Search for the Black Pudding - Day 4

Our last full day in Scotland had come quicker than imagined. Woke to glorious sun. As mum says, "The sun is splitting the coconuts." Can't tell you how many times today we heard "It's just like summer," or "Summer has finally arrived!" Temps were around 15C (~60F) and not a cloud in the sky. Everyone was out with tank tops on... it was a good laugh for us anyway.

Started the morning at our usual bar... I think they've almost got our names down now. Sans muffin again. I was saving my appetite for one of the few remaining chances to eat a sausage roll. A trip over to Gregg's to look for plain bread but there was none to be had. It was too early they said and once again, the elusive bridie was nowhere to be found. Each time I try to buy one they've always "just run out" or "they're still in the oven." Nevermind then says mum, we'll get what we need in Cathcart.

Hopped on the train and in short order we were walking down Rannoch Street. Stopped off to take a few pictures and see what had changed. Lots said mum although I can't remember it well enough to know for myself. Gordon's was next on the agenda and mum was pleased to see he was still there running the shop. A wee chat, black pudding and sausage spices and we were on our way to Morrisons. Little did we know this was just the start of a day of shopping.

Grocery shopping before leaving and while hungry usually results in disaster. This was no exception. We filled 8 bags full and realized we'd need a cab to get back to Cathcart. No way we were walking back with all this added weight. Stopped at Newlands Bakery before getting on the train to come back to Glasgow. Finally a bridie (that's 'birdie' for you Grace) to satisfy my craving. Mum had a sausage roll and both well worth the wait!

Back in the town and much lighter since our bags had been dropped back at the hotel. On to Woolworths, up Argyle and Buchannan Streets, and trip over to Sauchihall Street. St. Enoch's Center, Marks & Spencers, Burtons, we saw it all. Not much to show for other than a pair or 2 of shoes, some trousers, a suit & lots of chocolate... other than that though, not a thing to buy!

Exhausted by the time we got back to the hotel, we decided to take it easy and have dinner here. No fish suppers tonight! I think that puts the score back to 4-4.. all tied up. I wonder how it'll all finish up.. one more day yet to go.

Somehow we managed to get everything in the cases tonight so tomorrow we can relax and not worry about last minute shopping (ya right!). As of now the plans call for another early rise (8am!)... costa offee and a train ride back to Weymss Bay for a full Scottish breakfast (minus the black pudding for me.. sorry Dad! I'll bring it home in a doggy bag for you). Our flight to London isn't until late tomorrow night so we've got plenty of time for last minute things.

Had a great time here and wish you could have all joined. It was a nice respite from an otherwise busy schedule. Hope LA is as warm and sunny as Glasgow when we return!

See you all in a couple of days!

Search for the Holy Grail - Day 3

The blaze of sunlight coming through the window this morning pryed my eyes open wide. So bright was the sun I had to get up and put on my sunglasses.. glad I brought them along after all.

Okay, okay, not quite but still, it was a beautiful and sunny morning.

Another "late" start and the first stop was Costa Coffee again, sans muffin. By tomorrow the girls working there will know us and our order. It will be the Glasgow equivalent of "Cheers."

Decided today to head east on an adventure to find the now-famous Rosslyn Chapel. Trains to Edinburgh leave more regularly from Queens St however so we exited stage-left and made our way to the other station. Couldn't resist Gregg's and a sausage roll along the way (oops, forgot it's lent). Had to get out of the rain for a second anyway! Yes, couldn't believe it but from the time we went into Costa until the time we came out, the rain had started. So much for a warm, sunny day we thought.

Got to Queens Street station and bought our tickets from an online kiosk. Much quicker and easier than waiting in a mile-long line. Made our way to the train and noticed that the rain had already stopped. We hoped our luck would continue.

A nice 45-minute ride later and we were in Waverly Station. Noticed a tourist info sign and spent 15 minutes walking around looking for it before we realized it was all the way back at the station. I tried to explain to mum that's all part of the adventure... she wasn't buying it though.. and kept remarking that I wasn't organized like Dad. See Dad, you should have joined us.

