Old city; New friends!

8/15/16

Capturing a selfie as we strolled the streets of Glasgow
on our way to St. George's Square!

   Perhaps, like me, you knew nothing about St. George's Square? Therefore for your benefit (and mine) here's a bit of history that explains the significance of the place.

St. George's Square

George Square is the principal civic square in the city of Glasgow. It is named after King George III (king of Great Britain and Ireland from 1760-1801, and the infamous king who provoked the Boston Tea Party and eventually the American Revolution). The square was laid out in 1781 and is the home today of the Glasgow City Council. It boasts an important collection of statues and monuments, Robert Burns (famous Scottish poet 1759-1796, author of Auld Lang Syne), James Watt (inventor of the Watt steam engine, 1736-1819), and Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832, historical novelist-remember Ivanhoe or Rob Roy?).  

Our new and immediate dear friends.
Sam & Frances

Behind us is the pipers. My cup runneth over!

You know how you meet some people and immediately you feel you have known them all your life. That was Sam & Frances. Warm, friendly, kind, hospitable; genuinely Scottish. My life was enriched beyond my expectations for having been introduced to them by Sarah. Friends forever, now! My true Scottish treasures.

Now, listen to the pipers. Unfortunately, you won't have the benefit of Sam's beautiful Scottish accent enhancing the music with his comments, but you will find a way to enjoy it I'm sure. (I naturally assume that everyone loves bagpipe music as I do, but realistically I know you might not. So for those of you who enjoy the pipers as I do, enjoy!)

   

   

 

If you listen carefully you can faintly hear
my friend Sam narrating the performance.

              

And may I offer a bit of practical advice! Don't ever refer to a Scottish kilt as a skirt. Sam told me that some have lost their lives for this unfortunate slip of the tongue. And I won't tell you why he felt the need to give me such advice!!!!!

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. 

Larkhall - August 13, 2015

1/20/16

   We reluctantly bade farewell to lovely Inveraray and headed our van towards our first of two trips to the town of Larkhall –the home of a former e-pal friend where her daughters and husband were  awaiting our arrival.
   As we drove through Larkhall, we stopped at a Subway (yep, just like back home).While eating our good ole American meal, we were able to connect with Sarah via Kate. Kate & her family had volunteered to put up Bobby & his family during our stay there, while Bob and I were staying with the Wadsworth's. Bobby had Kate's number, fortunately, so we called her to get Sarah's phone number and how to get to Sarah's home.  God had gone ahead of us, once again!

                                                      

   My excitement was building and I was having one of those 'moments' as we approached Ruth's home! Many times I had written her address on packages that I had sent to her, but this time, it wasn't just my package that was arriving there physically–it was me!! Yet, because Ruth had passed away in October of 2013 from cancer (post of 10/8/13), this 'moment' for me was a mixture of both happiness and sadness. 

farewell picture of Bob & I with Sarah, Stuart, Rachel, & Benny

   We had written each other about my dream of coming to Scotland not knowing if such a dream would ever be realized. But there they stood; Stuart (Ruth's husband), Sarah & Rachel (Ruth's twin daughters) and their gentle border collie–Benny, my dream fully realized but without my friend, Ruth. 

   I missed her so much. It just seemed incomplete to be with her family and to be in her home without her being present. We had shared so much over the years and I longed to reminisce with her about all of that. 

   But as we sat in her living room among her family, listening to them talk about their lives and their wife and mother, I began to realize that she was there in the faces and smiles (and, yes, tears) of her family.  

   Later on Sarah took me to the cemetery to visit her mum's grave where we spoke a tender prayer together, and during my last night there Rachel showed me the memory book she had made of her mum. It was comforting to me that Ruth and I were able to continue sharing with each other during these moments. 

Ruth, Stuart, Sarah, & Rachel

   During our initial visit in Ruth's cozy living room, I was asked about how our relationship started. I told them about the lady, Roberta, from the Scottish Baptist Union website who had put me in contact with Ruth. As it turned out, she was a friend of  Ruth's and right off recommended me to her. Thus a very satisfying and pleasant relationship ensued for the next 10 years. 

