up with my love of Ireland!

Day 35

Saturday, September 2, 2023

“I need to blog daily to keep this journey clear!”  Yes, I’ve said that before . . . in bag— . . . during my travels in India.

And it’s no better in Ireland!!!

When my sisters proposed this 2023 Siblings Sojourn thru Ireland about a year ago, Carla said, “We’ll come see you perform in Edinburgh if you take us to Ireland afterwards!”

Now, you know me, I LOVE to travel, “Travel is in my DNA” (another quote from bag—). But, I also knew that I’d be a complete basket-case following the Fringe, so I suggested that we find the right tour package that could accommodate a good trip thru Ireland.  I didn’t want a tourist bus, so I suggested an Irish Rail tour.

The idea was good, but we’ve actually spent more time on a bus (or ferry), than a train.  I really should’ve looked at a rail map of Ireland before suggesting that!  Look, Ireland is roughly the same size as Indiana!  How many trains crisscross Indiana?!?!?!

But, the trip has been rather jam-packed with all the major sights of Ireland . . . it all makes me want to come back and just wander with a backpack!!!  It’s absolutely beautiful and the Irish are some of the most friendly and hospitable folk anyway!

Yesterday was the Cliffs of Moher.

Today was the Aran Islands (Inishmore, Inishmaan, Inisheer) – the latter two only in the distance.

Tomorrow is Connemare in the day and back to Dublin by rail in the evening.

Monday is a daytrip to Northern Ireland and the Giant’s Causeway!

I JUST WANT TO STAY!!!  DON’T MAKE ME MOVE!!!

But, even a little bit o’ Ireland is better than no Ireland at all!!!

[fringing-with-mr-dennis]

Catching up with Ireland . . . not easy!

I can't keep up with all the photos I've taken during the past two days!!!

Here are just a few:

These are from Bunratty Castle:

And here we are at the Cliffs of Moher:

Can you spot the surprise?

These were taken a little further up the coastline . . .

My sisters and I are now in Galway for a couple of nights. Tomorrow proves to be pretty special for me . . . will fill you in later . . .

[fringing-with-mr-dennis]

Catching up after leaving Scotland

Day 32

Wednesday, August 30, 2023

We’re currently on a train roaming through the countryside in Ireland—I’m not quite sure of the exact location—but we’re heading south/southwest.  When I say “we,” I’m referring to me and my sisters (Renee and Carla).  We’ve been planning this trip for several months.  They came over to Edinburgh to catch my last three shows at the Fringe and then we are going to take an IrishRail Tour for the next 5 days.

When you’re on an island, you know you can’t get too lost—if you just go straight you eventually reach a coastline and that will eventually lead to a major city.

Tipperary seems to be the county we’re riding through at the moment—according to the tour guide (in the yellow jacket)—it’s known for its dairies.  The sun has broken through, so that’s a good sign—and the countryside looks lush and green!

To get you caught up on the activities:

Monday, the 28th, Renee and Carla leave for Ireland in the morning. I drop off the TVs that didn’t get used and I follow later in the evening.

Monday air travel through the UK/Europe was an absolute mess—as you probably heard on the news. Some air traffic system completely shut down. Flights were being cancelled all day long—particularly if flying to other UK cities and the European continent.  Fortunately, the flights to Ireland weren’t as affected—though some were. 

Arielle and Brandon were to leave Scotland on Tuesday morning—and fortunately, they had no difficulty in getting back to NY with the two big trunks.

I arrived in Dublin on time and proceeded to meet my sisters at the Trinity Hotel.

Tuesday, the 29th, I went out early to the Boots Pharmacy (having caught a nasty cold—probably from exhaustion) and then met the girls for the self-guided tour of the Trinity Library and the Book of Kells—always love that tour.

Later I went back to the hotel to grade papers and the girls continued looking around the city—Renee has never been here before.  At the end of our tour, we will spend two more days in Dublin before returning home, so it’ll be nice to see more of the city at a leisurely pace.

Last night, we dined at The Bank on College Green not too far from the entrance to Trinity College.  Our night was not late because we had to be at the Heuston Train station at 6:30 AM this morning to meet our tour—who’s guides all wear the yellow jackets.

This is the grounds to Blarney Castle.

[fringing-with-mr-dennis]

Catching up with a late Sunday night

Day 29

Sunday, August 27, 2023

Can you believe I’m still keeping up with this blog?!?!?!  You’re probably pretty much “over it,” right?