Discovered from the friendly tourist info guy that we needed to take the #15 bus all the way to Roslin Hotel, some 30 minutes away or so. A short while and a pound later we were on the way. You won't believe the distance. It's nearly at Peebles and mum couldn't believe it was only a pound fare. Considering it costs nearly 2.5x that amount to go from Weymss Bay to Largs I guess I agree.

The bus dropped us in a perfect location and the walk to the Chapel was short. We weren't the only ones with this idea today. Lots of tourists and I suspect the town is a bit surprised by it all.

The church is amazing and a work of art. The detail of the interior is unreal and after seeing it, it makes sense why the construction took 40 years. Despite the Da Vinci Code hype, the church does in fact have ties to the St Clair family and Knights Templar. The history is explained throughout the church and a tour guide is available to explain in more detail. Most interesting is the fact that it's still a "working church" and as you might imagine, the parishioners aren't all that interested in tourists. There is a side set of stairs, just like in the movie but when I went down them, I didn't find Tom Hanks or the Holy Grail. Too bad I suppose.

In all seriousness though, it would take you hours if not days to really examine the church in detail. Carvings abound and at one point I thought to myself it was a bit like "Where's Waldo?" Too many things to see and not enough time or ability to endure the neck pain (from looking up) to do in one day.

By now lunch time had past and we were getting hungry. A stroll back to the bus stop and the Roslin Hotel was overdue. Although the rain hadn't come back, the temp was a bit cooler than Glasgow causing us to complain of cold hands and feet. Nothing that a warm bowl of cock-a-leekie soup wouldn't solve. And that's exactly what we had. Despite the bar being run by a not-so-pleasant Englishman, the food and Tennants Lager were good. 2 bowls of soup and 2 paninis later and world order had been restored. That is until we went out to wait again for the bus.

On the way out we were warned the bus home might run a bit late. He didn't tell us it would be 45 mins late. The queue of people grew long and increasingly irritated. One guy made a call to the bus depot to see what the hold up was. The Spanish tourists must have smoked a pack of cigarettes each. In the end the driver came and we paid our pound to go back. A stroll down Princes Street and a few stops in shops along the way and by 6:15 we were back on the train to Glasgow.

On the walk back to the hotel we discovered a new grocery store that yielded the best discovery for mum yet... Oxtail soup. She cleaned out their stock - literally!

New score... Fish Suppers 4, Days in Glasgow 3. That's right, tonight we surpassed the number of days here with the number of fish suppers we've eaten. You'll notice it's nice wrapping in one of the pictures above. Salt & Vinegar the clerk asked. Why not I said. If we need coronary bypasses after we return, we'll know why.

Tomorrow activities include a trip to Cathcart and maybe Shawlands. More shopping and undoubtedly more eating. I think a crumpet and jam is in order. Not sure what we'll do in the afternoon so you'll have to stayed tuned...

Good Night!

Crossing the Clyde - Day 2

Awoke this morning to the sound of water... it was 7:30 and mum was already up. I asked if it was rain, turned out it was the kettle coming to a boil!

After a fruitless search for a biscuit to accompany the tea (& coffee for mum), we settled on the hotel-provided "brownie." It was actually more like a chocolate cookie but any port in a storm.

Speaking of storms, as predicted, the rain also came this morning. Didn't seem too heavy from our window and people on the street were walking about without umbrellas. Oh well we thought, it was to be expected and if the weatherman was right about it coming, maybe he'd also be right about it being gone before lunch.

We had checked the train schedule last night and knew the trains to Wemyss Bay ran every hour on the 50s. It was 8:40 before we were ready to leave the room so we made a mad dash for the station (1 block up the road) to get our tickets. 10pounds and a frantic walk later we thought we were in luck. We hopped on board and took a seat. After a few minutes though we were escorted off the train... seems the train to Wemyss Bay had just left! Couldn't believe it, they really run on time. Thought I was in Japan for a second.

