The Chap Olympiad

Image: Matthew Lloyd/Getty Images

Oh Britain, I love you. Don’t ever change.

One of the things I love about this country is its sense of humor, and the fact that it’s not afraid to make fun of itself from time to time. To that end, we have the Chap Olympiad, billed as Britain’s most eccentric sporting event, dedicated to celebrating “athletic ineptitude and immaculate trouser creases.” Honestly, it’s like something the crew at the Drones Club would have come up with.

Held annually in Bedford Square in London, contestants show up dressed to the nines and let their inner Bertie Wooster out for an afternoon in such events as Ironing Board Surfing, Umbrella Jousting, the Cucumber Sandwich Discus, and the Butler Relay. Sure, at least one of the events might have been a bit racist (Foreigner Shouting, in which contestants had to try and buy an item from a non-English speaking shopowner without killing said shopowner in frustratiom) but it seems like it’s generally a lighthearted (and well-dressed) afternoon. This year’s event was held on the 7 and 8 of July and you can see pictures from the day here. To learn more about the games, get tickets for next year, and catch up on past years’ events, visit thechapolympiad.com.

Weather Wise

I've been here two weeks, and I feel like I've experienced every season. Granted, this has been a freaky year for weather everywhere (a couple of locals have told me that this May has been more like January), but Edinburgh tends to have rather odd weather at the best of times, and you have to be prepared for that.

Take today, for instance. When I woke up and looked out the window, this is what I saw:

Two hours later, this is what that looked like:

Last week, it was about 40 degrees, windy, and rainy. Yesterday it was 70, not a cloud in the sky. The weather is changeable up here, so if you're visiting or coming to live, keep a few things in mind:

1. On any given day, there's about a 90% chance of rain, no matter what the forecast says. It might just be a light mist, like we had this morning, or a brief shower from a single passing cloud, but there's a decent chance you're going to run into some precipitation, so bring a raincoat and an umbrella along.

2. Temps are variable. Like I said, 40 one day, 70 another. You can't predict it. When I first got here, I was coming from Atlanta, Georgia, where it was fairly reliably about 80 degrees every single day. The clothes I brought along were woefully inadequate and I found myself making an emergency trip to the shops for a coat, hat, and gloves. Luckily I found them. Don't get caught the way I did--bring clothing for every weather type or risk either freezing or sweating through your day. Neither is pleasant.

3. Be adaptable. Don't complain about the weather here. You've been fairly warned, and there are plenty of glorious, sunny days (like yesterday and, now, today!). Put your umbrella up, slap on some gloves, and take refuge in a cool shop, free museum, or funky coffeeshop if you get caught in a gale or a downpour. They happen, adjust accordingly and put it down as an adventure.

Now, I'm off to enjoy the afternoon!