   In my next post, I will introduce you to some of the extraordinary people, who now I claim as dear friends, to which Sarah and her family introduced us.

Castle DunEagle, Highland cattle, Wading in River Aray!

8/13/15
 After packing up, we drove up to Inveraray Castle. Bobby had ordered our tour tickets online, so it was an easy matter to take our tour.

   In the season finale Episode 9, A Journey to the Highlands, (2/17/13), the Crawleys head to the Scottish highlands, Castle Duneagle, to enjoy the hospitality of Rose's family. When I got home, I watched Episode 9 with the perspective of having gazed upon the magnificence of the castle with my own eyes. Wow, that was surreal!

   Here's a picture of the cast of Downton Abbey that hung on the wall in the Tea Room. I'm thinking that the Duke of Argyll's family (seat of the Clan Campbell) welcomed the extra draw afforded them due to their decision to allow their castle to be the setting for Rose's home.

But first, let's check out the cattle nearby!

   Before entering the castle, I strolled over to the pasture behind the castle for there was a small herd of Scottish Highland cattle grazing there. Being the country gal that I am and being already fascinated by this unique breed of cattle, it was my intention to get a good look at them. 

   I did some research and discovered this breed originated from Scotland and is one of the oldest breeds in the world (mention is made of them as far back as the 6th century).   Highland cattle, as we know them today, originated from two classes:  (1) the slightly smaller and usually black Kyloe from the Western Isles of Scotland (2) the other, a larger animal, generally reddish in color, from the Highlands. But today both of these strains are regarded as one breed. 

   While they are a hearty breed and can survive easily in the remote and cool climate of the Highlands, their long hair makes them somewhat intolerant to heat. But in spite of that, Highland cattle can be found in all 50 states, even in Tennessee (but  mostly in Middle & East Tennessee. Gets too hot in West Tenn., I'm thinking!)  

   And here's an interesting little tidbit of additional info I found out about these Highland cattle. The Univ. of Glasgow, did a study on them and their beef was shown to be almost 23% more tender than commercial beef. It also contained almost 7% more protein, 17% more iron and averaged 4% less cholesterol.

   Shep seemed to be interested in this hairy cattle as well. He will have quite a surprise when he comes to the farm in a few months and takes a look at the short haired cattle on his great grandfather's farm. Especially after he has lived in Scotland for awhile!

(*See link below for info on Highland cattle)

 Okay, let's get back to the castle. 

  When you enter the castle, you will enter what they call, Armory Hall. Here they have arranged many muskets, swords, and a variety of arms in decorative patterns on the walls. 

   As the Crowley family strolled through this room, you will notice how they kept glancing upwards. Well, now I know why. Those patterns went all the way up to the top of some very high ceilings!

   Do you remember the scene at Duneagle when the family was setting down for dinner? This is the room where that scene took place. And the rather larger centerpiece on the table figured prominently in the closeups.

   You can just google Inveraray Castle if you want to see more of the castle. 

Next, a delightful Scottish moment involving wading!!!!

   After touring the castle, we decided (well all but Bob) we would walk across the bridge over the River Aray and try out the wading possibilities. We were not disappointed, as you can see by these pictures.  

   If you know me, then you are well aware of my fascination with the clear running water of mountain streams. Where I live the stream beds (or creeks as we call them) are of mud, and when the rains come and fill them up with water, it is disappointingly (to me anyway) brown with mud.

   I will share with you a portion from my journal that describes this event, "I had a moment—because here I was in Scotland wading in a stream!! Who would have ever thought I would be doing this!"

Wrapping up our visit in Inveraray and heading to our next adventure!

   Shortly after my wading moment, we reconnected with Bob and went back to the Bramble for a late lunch. While we were finishing our meal, Bob & Bobby stepped across the street and brought back some ice cream. The flavor was whiskey! And it wasn't just whiskey flavoring; it was the real stuff! Tasted pretty good, actually, as you can tell by the following picture! (Bob wasn't the only one who tasted this ice cream, but he was the only one who got his picture made tasting it! You know I just couldn't let this moment go undocumented!)