An hour to kill so Costa Coffee was on the agenda, right after a visit to Thornton's. Lots of great things in for Easter but all too big to carry back to the States. Giant chocolate bunnies, ducks and eggs. We settled instead for a white coffee and a cup of tea. Split a lemon and orange muffin for good measure.

The ride to Wemyss Bay isn't long and after passing miles and miles of trash along the railway (still not sure how it gets there) we arrived. Bought our tickets for the ferry to Rothesay which wasn't leaving for another 30 minutes and made our way up to the main road. We soon discovered the SeaView cafe is still in existence and the place was packed. Mum had a roll and sausage while I had a roll and sausage and onion. Delicious! Clearly the case from our pictures as you see.

By now it was just after 12 and the rain was nearly stopped. It was never much of a rain anyway, just a few drops. I had forgotten my umbrella in the room and it was just as well. Got on the boat and stood on the deck, near the front. Half way across the rain had stopped completely and our attention turned to a couple of dogs wearing well-fitted coats. One was a greyhound, on sedatives (more later) and the other a whippet. Skye & Tinker. Cute dogs and very friendly. Seems they are used to making the crossing. Tinker was very friendly and wasted no time jumping on me for a scratch behind the ear. Skye on the other hand gets nervous and needs a dog Valium to keep her calm. She looked a bit loopy to me. When we arrived, it took the help of an older couple to get them off the boat. Seemed Skye wasn't quite ready to go.

Off the boat and ready for a walk around "the island." Up the road near the castle and a not-so-quick stop into Woolworths. Another 10pounds later and we've got hard candies, crisps and a few chocolate bars. Why, I've got no idea. After that we walked all along the front, both sides. Got as far as the Glenburn Hotel and had to turn back as the ferry was already coming in. We strolled briskly (!) back for the boat since the next one wouldn't be in for another hour & a half. They tell us one boat is out of commission at the moment.

Back on dry land and it's on the bus for a ride into Largs. Couldn't believe it was 5pounds for the 2 of us. The same as a round trip ferry ride to Rothesay! Got into Largs around 3:30 and had to start by looking for shirts for dad in his favorite shop. Sorry to report that they've still got their winter-wear in at the moment and our search was unsuccessful. Well, at least for Dad.. I on the other hand did find a nice sweatshirt!

Walked through the town and browsed in the windows. Passed Greggs and a sausage roll with my name on it so we stopped in. After nearly a 15 minute wait (crazy clerk) we were stuffing our faces with piping-hot sausage rolls. I guess by now it must seem to you like we're eating an awful lot. The portions are small and we're walking a lot so it burns off quickly!

Found ourselves in Morrisons which used to be Safeway and began the hunt for Oxtail soup. Despite our efforts however, there was none to be had. It seems they've discontinued it. I can't imagine why...!?! More biscuits, including some for tomorrow morning's tea and back down the road we headed. Walked all along the front, past the Green Shutters, a new kids play area, the dog park and finally to the curve just before the "pencil." Met lots of cute dogs along the way including Poppy, a 2-year old springer spaniel that chased a stick like you wouldn't believe, including into what must be freezing water. As always, the dogs were off their leashes, running about, playing peacefully with the other dogs and coming at their master's request. Certainly Orson would have been as well-behaved.... ?!?

Nearly 7 now and we've walked back into town. Decided that dinner was in order and we settled on the Brisbane House Hotel. A glass of Pinot Grigio for mum and a McEwans for me while we lounged in the front room and became unsuspecting models for the new owners remodeling plans. Seems the hotel has been sold and they're on an ambitious adventure to modernize the place. Which reminds me, Nardini's ice cream shop just in front is closed as well. They are turning the place into retirement apartments. Anyhow, back to the food. Can you guess what we had? At least one had fish & chips you say? No surprise I suppose. Make that 2 now for the trip. I had the steak pie. An unusual choice for me and only after a tongue lashing from mum for choosing the risotto did I pick it. It was very good, even though it included mushrooms.

