this trip's overview

San Francisco to Glasgow

Babbity Bowster, Glasgow

Babbity theme

Glasgow

George Square, Glasgow

Glasgow shopping

Glasgow for kids

Culzean Castle

Aberfoyle, Trossachs

Doune Castle

Sterling Castle

Ballachulish

Corpach, Ft. Williams

Loch Ness

Glenfinnan

Pink Guest House, Isle of Skye

Brae Ness, Inverness

Urquhart Castle

The Summer Isles

Ibis, Edinburgh

Omi in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle

The Witchery

Craigmuller Castle

back to Glasgow

Edinburgh to Düsseldorf

restaurant recommendations

One of the pleasures of a Glasgow summertime is strolling around, hanging with the Glaswegians.

Here we are on Buchanan Street, on our way to Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow's most famous thoroughfare (sadly not because of the architecture but rather because it is such a popular street for shopping).

The name Sauchiehall comes from "saugh" (willow tree) and "haugh" (meadow). It was a winding lane, narrow, but widened in 1846 to the long, broad street you'll see here.

Everywhere we go we see pipers - you may know how I feel about bagpipes and kilts - and the kids are delighted.

Here we are, about to start on Sauchiehall (pronounced "sucky hall") Street. Notice the summer attire. It was a beautiful bit of weather; the people who counselled us to come at this time of year were spot-on.

All pastels on butcher paper (itself taped to the stones). It took a lot to keep the kids from running over or touching the paintings. Impressive talent.

As we approached the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall we heard very clear notes; clearer than would be coming from a radio...

... and it was, the wonderful tones of a saxiphone filled the air. One again the kids took a variety of Euro-cents from me for his busking basket. They're getting to really like paying off the performers.

Halfway down Sauchiehall Street we came across Miss Cranston's Willow Tea Rooms, designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh in 1904. Not just the interior architecture, but the furniture and ceramicware. The first-floor "Room de-Luxe" has been restored for those "keen to experience the splendour of a bygone era and take tea just as they did in the same rooms and interiors 100 years ago."

Here's Lila and Rose, checking out the dessert menu. Isaac was asleep in the stroller for most of our time here.

Here's the headquarters of The Royal Highland Fusiliers, founded in 1678. "Princess Margaret's Own Glasgow and Ayrshire Regiment." Famous kilt-wearing soldiers. They have a small museum on the ground floor.

Next we visit kid-friendly Glasgow.