Glasgow day 2

On the Sunday, we had another lazy morning and went for brunch. (Though we both still miss the American style brunches. They definitely do the best.) The weather was much nicer (the sun does shine in Glasgow!) and we had a walk around the botanical gardens and then along the river into the centre of town.

One of the many greenhouses.

They thought we had food.

Killer plants.

Down to the river.

My plane home was delayed. Of course. So there was no choice but to sit with a nice glass of wine and chill out. I am already planning my next trip.

Glasgow day 1

Last weekend I took a trip up to Glasgow to see Caroline. I didn't get there until late on the Friday night, just in time for dinner and of course wine. :)

I have been to Glasgow before when doing my PhD but it was not a great trip (like most of my PhD!)  and I think I have blocked most of it from my mind. This trip was so much better.

The weather on Saturday was not great and rained most of the day. We had a very lazy morning but we went to the Kelvingrove museum and saw the cartoon exhibit, then took the tour bus around to the cathedral. 

In Kelvingrove park

The museum and it's random mascot

Cool Egyptian exhibit.

Superman cape.

The man

We3 - amazing cartoon. Cute kitty, puppy and rabbit who kill people.

Never figured this one out.

Crypt of St. Mungo, patron saint of Glasgow

Under Glasgow cathedral.

We had dinner at a vietnamese place near Caroline's. (She was using my visit as an excuse to try out new place and that was fine with me.)

Dinner.

Which was of course followed by cocktails.

Devil's Punchbowl and Waverley Abbey

Despite the weather forecast, the weather yesterday was amazing. So I went for a walk with a friend to the Devil's punchbowl in the Surry hills. The forecast also lied about the temperature which was a lot higher than I expected. So a hike probably was not my best idea. I melted more than a few times. But the scenery was lovely and very quiet.

Looking out across the punch bowl

Apparently the depression was created by Thor who get annoyed at the Devil and scooped up a handful of dirt to throw at him, creating the bowl.

From the trail

Looking back across the bowl

When we got back to the cafe, we cooled down with a drink and ice-cream in the shade.

Chilling.

On the way back we stopped at Waverley Abbey near Tilford. The original plan was to go there first but we did not do our research; there was a village fete at Tilford and the place was packed earlier.

Pond

Main abbey ruins.

The Abbey ruins are from some Cistercian monks, built in the 12th Century I think. And ruined by Henry VIII in the 16th, like so many religious buildings. Looking at the plaques, it must have been very impressive. There is nothing left of the main church and most of the buildings.

Cocktail class

On Tuesday evening I went to a cocktail making class with Betty in central London. Lots on fun.

Passion fruit Margarita

We made 2 different cocktails, a passion fruit margarita which was extremely tasty, and a mojito. I think we were supposed to have one of each; we had at least 3 of each in the end. 

I got there early,

For the most part they had made everything up for you and you put it together. But you could go up to the bar and make your own from scratch. Betty and I were there! The measures were more pour and see than measurements. So a few (most?) of ours made a fair bit more alcohol than your regular version. Especially when Betty was pouring.

Learning the shake.

Playing!

Both cocktails were very nice though I preferred the margarita. Thankfully the weather held out as we were outside.

Betty even got some guy out of his shirt by the end. (We didn't have a lot of food compared to the number and strength of drinks.) She did give it back though.

Very Jimmy Buffet.

Dad's birthday and retirement party

Dad turns 65 this week and officially retired on Friday. And he was so happy! 

I went home for a long weekend, travelling home Thursday. I had hoped the traffic would be better than on a Friday. But no. The M40 was a nightmare. 

On Friday we started the prep for the party and I got a hair cut as my hairdresser is awesome and it is crazy expensive in London. On the evening when Dad got home, we had a take away and a few bottles of wine to celebrate.

The party was Saturday afternoon and carried on into the night. And we had so much food. I forgot to take a photo (I was too busy getting drinks and refilling the food) but I did get some of the cake.

We did a little decorating, mainly putting up photos of dad around the house. He was such  cute kid.

My dad as a kid.

The weather held out for the most part (it started spitting a little at about 7pm) so most people were sitting outside for most of the afternoon. Everyone showed up so we had to dig out some extra chairs.

Birthday boy blowing out the candles. 

It was a great night. Everyone left with food parcels and we had to pour one person into a car at the end. (Thankfully as it was mom's car, she did not need the supplied puke bucket.) Dad had a great time and is already planning things for his spare time. 

I also got my latest project framed and picked it up this weekend. Due to the weight and size, it's going to have to stay at mom and dads until I have a house where I can put some holes in the walls. They are quite happy with this and I'll be lucky to get it back! It turned out better than I expected.