Saturday Travel Shot: “No Fly Tipping” in Glasgow

Think you know what the "no fly tipping" sign means? Leave a comment and I will provide the answer at a later date.

Tags: britain, europe, glasgow, scotland

Haggis, Whisky & Baby Kilts: My 48 Hours in Glasgow (Part II)

Sunday:

11am: I was able to sleep in a little late this morning, but hit the road running before noon to catch up with some of my fellow writers for lunch at Cafe Zique. En route from the hotel to the restaurant we encountered a little travel issue as one of our writers forgot their metro pass for the train. Without blinking an eye the transit worker gave her a free pass and said to enjoy her day. That truly was a pretty nice moment that I just do not see happening if I forgot my Metro Card in New York.

12:10pm: Cafe Zique was a great place to kick off my Sunday in Glasgow. The tiny corner cafe was jam packed with happy locals dining out with family and friends. Definitely had a great vibe and was great for people watching. I ordered the eggs Benedict and some much needed coffee after a long Saturday night. The food was outstanding and the coffee was damn good. Really loved this meal which gave me the fuel I would need for a long day of scouring the city.

1:08pm: If you are in Glasgow for a short time or an extended stay, I highly suggest you take a stroll down Byres Road. There were just so many great vintage stores, music shops and happy Scots wandering down the sidewalk with their family and friends. Also each street that intersected through Byres Road was lined with a few dozen or so beautiful brownstone apartment buildings. Kind of reminded me of Brooklyn.

1:39pm: If you had tweeted with me while I was in Glasgow then you knew I was on the hunt for a baby kilt for my little nomad that is due to arrive this April. Unfortunately I never was able to procure a baby kilt, but I did get to purchase some some great souvenirs for the wee one at these stores set up to raise cash for children charities.

2:30pm: Like whisky? How about brandy? Maybe even a little vodka? Then you will definitely want to make your way to a great place called Demijohn, which calls itself “the world’s first liquid deli.” I sampled a few adult beverages before picking up some apricot brandy for my sister.

3:11pm: Continuing with the theme of boozing it up, I stumbled down Byre Road to a great little place called Oran Mor. Actually this former church turn entertainment spot includes two bars, two restaurants, a nightclub and a private event space. I was here to check out the whisky bar, which was brilliant and cozy. I enjoyed a glass of whisky on the rocks and a good conversation with a friend for an hour or so before continuing on my way.

4:07pm: As a traveler I love to just wander aimlessly sometimes through a new city. Over the last few hours that was just what I did and I came across so many amazing shops that I look forward to seeing again someday. Just as I was on my way back to my hotel to get ready for dinner, I came across this monstrosity of a building. Not familiar with it, I asked a woman walking by. She informed me that it was the University of Glasgow. After hearing my accent, she asked me where I was from, telling her New York her eyes lit up as she exclaimed, “I will be in New York for the first time this June!” Love meeting new people while on the road.

4:20pm: I took a walk around the campus of the University of Glasgow and was in awe with the beauty of the architecture of the structure that dates back to 1451, making it the fourth oldest university in the United Kingdom.

7:30pm: After catching a cab from our hotel, it was the last meal of the trip together for the group of writers. Fortunately it was also a delicious one as we had dinner at Stravaigin. Meaning “to wander”, this restaurant, which opened in 1994, offers a great menu full of both classical and experimental dishes. The wait staff was informative, funny and very cool to all of us all night. The wine was flowing, the stories of our previous travels were shared and dessert was ordered.

10:10pm: On the advice of one the writers that has been to Glasgow before, we had a nightcap at Blue Dog. This was truly a great way to end my weekend in Glasgow. The laid back atmosphere of this wine bar/jazz club was perfect as a musician played popular tunes over piano. Of course being a music nut, I requested some Van Morrison. I didn’t want the night to end as it doesn’t get any better than drinking whisky over great live music and good conversation, ah what a night.

12:45am: But all good things must come to an end. Most of the writers had an early flight (fortunately I was not one of them), so we called it a night.

Monday:

10:03am: Feeling a little groggy but very happy to get home to my wife, I hopped into the car waiting to pick me up outside my hotel. As I drove down the street, memories of my whirlwind Glasgow trip kicked in. I really could have used another night in this city – especially at Blue Dog.

12:45pm: Up, up and away and back to New York I go. See you again someday Glasgow.

Tags: europe, glasgow, scotland, united kingdom

Haggis, Whisky & Baby Kilts: My 48 Hours in Glasgow (Part I)

You think you know a place…and then you visit it. Glasgow, Scotland was one such locale that I thought I was familiar with. I mean I had heard of haggis (although never tried it), I have been known to down a few glasses of whisky (not to be confused with whiskEy) and well I grew up on such pop culture characters that call Glasgow home as pro wrestler Rowdy Roddy Piper and Simpsons’ extra Groundskeeper Willie.

