song of the day

(the grotty free-for-all basement of chaos in the Salvation Army, 12th and Kingsway)

Feeling a little lethargic? Jejune? Mauve? Check it…

New York Groove – Hello (via aquariumdrunkard)

Rummage

Some completely unnecessary (but cute) finds at the Sally Ann.  Polka plate from Poland, platter from England, creamer from Uruguay, tea cup from Germany.

song of the day

Detektivbyrån: Nattopet

song of the day

Dog Day: Oh Dead Life 

june and mia’s wee adventure

{Photos here}

I’ve just returned from 10 days in Scotland with me mum.  First I spent a full day at my parents’ house in Ontario where I was pampered with home cooking, good conversation and an endless supply of tea, and Country Living magazines. Their garden was in full spring mode – lush and green with a veritable ecosystem of birds and a pond full of frogs. A holiday oasis unto itself.

The flight to Glasgow was a measly 6 hours and quite comfortable. But we arrived at 4:30am their time, 11:30pm our time which meant no sleep and no room available to rest in. The challenges began when we tried to find the bus into town – it was completely unmarked and upon asking for help discovered what they meant about the difficult Glasgow accent (tho it seemed much easier later on). Lugged our bags from the station to the Old School House Hotel across from the Glasgow School of Art (designed by Charles Rennie Macintosh).  Dumped bags in lobby and headed straight out into the almost deserted streets (turns out it was a bank holiday – the rest of our days there were spent in a crush of people and the craziest traffic ever). Wired on a lack of sleep, and adrenaline, we walked for hours marveling at the stunning architecture – a dizzying patchwork of Victorian, Regency, and post-war modern.  By noon we had already seen much of the centre and the merchant city, and had reached the top of the Necropolis from which a panorama of Glasgow can be seen. After a rest in the 13th century cathedral, we headed for the popular Cafe Gandolfi for lunch (thanks Abigail for all the great suggestions). Then a short nap and a long walk to the West End for dinner at the Ubiquitous Chip in Ashton Lane. We were never short on great places to eat, Scotland is full of them.

The next day we walked around some more and looked at the work of Scottish designers at the Lighthouse Gallery (designed by Macintosh and the former Glasgow Herald building).  I recognized Donna Wilson’s dolls, and the fabulous Timorous Beasties. Lunch there at the Doocot Cafe.

Then off to Fort William on a narrow, cramped bus for 3 hours through incredible Highland scenery and along treacherous roads (seat belts were worn (snugly) at all times as advised). It was a beautiful town, somewhat marred by a 60s monstrosity near the station, but otherwise intact and lovely. The St. Andrew’s Guest House (a converted choir school) was a delight of homeyness – mismatched wallpaper and carpets, figurines a-plenty, rose scented towels, full Scottish breakfast.

Next day off on a train to Mallaig.  Rain but wonderful scenery.

Then by bus (another bone shaker) to Portree on the Isle of Skye. Beautiful unspoiled town with a gorgeous view of the harbour. More great seafood was had, and a long hike along the cliffs and sheep farms. Then a boat tour of the harbour – we saw a dolphin and lots of seals. Somewhat reluctantly, we got on another bus and went to Dunvegan Castle.

Back to Fort William. A hike up Cow Hill (“hill” being an understatement) revealed Ben Nevis on the other side (UK’s highest peak) and Glen Nevis below.  In the glen we happily discovered an old barn on a sheep farm that was beautifully converted into a rustic pub (Ben Nevis Inn). Fish and chips and pints were enjoyed. Then the long walk home.

The next day a hill-free walk to the ruins of Inverlochy Castle. Then back to Glasgow.

Our last day we took a short train ride to Edinburgh. Lovely scenery of rolling farms, old estates, crumbling churches, and unspoiled villages. Edinburgh was like a surreal dream of huge oppressive and opulent grey buildings. The old district was charming, and we could have walked for hours if we had more time (but we made our only mistake of entering Edinburgh Castle which was a tourist nightmare). Lunch at a quiet off-the-beaten-track French pattiserie.

Back to Glasgow for our last meal at Alla Turca – a stylish yet friendly new Turkish restaurant with more divine food, live traditional music, and a somewhat disconcerting belly dancer.

The trip home was somewhat less smooth. We got up at 3:30 am, but our flight was delayed an hour. The plane was cramped this time (and we forgot to select good seats). Jet lag finally hit us hard as we returned to 30C Ontario temperatures and blazing sun. Back to Vancouver where it was 13C and miserable with rain (memories of Mallaig!).

(Ma, check the mail for a wee giftie – sorry, it’s not a bottle of Auchentoshan but it is Scottish).