And, yep, I’m still living it!!!

We still have a few more items to pack up—our toiletries and luggage—and get rid of the stuff in the fridge!  Then, we’re out of here!!!

These were taken on the way to Grassmarket--on my way from one show to another, by way of Shakespeare's Tavern next to the Traverse Theatre. I was meeting a friend, David Gassner, who lives in Seattle.

I did get to see a couple of shows today. One was a clever “clown” piece with lots of cardboard, Ice Hole. 

This is Grassmarket! So totally beautiful!!!

Very clever!  Somewhat forgettable!

And the other was a South African entry, Dark Noon, that focused on westward US expansion in America.

Absolutely brilliant!!!  Should’ve received every single accolade possible at this Fringe!!

(Actually, it’s just the perfect show that should appear at St. Ann’s Warehouse in NY—or, the New York Theatre Workshop.)

It should tour throughout North America!!!! (for starters)

These photos were taken after the show. The stage starts off completely bare. And by the end, there's a small town. I'm still jaw-dropping in awe of this production!!

After some errands, I’ll head to the airport for my flight to Ireland on Monday evening.

In some regard, this should be my last entry because this is the end of the Fringe 2023 for me. But, I could continue--at least until I get home. Do you want to know more about my travels through Ireland next week? Please let me know.

[fringing-with-mr-dennis]

Catching up with the final performance

Day 28

Saturday, August 26, 2023

This was it!!!  The last performance of a trilogy: box., bag— and blood(line) at the 2023 Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Have had a most awesome, wonderful, invigorating and exhausting time.

I think the absolute best part of this entire process is the opportunity to meet so many wonderful artists from all over the world!!!  You don’t get to know them very well, but when you see them every day, out there on the streets trying to hawk their show to anyone who’ll listen (which is the same thing you’re doing), you know what they’re feeling because you’re feeling the exact same thing.

Do I ever need to come back to Edinburgh to perform?  Probably not.

Do I ever need to come back to Edinburgh to connect with other artists?  Damn straight, I will!!!

Tonight, after the show, as a “cast party,” Penny and I took Arielle and Brandon out to The Alchemist . . . one of the most fascinating restaurant/bars I’ve ever witnessed. 

And, there are several all over the UK!!!  And, tonight, Rona, Carla and Renee joined us!  We had a smashing time!!!  A fitting finale to our work in Edinburgh!

Tomorrow will be spent in doing laundry, cleaning and packing.  We vacate our student-housing digs on Monday morning.  I still have a couple of shows to see tomorrow – with my show in the late afternoon, I had trouble seeing some shows that overlapped with mine. And, yes, the official end of Fringe is not until Monday evening—so there are still two days of shows.

Maybe I can get some more random/general photos tomorrow!

(Just between you and me . . . I think I just did something pretty powerful . . . I just did three shows at the Edinburgh Fringe! Lots of lives shifted this season!)

[fringing-with-mr-dennis]

Catching up with the end of the week . . . cascading to the end of the Fringe

Day 27

Friday, August 25, 2023

I’m so screwed up on my days—I sincerely apologize!!!!  But, I’ve just gone back to check on days and dates and I’ve now corrected myself.  We are currently on Day 27 and it is August 25!

Today was our last performance of the musical, blood(line).  I’ll be happy to return to the original title—maybe—blood.

And we had a very supportive audience . . . and yes, my sisters were able to see it!  And, they were able to catch a you-know-who poster with the castle in the background.

We had one individual in the house today tell Penny that we need to produce this show as a cabaret, “get hammered and just cry together!”

I’ll take that as a compliment!

These random photos tonight are of the comic we went to see later this evening . . . Cyrus McQueen, The Chocolate Scot. 

He’s absolutely brilliant . . . and he’s from Brooklyn!  I intend to follow his career because he’s that brilliant!  And I typically don’t get too excited over standup comedians.

Then, Penny and I took the bus home . . . seeing some interesting characters along the way.

I wish I could have gotten a photo of his face for you . . . perfectly scary!

[fringing-with-mr-dennis]

Catching up with awesome friends and relatives

Day 25

Thursday, August 25, 2023

Today was the final performance of bag— here at the 2023 Edinburgh Fringe!  We had a good house and good show.

Now is not the time to perform a “post-mortem” on the show—it’s too fresh—but I’m going to need to reexamine lots of details with this particular show if I intend to ever perform it again!