Decided to take the train back to Glasgow from Largs this time. Not a bad choice. The train was empty and the ride not too long (~ 50 mins). Got back at nearly 9... stopped in at Marks & Spencers for a bottle of wine (eat and drink, eat and drink... maybe that is all we're doing!).

Just heard tomorrow's forecast on the news... Glasgow is meant to be sunny and 12C (55F). Outlook for Saturday and Sunday is good as well. Not sure what tomorrow will hold. Maybe a trip to Edinburgh. I'd still like to see Rosslyn Chapel, even though it was in DaVinci Code and is probably now nothing more than a tourist trap.

Until the next chronicle....

Crossing the Atlantic - Day 1

An early rise in Los Angeles and off to LAX for our 10am flight to SFO.

Traffic was snarled as usual which meant by the time we reached the airport, there was no time left for partaking in the United lounge. A quick flight up to San Francisco and our journey to Scotland had begun.

Domestic and International flights are in separate terminals at SFO so a bus ride to Terminal 3 was necessary. With just over an hour before boarding, we sat down for a not-so-good sandwich and a drink. A stop at the bookshop for the necessary reading materials and before you knew it, we were sipping wine and mimosas from the purview of the upper deck. More eating ensued, followed by a couple of movies (Bobby & Shut Up & Sing, both great btw) and intermittent naps. I slept anyway. Mum, not a wink.

9 hours later and we were hiking through Heathrow. We stopped at the United Arrivals Lounge for a cup of coffee and a biscuit. I checked email and snapped a few shots of mum enjoying the frills of my frequent business travel. A shower was offered but we both declined!

After making our way over to Terminal 1, we checked-in (only 1 hand carry for all UK flights so beware!) and made our way over to WH Smith where I proceeded to purchase a bag of hula-hoops. On route to the gate we stumbled upon the BMI lounge which fortunately because of their Star Alliance affiliation, was open to us. We were pleased, no doubt. And dad, you would have been in heaven. A huge self-serve bar with every type of scotch and beer you could think of... all for the taking. I'm sure you would have indulged, even if it was only 10:30am!

A short, empty flight up to Glasgow and we landed to find the streets dry and sun shining. No wind and the temp was about 53F. Found the hotel after a short taxi ride (still cost 24GBP!) and left our bags as the room wasn't quite ready. Had a nice walk up Argyle and Buchannan Streets and stopped in a place called "The Colony" I think for a light snack. It's just on the corner of St. George's Square. Mum had the fish while I sampled a pie and chips. Not bad! Amazed at how crowded it was for 2pm in the afternoon.

Got back to the hotel and after a few room switches, finally settled on the one we (read: mum) somewhat liked. Granted it's not Windsor Castle and they've certainly spent more time on the exterior than the interior but it helps to remember it's a Radisson.

Spent most of the afternoon just walking around the city. Stopping to window shop and take a few pictures. Found our way over to St. Andrew's Cathedral and went in for a look. Mum lit a candle for papa and afterward we walked along the Clyde taking in the views. It was hard to stay focused as we'd been up for 24+ hours but the weather was so nice it was hard to give up.
Wandered over to Marks & Spencers on the way back to the hotel and picked up the necessary provisions... wine and potato chips... salt & vinegar & roasted chicken...

Got back to the hotel awhile later and I took a wee nap.. of course. =) Was shook out of my slumber by mum around 6:30 and from there we were off to take another walk. Up to Sauchiehall Street and back down Buchannan. Another grocery store stop for future reference and after deciding we weren't hungry for dinner, proceeded to split a fish supper! Good stuff. Scotland was playing against Italy tonight so all the radios and TVs were on. The pubs were full (as usual I suppose) and the cheers loud. Didn't get to see who won the match but it was a good first day anyway.

The weatherman says we'll have light showers tonight and through tomorrow around 9am. We'll see. If the weather is anything like today then we'll be off on the train to Largs and maybe Rothesay. I'll need to go buy a pair of shorts....