March 21, 2017. On to Scotland

LOCATION:  Glasgow, Scotland

WEATHER:  Mostly sunny. Highs in 40s

 

Today was a travel day from Belfast, Northern Ireland to Glasgow, Scotland.   

As we were walking to the bus stop, at first I thought we had forgotten some items as our backpacks were much lighter.  There, I realized it was because we were wearing so many clothes to keep warm!  I had on a t-shirt, a long-sleeved shirt, a windbreaker, jacket, stocking cap and gloves.  George was wearing 6 layers!  

 

 We took a bus in Belfast out to the docks area.  There are lots of ferries and cargo ships there. We boarded the ship for our two-hour crossing of the Irish Sea.

The ride was fairly calm, although barf bags were a hot commodity

We had a sandwich in the lounge and watched the ship approach green Scotland.

 

We disembarked in SW Scotland, in the middle of nowhere.  A bus picked us up and took us to a town about an hour away.  We passed through beautiful countryside.  Lots of baby lambs signaling spring.  The coastal views were pretty.  Relics of ancient castles dotted the landscape 

We passed by Trump's golf course resort.  The town is unhappy that the Trump name precedes the town's name on the sign.

 

We passed by lots of golf courses, including the Royal Troon where the British Open is sometimes played.  Very rugged-looking courses, right on the sea.  

   I loved these signs (Haste Ye Back) which bid us farewell as we passed through the villages.

 

 

Then, in the first fairly big town, we picked up the train and rode it about 30 minutes to Glasgow.  The Irish and Scottish are so friendly.  At the train station, I asked 2 security guards directions for our hotel.  They started kidding me about trying a dram of Scotch.  They told me about a really authentic pub and we joked about meeting up there later in the evening.  Somehow, I don't think American police would be so jovial!  

 

We found our hotel, got settled, and then went to the pub that they had recommended.  It has more than 700 brands of Scotch. The bartender was very helpful and guided us to buy some we liked.  We sat next to a couple our age who were having pre-theatre drinks. It was fun chatting with them.  We probably understand about half of what they said.  :-). Then, we invited a Canadian businessman who looked lonely to join us.  

DINNER:  We went to a Spanish tapas bar where they were having a special on tapas.  We shared several.....a seafood-stuffed red pepper, bruschetta, croquettes, chorizo and cheese.  All the waitstaff are from Spain.  I have noticed a lot of Spanish tourists and workers in Ireland and Scotland.  They don't know what will happen after Brexit.