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....