But, it was a wonderful day to connect with friends—as well as make new friends!  This is just that kind of place!!!

Unfortunately, my sisters, Renee and Carla, were flying from Kansas City to get here in time to see the show today, but there flight was delayed leaving the States and they missed every connection thereafter and only just got to Edinburgh about 30 minutes ago – a full 10 hours after they were scheduled to arrive.

Hopefully, they’ll get their bags and reached their hotel room by soon!!! I'm sure they're exhausted!!!

But, one of my most special moments of this entire trip has been reconnecting with my cousin, Gina Young Hinson, from Beaumont, Texas – who I don’t think I’ve seen since we were kids. 

And I’ve had the best time spending time with her and her friends!

Tonight, Gina made reservations at the Johnny Walker Rooftop Bar on Princess Street—the flagship Johnny Walker boutique!  It’s amazing!!!

And so is the rooftop bar!

Plus, you get a great view to watch the castle fireworks as part of the nightly Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo!

Next time you’re in town, be sure to make reservations!

The sisters have just sent a text confirming they've arrived at their hotel.

I told them to sleep as late as they can and I'll catch up with them tomorrow.

[fringing-with-mr-dennis]

Catching up catching up

Day 25

Wednesday, August 23, 2023

It was, again, a rather long day yesterday—that’s why I’m writing this on Thursday morning!  (I’ll try and post today’s blog later this evening before going to bed).

I was able to start shipping some items home—yes, we only have a few more days in Edinburgh. 

The show today was box. – had a fantastic crowd—the audience was amazingly giving!!!  It’s very sad that the first half of the shows here is fraught with anxiety and you only get to relax and enjoy your work during the second half. 

It’s just crazy!!!

And every performer I’ve met here says the same thing!!!

Here are some kids from Durham University with their own a Capella ensemble--they're pretty good--and fun standing next to when passing out our fliers.

These are just some random photos, today.

This is a picture of Arielle’s family—her mom is standing to the right in this foursome—she is a most awesome individual!!! The others are part of her family that lives here in the UK.  They’ve been so supportive—coming to see two of my shows! (Her mom has probably seen at least 7 or 8 while she’s been here)!

To the right of them--those seated at the table--are friends from Texas! Rona Cantor is the woman in the black jacket standing in the far distance--she's a friend from Colorado whom I've known since the mid-1980s.

Edinburgh is a city of many wandering paths and lots of stairs.  After having only been here a few days, you learn how to navigate the city WITHOUT having to do the stairs.  BUT, every once in a while, you take the wrong turn and you realize the Mexican Street Taco place is NOT where you thought it was.  So, you HAVE to take the stairs to get there!!!

Ouch!!!

And then take more stairs just to get home!

But the view is pretty sweet!

And the food pretty good!

[fringing-with-mr-dennis]

Catching up with everyday living!

Day 24

Tuesday, August 22, 2023

So, there was a lot happening today . . . it was quite the emotional day for me . . . but I’ll share more of that at a later day.

Today, I wanted to share with you my trip to the grocery story.  The closest Sainsbury’s Local—which is a nationwide chain of grocery stores in the UK is quite literally across the alley and around the corner. 

The "Local" denotes a "condensed" version of the bigger store. You can see the path we take in red. The ride down the “lift” takes longer than it takes to walk to the front door of the store. Our building is the gray one in the distance just to the left of the store.

There’s probably three or four of these within a 20-minute walk. One must remember that most of the residents in Edinburgh have no need to own a vehicle—public transportation (buses) is quite extensive (there is no subway).  So, grocery stores need to be “handy” for the locals. 

Years ago—actually, even as recent as the mid-1980s—grocery store chains were somewhat rare. Every neighborhood had their various selections of butchers, green grocers, small family-owned shops (much like the bodegas in NYC).  So, you didn’t need the chains stores.  But, like modern commerce, the family-owned shops gave way to big conglomerates.

There’s another chain grocery store, Tesco, about 10 minutes away in the opposite direction.

The fruits/veggies:

The packaged meats and cheeses are on this side of the refrigerated aisle. There's yogurt further down. Across the aisle are packaged salads, sandwiches and meals.

These stores aren’t very big—but they keep them fairly well stocked – as well as they can.  You just can’t find a wide variety of anything and there’s usually a very limited supply.