   I made a final stop at one of the shops nearby and bought a Christmas ornament. (Hanging it on my tree this year brought back a flood of Scotland memories. ) 

Then we popped back into the van and headed for Larkhall! 

*http://highlandcattleusa.org/content/AHCA%20Brochure%208-15.pdf

8-13-15

Fishing in the Loch!

Bobby had ordered a new fly rod and I had brought it with me. He got his first chance to try it out in Loch Fyne with Shep right at his heals. I was impressed with Bobby's willingness to satisfy his son's curiosity and desire to try out the rod. (especially since the fly rod was brand-new and definitely not a child's toy)

The view was breathtaking (typical of the view we were blessed to see in Scotland). And even though no fish were caught, no one goes away from a fishing experience empty handed when the view is so spectacular!

The Bramble and it's delights!

 Because we reserved a room, we could enjoy a free breakfast. And this my friends was no continental breakfast like you might be accustomed to in the States. Instead it was a full breakfast variety.  I ate from the set out choices and it's pictured here. This was only a small selection of what was available. Rich and delicious would be a good way to describe it. I drank cream in my hot tea and grew to prefer it! Oh, and by the way, when you order hot tea in Scotland don't bother specifying hot or cold. They only recognize hot tea. So tea is always hot. I never did try and order iced tea. I suppose I could have, but it was on the cool side there, and when it's cool (or cold) my drink of choice is always hot (be it coffee or tea)!

Bobby, on the other hand, ordered a full 

Scottish breakfast (prominent on any breakfast menu wherever we went)which included:                                                                                                                      

-half of a fresh tomatoe
-thinly sliced ham
-potatoe scone
-link sausage
-baked beans
-one egg
-black pudding (which is made of pig's blood, fat, oats, barley, and spices, all stuffed in a length of intestine)




(Note in the picture to the right that I, yes that's my hand, held a bite of black pudding. I could not return home without at least being able to say that I had tasted black pudding. And you know, it didn't taste bad, not at all. But I just couldn't get past the fact that it was made of blood!) 

Inveraray, the village

8/12/15

Overlooking the still waters of Loch Fyne, Inveraray is a tradition county town of Argyll. Founded in 1745 by the 3rd Duke of Argyll, head of the powerful Clan Campbell, the town is a classic example of an 18th century planned town...

 Photo of the street we first pulled into.

I'm sure this vessel is the subject of many a tourist's photos. It just quietly sits there on Loch Lyne begging for someone to take its picture. You know, I think we heard that it was for sale! Now wouldn't that be a buy!

Notice the sign in the upper right of this picture, The George. This is where we all had dinner. Having developed a taste for lamb, I happily consumed a plate of roast lamb, mashed potatoes, green peas there. Yum, yum! 

The Brambles was a bistro and bakery that accompanied several guest rooms in the back of it. This is where we spent the night (but longed to stay more) before touring the castle the next day.

Next time I'll show you some pictures of Bobby & Shep fly fishing in the loch!

Tea Room and Gift Shop of Inveraray Castle

8-12-15

Downton Abbey cast
displayed on the walls
of the tea room

We drove to the castle before going to our room. Of course they have a gift shop that contains everything you could imagine for a tourist to buy. I had decided before I came to Scotland that shortbread would be the perfect souvenir. There before my eyes were a variety of shortbreads in a variety of packaging. It was quite satisfying to take care of most of my souvenir shopping in one place. The gift shop and the tea room were all located in the basement. So after stocking up on souvenirs (mine were mostly shortbread) we visited the tea room. Why is it tea and scones taste better in Scotland and in a castle? These scones were soft (some are hard) and with clotted cream, and raspberry spread over them–well, let's just say I felt very Scottish as I munched.

                                                                                           

You have to walk down the steps
to get to the basement. You see it
under the walkway to the first floor.

 

A book signed by the current Duke of Argyll which is sold in the gift shop. I knew I  couldn't remember all the things I saw and heard about in the tour we were going to take the next day, so buying this book seemed the right thing to do.