WOAD!

Last weekend I visited Scotland.

It is amazing how many people have opinions on this wonderful and lush country. And pre-conceptions of the people and places.

Yes I have heard all about the Glasgow kiss and smile but, the most terrifying experience I had there in the few days I visited was the excessive amounts of hen parties... quite surreal in fact. Made even more so with the experience of being evacuated from my hotel room early Sunday morning to find myself on the street with hundreds of pink clad women. To my relief this turned out to be a Walk for Life, Cancer awareness 5km jog/ run/ walk.
But arriving in Edinburgh airport to a beautiful and sunny evening I picked up my rental car and being only a little nervous as I have driven in the UK before but only in a left hand drive. I must admit I got the hang of it pretty quickly and only a couple of times had to look at the gear shift before switching. But anyway onto Glasgow where I had booked an extremely good deal in the Merchant City and waited for my lovely Glaswegian friend to meet me for drinks and dinner when he got off work.
We had great wine and food at Cafe Gandolfi & I must recommend the Montagny Bonneveaux ler Cru 2006, Oliver Leflauve. A beautiful chardonnay.
On Friday morning I got up and ventured into the city to search for some coffee and window shop. Immediately I noticed that besides the usual high street shops there were many high-end brand names to be found. Nearer to the afternoon I took the underground to the Kelvingrove Museum and Gallery. As it was such a beautiful and sunny day outside I only really went to see the Mackintosh exhibit and the Scottish art and influence. I also took a peek at Dali's Christ on the Cross (for Jo) but must say after standing in his house in Figueres a few years back I was not all that impressed. Had lunch in the cafe and had a walk in the park next door before heading back to the city to meet my friend for drinks and dinner.
Now being a whisky fan I had every intention on picking up some of the trail that Mr. Banks left behind in his book (see last entry) but then realised even if I visited a distillery I would not be able to sample the tipple. Lucky for me the Ood Bins I happened to visit had a wee selection for sample, I am guessing, show enough interest and knowledge and the magic curtain will be opened for you.
I actually got a bottle of 12 year old anCnoc (A knock) which I loved from the first sip, and which actually added to my collection at home nicely of a 12 year old Bowmore (Islay) and a 12 year old Glen Morvan, Speyside.
So onto the west side where we had dinner at an 'ok' place called the Loft. It was at least good for people watching. I must say that living in the very low key, under dressed and bad fashion sense Netherlands I was shocked and appalled what some women put them selves into.. I mean Play Suits, puff skirts and god knows what for non flattering tops it was an amazing sight for my eyes. Don't get me wrong I also saw some beautiful women also dressed to the 9's while I was there, but the fashion police should have been making some arrests.
Anyway... onto Oran Mor. Wonderful place, converted church, large whisky bar and although they boasted 250 whisky's they seem to have a problem coming up with my first 6 (diverse)choices. None the less I had an enjoyable time and wished I had seen Metric play there to see how it stood up to the Paradiso in Amsterdam for a converted church. It was an impressive building anyway.
Then onto another bar to meet with friends and more drinks.
Sat after prerequisite coffee, a little more window shopping and a dip into the Modern Art Gallery to avoid the ONLY rain I had during my stay! I headed for Loch Lomond. As my friend did not drive he agreed to come with me to enjoy the scenery. And what scenery it was, the beautiful mountains, the Loch, flowers, trees and villages and Forrest's. What a beautiful place indeed. I really loved it even the twisty little road around the north of the Loch. And the Village of Luss was really quaint as well.
Later on and back to Glasgow for more drinks, dinner and good company.
Sunday after the shock of the fire alarm in the hotel, breakfast and coffee, I got in the car and headed for Stirling & the William Wallace monument, St Andrews, some other small villages and places along some wonderful wee roads and then onto Edinburgh. Originally I wanted to go to Oban but just could not find reasonably priced accommodation for the 3 hour drive it would have taken.
But being diverted by traffic and the construction of the new tram lines on Princes Street I was brought around George square and to an amazing view of the castle hill... really beautiful and I was only sad I could not stop to the car to take a photo of the sun on the buildings but was over the North Bridge and onto my hotel that was just off the Royal Mile and around the corner from the City Chambers. Having been to Edinburgh before I was still suitably impressed with the sheer size and beauty of the city not to mention having read everything Ian Rankin has ever written I especially love the familiarity of the city because of him and of course Inspector Rebus.. A little bitter sweet to be leaving the next day but knowing I had a wonderful time and saw a little bit of a wonderful country I hope to explore more of.
Please see here for photos
The night ended after some food in a Irish Pub on Grassmarket with a band (if memory serves) called Absent Friends, met some nice people had a few drinks and then climbed the street to my hotel with a last glance at the castle.