Here's what you get from the bakery:

Milk is a little further down as is the frozen section (maybe four doors wide). It's sort of odd to find the eggs in the middle of the baking goods section . . . in a way.

And, they do have an aisle for Asian, Italian, Mexican cuisine . . . or, at least one side of an aisle.

Also, remember, the typical fridge here is almost 1/3 smaller than the size of refrigerators in the US. So, there’s not a lot of room for lots of supplies.

There is an aisle for household supplies and another aisle for crisps (chips), wine and beer.  There’s even a small section of liquor behind the check-out counter.

Everything you need to survive is right here.

Yes, if you don’t bring your own bag, you can pay for a plastic sack.

You get used to stopping in every other day or so—you just don’t have the room back in the kitchen to store much.  And, when you know you’re not going to stay for more than 4 weeks, you don’t waste time/money on spices and baking supplies.

[fringing-with-mr-dennis]

Catching up with Monday

Day 23

Monday, August 21, 2023

So, yes, the end of the day snuck up on me in such a way, I was unable to report on the day’s activities!  With so many things piling up in that “end-of-trip” whirlwind, these next few days are going to be utter chaos!

The two highlights from Monday:

I got to see Sophie’s show, Ile, at the Pleasance Courtyard, Bunker 3.

As you can see, they shove shows into any space that be found around here!!!  Sophie’s performance space is probably about 6’ square—and that’s it.  With maybe 6 lights.

And her show was wonderful!!!

Right before my show, I asked Penny (producer for Flying Solo! Presents) if we had anyone in the audience.  (I’ve been passing out fliers every day—except Sundays—and I don’t think anyone of those people has actually come to see the show.  HA!). Anyway, Penny said we had a small audience—but we had an audience.  And I thought, “Darn, I can’t go home early!”  HA!

What Penny didn’t tell me was that my cousin, Gina, and her friends from Beaumont, Texas, were in the audience.

Imagine my surprise when I came out on stage and saw who was in the audience!!!

And they were wonderful laughers!!!—I think I should hire them for every show!!! Here are Gina, Karen and Mary:

So, afterwards, we had a grand/quick reunion in theSpace courtyard before they went off to another show.  They’ll be here for a few days—and my sisters will arrive on Thursday—so you can understand why there’s so much to do in these last few days with more familiar faces arriving!

I’ve got a treat in store for you for Tuesday’s blog.

[fringing-with-mr-dennis]

Catching up with the weekend

Day 22

Sunday, August 20, 2023

Today was our day off!  But, in reality, it wasn’t much of a day of rest.

As we begin to wind-down our sojourn here in Edinburgh, I needed to organize our departure plans.

The final day of the Fringe Festival is Monday, August 28. So, the housing where we’re staying is kicking us out on Monday.  But, Arielle and Brandon are not scheduled to fly home until Tuesday—so I had to find them accommodations for Monday night near the airport.

Plus, I’m meeting my sisters in Dublin for a couple of days after Fringe before flying home, so I had to get my flight booked from here to Dublin next Monday.

So, this morning was getting all those plans nailed down!

Then, I met Mary Jo Sodd, one of my grad school buddies, for lunch and some afternoon shopping before we settled down for a coffee at the Costa’s on South Bridge.

It's fun, too, to meet yourself in a big poster!!!

Eventually, Andy (one of my roommates in Astoria) and Chris (one of Mary Jo’s former students from PA) joined us for a little while before we all went our separate ways to see shows this evening.

Here are just some photos taken while wandering through the city.

That's MJ down the row of geraniums.

I went to another International Festival entry at the Festival Theatre (across from Surgeons Hall where I perform) – The Berliner Ensemble production of Brecht’s Threepenny Opera!  And, yes, it was in German with subtitles!

And it was an absolutely beautiful and moving production!!!  And sooooooo “Brechtian”!!!!  Bertolt would be proud!!!  Though, quite astounded that there were sooooooo many UK pensioners in the audience!!!  I think I was one of the youngest there!!!

Ok, looking at the number of non-graying heads in this photo . . . yes, there were "a few" younger than me . . . but not many!!!

I’m convinced half of those in the audience must have been childhood pen pals with ol’ Bertie!!!

Afterwards I walked home . . . I’ve put in 15,323 steps today!!!!  And, I’m doing laundry tonight—so there’ll be more!!!

[fringing-with-mr-dennis]

Catching up with seeing other shows . . .

Day 21

Saturday, August 19, 2023

Two weeks down and one more to go . . . our last show at the 2023 Edinburgh Fringe will play next Saturday afternoon.  We’ll only perform each show twice more during the upcoming week.

But, we do get tomorrow off – Hallelujah!!!

And, like I promised last night, I’ll publish more photos tonight.

Tonight’s show was an entry in the International Festival—Pina Bausch’s “Rite of Spring”—at the Edinburgh Playhouse.

The primary dance was accompanied by a small duet that started the evening. Once that dance was done, the Playhouse treated the audience to the complete overhaul of the stage in preparation for "The Rite of Spring." It even took about 30 minutes to make the transition.

First, they pulled up the Marley (the dance flooring) and laid a huge dropcloth that covered the entire stage. Then they brought in huge bins of soil (the review called it peat) and spread it across the groundcloth.

You're gonna love this . . .

Of course the tech crew got a huge applause for their efforts!!!

Here's a photo of the balcony at the Playhouse.

(one of the most uncomfortable balcony seats I've ever endured!)

But the performance was riveting!!! Here's the review from the Guardian when they performed at the Sadler's Wells in London. It's a great review--because it explains a lot and I totally agree with the writer. It was absolutely spell-binding!!! Almost takes your breath away!

Then, I walked home--to the other side of city center!!! At least I got in my steps for the day!

And, it was pretty cool meeting myself, occasionally, as I walked. It's nice to meet a friendly face when traveling overseas!

Then, I took a few photos as I walked along Princess Street.

They were definitely having fun tonight!!!

And then I needed to get some artsy shots of the Scott Monument . . . and the Castle in the background.

Then, I turned the corner at St. Johns--the one with the beautiful stained glass windows.

And, of course, I had to get a shot of the tower of The Parish Church of St. Cuthbert. (I never realized there was a St. Cuthbert!)

Believe me, I was happy to get home tonight . . . I had to pee so bad!!!

And, I'm getting tonight's blog done just before midnight! Yes, heading to bed!

Don't wake me in the morning!!!

[fringing-with-mr-dennis]

Catching up with very special friends . . . from all over!

Day 20

Friday, August 18, 2023

So, today started out pretty much like every other day here in Edinburgh—you can’t tell whether it’ll rain or not!

But the day progressed normally—I was able to catch a show right before mine.  That was nice—I enjoyed it.

Then, during my show, I noticed that there was one particular individual—a young woman of maybe 25—who was quite taken with the show.  She seemed quite mesmerized.

After the show, she came up to me and introduced herself as Sophie, an individual whom I’d met in Cape Town, South Africa.  She’d been walking along the street here in Edinburgh and recognized the poster of box. from when I took the show there a few years ago.

At the time, she asked if we could meet over coffee and talk about theatre and creating one-person shows.  I must have said something right, because she’s now got her own show at the Edinburgh Fringe and I’m going to see it on Monday!!!

This is what getting to be a theatre artist is like . . . reconnecting with friends from literally ALL OVER THE WORLD! 

And I still had her number in my Whats App!!!!

I know this sounds so cliché . . . but I do feel extremely blessed to be part of this bizarre profession!!!

‘night!

Ps. More pictures will come tomorrow--I promise!

[fringing-with-mr-dennis]

Catching up with non-Fringe stuff

Day 19

Thursday, August 17, 2023

Today was essentially more of the same . . . though, I did get to bed earlier than normal and I woke up around 6—which meant I started my day a little earlier.

Arielle wanted to video a couple of short blurbs—so she can add those to TikTok.  So, some of these photos are of the canal in the opposite direction from the way I normal go into the city.

I found out a couple of days ago that I have two online classes to teach this Fall—and classes start on Monday.  So, this morning was spent getting things prepared for that.  I’m doing ok—but I still have a few crucial elements to add to the webpages before they go “live” this weekend.

I then went to the theatre and passed out pamphlets to anyone who’d take one.  We pass out a lot of fliers, but we don’t get a lot of “takers.”

And everyone around me seems to be in the same boat!

I also put together an audition video for a show that opens later in the fall—we’ll see if anything comes of that!

And, of course, we did the musical, blood(line), today – which is always fun!  Brandon’s father and brother were in the audience today.  That was pretty cool.

This evening, the kids were out in the “quad” warming up again.

I took some pics of folks passing out their fliers—but, I’ll get more photos to put together a bigger expose!