But after spending two days in the Scotland’s largest city I came away with a totally new and even more positive outlook on this often time overlooked destination.

Saturday:

12:02pm: After flying from London’s impressive Terminal 5 in Heathrow, I landed down in the very simple and somewhat dated looking Glasgow International Airport. I mean the place was nothing special, but at least I could get out of it in less than 10 minutes (which is usually not the case in London’s “Death Row” or my own local airport JFK International).

12:47pm: I arrived at the ABODE Glasgow Hotel, but could not check in just yet. So the bags were dropped and off I went to check out this new city I had landed in less  than hour ago.

1:23pm: Lunch time and I needed some grub in my belly badly. Some writers and a representative from Visit Britain joined me for an afternoon meal at the very popular and equally cozy fifi & ally. This would be my first chance to try the much talked about Scottish dish called Haggis. What exactly is haggis you ask?

(Warning: If you have a weak stomach, you might want to skip the next couple of sentences.)

Haggis is a dish containing sheep’s (sometimes cow or pig)  heart, liver and lungs. It is then minced with onion, oatmeal, spices, chicken broth and salt. Then it traditionally is simmered in the animal’s stomach for about three hours.

Well I tried it…and I loved it. I thought it tasted pretty damn good and had a little kick of spiciness to it (which I love). I washed it down with a local Scottish brew called Arran Blonde Ale. I made one observation while attending lunch here with my fellow writers…a lot of women dine at fifi & ally! Seriously every a few minutes 10-12 more females entered, some with babies, but mostly alone. It made for a sort of Scottish Sex in the City scene.

2:30pm: I hailed a cab (which are so much cheaper than in London) to check out local art exhibit called Trongate 103. Although the name sounds like a Scottish sci-fi convention, this six story Edwardian warehouse is actually filled with many great and unique pieces from some very creative individuals. Worth checking out if you are into local city art scenes and like free attractions.

3:45pm: I was finally able to check into the Abode Glasgow. Nice property in a good part of the city. I could easily walk to top restaurants and night life from the hotel within minutes. Some negatives to the property however included no Wi-Fi internet (had to plug laptop into a modem…very 2002), only four or five channels on the TV and the room was pretty cold at night.

7:30pm: After freshening up at the hotel and enjoying some dinner with friends, I made my way to Celtic Connections, which is Scotland’s premier winter music festival. It was a chilly Saturday night in Glasgow as I entered the Classic Grand to check out  some live music over a few cold beers. As I walked into a rowdy music hall full of Scots, the Bevvy Sisters were performing. This trio of Edinburgh women really impressed me with their absolutely amazing vocals. It was a shame that I showed up late because I was just getting into the band as they wrapped up their set.

Up next were the Deadly Gentlemen. A few writers and I were ready to listen to another local act.  But when the lead singer introduced the band, we immediately noticed he did not have that distinguishable Scottish accent, but instead sounded like one of us. It turns out that the band is from the States and currently reside in New York! Talk about small world. While they were not my cup of tea, it was pretty funny to go all the way to Scotland to hear some New Yorkers sing.

9:45pm: A few drinks were in order and Glasgow had plenty of great spots to hit up. Unfortunately we started the drinking part of our night a little late (Glasgow’s last call is 12am!). But some bars you should check out include the Buff Club, Winchester Club and Horseshoe Bar.

Notice the blurry vision? That is how I take pictures after some whisky

11:50pm: As the night was winding down the group I was with needed some grub. So the five of us crammed into a tiny fish n’ chips shop and ordered lots of greasy and fried goodness. This place unfortunately closed down the dining area, but did offer us five chairs to sit and eat. Never thought my night would end with four writers and myself squeezing into a corner and chowing down on unhealthy treats. But I wouldn’t have it any other way as it was pretty funny.

Check back tomorrow for part 2 of my 48 hours in Glasgow, Scotland.

Tags: europe, glasgow, scotland, united kingdom, visitbritain

Good Times in London & Glasgow

While I promised updates from the road, it just has been such a busy week in London and Glasgow. I will definitely have a full recap of my trip this week, with many images and travel tips as well.

It was a hell of a good time and thanks again to the great people at VisitBritain for their insanely gracious hospitality and mapping out a fun couple of days that I will soon not forget.

To be continued…

Tags: england, glasgow, great britain, London, scotland, united kingdom, visitbritain

London (and Glasgow) Calling

I am headed back overseas next week for a week long trip to London, England and Glasgow, Scotland courtesy of VisitBritain.

While I have been to England’s capital a few times (I just stopped by a few months ago en route to Sony’s Twilight Football Game at Tintagel Castle), this will be my first time checking out Scotland’s largest city.

I always love to travel to a new destination and Scotland in January, while freezing and a tad snowy/rainy according to the forecast, will definitely make for a great time.

Check back right here for updates throughout my trip between Wednesday January 27 and Monday February 1.

Cheers!

Tags: england, glasgow, London, scotland, Travel, uk, visitbritain