Glasgow, Pipers, Bus tour

8/13/14

Sarah, Roscoe, & Stuart

   After an almost full Scottish breakfast (you remember: eggs, Canadian bacon, beans, a tomato, but without the blood pudding this time), our son and his family was brought over by Marcos, their host. Kate, his wife, joined us later. At first we talked about heading into Glasgow for a bus tour but the idea seemed too strenuous for the younger Lanes so they opted to return to Kate & Marcos's home for some rest and relaxation. Totally understandable (after all keeping up with a 3 year old and a 6 month old on a trip such as this can be quite draining)!

Sarah boarding the commuter train.

   I wasn't sure, at first, that I wanted to attempt the bus tour so Sarah suggested we meet some friends of hers (Sam and Francis, a couple a bit older than Bob & I) to watch a preview of the International Pipers Competition. Immediately my interest was perked and I was no longer aware that I was tired from traveling down from the highlands. For you see, when we were in Edinburgh, I missed out on hearing the famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, which was quite disappointing. But here I was being offered a second chance to hear real live bagpipe music; I was beyond excited.

On the train and we are having fun!

   So the 3 of us (Bob, Sarah, & myself) hopped on the commuter train in Larkhall (another fun thing I hadn't done in years) headed towards Glasgow, Scotland's largest city, to join Sam and Francis. I was giddy with excitement! We got off the commuter train and following Sarah, we made our way to St. George's Square where we would meet up with Sam and Francis to listen and watch the pipers.

In the US we call it a Dollar Store!!

Here it's TK not TJ

Lovely flower arrangements scattered here and there. Bee-u-tiful

   Back home in August, the temps can become quite hot and unpleasant–Oh, but not here in Glasgow. With temps in the high 50's and low 60's, graced by sun and clouds, we were free to stroll, watch, and listen to Scottish accents in abundance (never grew tired of those strong rolling r's). Couldn't describe why the Scottish accent is so captivating, but I could listen to it for days on end! 
   I will continue this blog post next time and will show you a bit of the bagpipe demonstration I saw.