Took a hop on, hop off bus tour of Glasgow today and liked what I saw. The city has a lot to offer. I arrived at my sit in the late afternoon, a couple of days before my host leaves.
A very sweet dog, a kind host and a terrific home and neighborhood — in the West End, near the University of Glasgow and many shops and walks. We went on one today that seemed postcard-like. Doggo walked well and is affectionate and clever. My host also kindly offered to drive me to Waitrose and pick me up after, so I’m well stocked. They also pointed out various places I might visit, including with doggo, who does well among people and pets. She’s easy to love.
The neighborhood includes a school with kindergarteners on up. I saw some walking home after school and they were so cute in their little uniforms. My host decided to get a Christmas tree and it’s lovely. Some of the little kids stopped to look at it in the window as I briefly waited to meet the host after their work.
Visited the spectacular Kelvingrove museum in Glasgow.
Loved everything about it — huge, magnificent pipe organ and a moving performance; gorgeous architecture; smart and fun curation; a welcoming and educational approach to art; beautiful grounds; a nice neighborhood near Glasgow University and more. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum — Glasgow Life.
If more museums were like it, art would be more accessible and appealing to a variety of people. They even have thoughtful offerings such as portable, foldable seats for visitors who can’t stand long or who want to linger or to watch the organ performances, as well as accommodations for people with autism, who might have sensory sensitivities.
They put art in historical and artistic context. There are brief and clear explanations about art techniques and the unexpected. And more.
The care, thought and innovation that have gone into the museum are notable. Even the museum shop is accessible, with a lot of appealing merchandise, including a number of items at lower price points, so almost anyone can afford to buy something of quality, highlighting the museum’s art. (The museum is free.) There’s also a separate children’s shop, featuring better merchandise than what many museum shops offer.
I had limited time and got slices of cake, a scone and sandwiches from the museum cafe as takeaway, for afternoon tea at my sit home. Those turned out to be delicious, better than some tea houses I’ve been to, surprisingly.
My host kindly invited me to stay a couple of days early and then encouraged me to visit the museum, as well as urged me to feel comfortable leaving her dog at home to sleep sometimes if I wanted to sightsee.
She’s the kind of host who understands that THS sits are supposed to be mutual exchanges, not just watching someone’s pets and home.
FYI, for any sitters who might visit Glasgow: The hop on, hop off bus allows dogs.
As it turns out, our driver LOVED my sit dog. He jokingly grabbed her leash and said he was taking her home with him, LOL.
The bus took us all over town and we ended up getting off at the gorgeous Kelvingrove museum at dusk, because it’s close to my West End sit home.
The museum folks were super kind. I happened across one who was taking a break and asked which side I should wait on, if I called an Uber. He stopped taking his break and walked us around the building, into the entry, and said there was a call button that staff could hit that would order a cab. (By then it was drizzling and my sit dog had already walked a good bit.)
The museum folks not only ordered us a cab, they walked out to us twice (we were under the entry way) and told me that the cab was running late, because it was raining during rush hour. They also loved on my sit dog.
When the cab came, the driver opened the door for us, and likewise did the same when we arrived home.
And when we’d originally left home earlier in the day, a nice lady who was just walking by offered to close the Uber door for me and my sit dog.
My sit dog helped me with a full Scottish breakfast, yum.
So nice to be able to stay in when it’s raining and have meals delivered. Some restaurants or pubs allow dogs, but I don’t like to have a pooch sitting on cold tile or such for long during winter, especially when it rains.
So I ordered and enjoyed breakfast in a relaxed, cozy home with music and my sweet little sidekick, who turns out to like black pudding. (She’s not that discerning, honestly, though.)
Her human says she can have some people food in her bowl, not at the table, so I mixed some bits with her kibble and wet food. She happily gobbled that up and looked for more when all was gone, LOL.
The restaurant also happened to sell various snacks, which you can add to your delivery. Thanks to them, I discovered two Tunnock’s treats I’ve not seen before.
I like Irn Bru, as far as soda goes. Funny thing in Edinburgh, when I had afternoon tea here (Afternoon Tea Room Edinburgh | The Signet Library), they offered a tea with the notes of Irn Bru, LOL.
I tried a pot. Pretty good, light. I also liked that they weren’t stuffy about tea.
Thank you, yes. I usually get a Christmas ornament from wherever I travel. My husband and I’ve done that for decades, so our tree is travel oriented and otherwise nostalgic.
We decorated our tree before I left for Scotland, and I have ornaments to add from Edinburgh, Glasgow and even Heathow, when I return home in a couple of days.
Terrific memories of Scotland from this first trip. I very much hope to return.
Glasgow Necropolis: 37 acres, 50,000 Victorian graves — many with beautiful architecture or sculptures. Next to Glasgow Cathedral. Built on a hill that overlooks the city. Incredibly rich history.
They allow dogs, so I took my little Glaswegian sidekick. I didn’t let her do anything disrespectful and she still had a good time.
My sit wrapped up today and I said goodbye to the sweetest doggo, who’s left a paw print on my heart. A very Glaswegian dog — social and charming, with a lot of spirit.
It’s my last day in Glasgow and Scotland, so I’ve crunched in a bunch before I leave. I checked into a hotel this afternoon and then:
Had a very late lunch at the Ubiquitous Chip in the West End. It was gorgeously decorated.
Then I went to check out Central Station, because I have a thing for vintage train stations.
Then stopped by the Pot Still, a bar well known for its hundreds of whiskies. Jura is this month’s pick.
Now I’m relaxing at my hotel before heading to The Butterfly and The Pig for a late dinner. I hear they have live music every night, so that should be fun.
During my explorations today, I happened across some great stores. I picked up fun gifts and treats. Like I found some dark chocolate Tunnock’s tea cakes, @Cuttlefish. I seem to remember you telling me about them.
There turns out to be a supermarket right by my hotel that sells so many biscuits and other treats that I’d consider going to buy an extra suitcase if I could carry more!
A full Scottish for the road and then off to the airport, where I’m resisting even more Scottish treats. Tempted to ask Zoltar when I’ll return to this terrific country.
Years ago on a plane, I met the nicest fellow traveler ever — thoughtful and courteous beyond normal. While visiting Scotland, I’ve found that’s actually typical with many Scots. I experienced that even at the airport this morning.
My Uber driver today — an Iraqi who’s lived in Scotland for decades — said he moved here because it’s kind and welcoming. I know what he means. What great people. So glad I visited, thanks to THS.
Very tempted by this Tunnock’s cushion at an airport gift shop. Unfortunately, I’m already loaded down like a pack mule, because I’ve bought a bunch of real Tunnock’s, LOL.
Love that you are enjoying your time in the Mother City.
, Tunnocks are a Scottish institution, only thing missing from that picture is Irn Bru! Love the tea in a Rennie Macintosh mug too 
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