London to Glasgow

Leaving London was hard. We just started to feel at home. We found the little breakfast places and markets, we finally knew east from west, we could use the Tube, and we’d hit all the high notes. Now it’s time to get comfortable, and poof – it’s over.

Well, almost over. Kirsten’s new suitcase had a defective zipper. Her other also new suitcase had the wheel ripped off, so we bought this one on Wednesday – she got it all packed….. and then had to unpack it, return it, and get a new one. Talk about a fire drill!

We left her feeling comfortable that she could navigate London well and head off to Euston Station to get the train to Glasgow. The view from the train was magical.

‘Why Glasgow?” everyone asks; because we like it. Edinburgh is gorgeous, the Highlands are stunningly beautiful and soul filling, Glasgow is gritty, and multicultural, and old and a bit worn down at the heel, and ever so charming. It’s just like Noto in Sicily – not the most historic, not the most beautiful, but so full of personality and individuality and charm that we just love it. And the people! So warm, so kind, so generous. It’s manageable, there are no American tourists, and we live like Scotsmen for a few days.

We stayed in this hotel a few years ago, The Blythswood Square, and loved it. Years ago, it was our first stop and we landed early and the early check in room wasn’t ready. We fell soundly asleep in the lobby in the alcove (3rd picture above) – they had to wake us to get us into our room.

I mentioned multicultural, right? Huge Asian population and restaurants here. Food scene is terrific, and quality of the food is outstanding. Brad’s first night in Scotland — no one needs to be tortured — so we settled on a lovely pseudo American restaurant called Dakota. Cool, hip bar, lovely waitstaff, and truly delicious and innovative food. Celeriac starter followed by halibut in a ham hock broth with chanterelles, a waffle with truffles and pumpkin roasted with curry and dolloped with homemade herbed yogurt. Brad had steak, Cesar salad and fries. Everyone went home a winner.

I took a long bath, watched some cheeky British political commentary show, and am snuggled under a freshly pressed duvet next to a contented snoring husband.

9446 steps today and delighted. Leaving you with this: