Once again we are reveling in the predictability of simple routines. Leisurely wake up. Unhurried baths. Breakfast at home, baby naps -- on schedule.
It's to be a warmer day today. The cab driver warned us -- if it goes above 20C (68F) in Glasgow, all cabbies are allowed to drive naked (it's that rare an event). I am expecting a lot of au naturel drivers by mid afternoon.
Let's get back to breakfast: I volunteer to go seek out the baked goods. In the past, innkeepers and AirBnB hosts used to leave literature with information for you. These days, they know you have better information on your portable device. My son-in-law is the information chief and he directs me to a bakery just around the corner. Snowdrop begs to come along on my morning adventure and so she becomes my photo prop for this morning walk. (Still a little wet, from her morning bath!)
(standing by the door to our flat)
We pass a grocery store called Whole Foods. No relation. It's in fact a small organics place and I go in just to pick up some tea bags, but end up carrying out additionally fruits and croissants. I blame Snowdrop.
Across the street is the wee bakery called Seb and Mili. Muffins, more croissants and for Snowdrop -- a slice of lemon pound cake.
(waiting for our turn)
You have very sophisticated taste! -- the shop keeper tells her. On the way home, we discuss the meaning of "sophisticated."
Sparrow is down for his morning nap. The four of us sit down to our breakfast. Again, Snowdrop is a girl who does not mind being my photo anchor. In the morning, I usually get at least some push back from any adults when I point a camera their way. Yes, even Ed.
Sparrow's up!
(Are we going out now?)
Our plan for the morning? We walk over to the main shopping drag of Glasgow. It's an unusual way to begin our city rambles, but it's keyed into such important considerations as days of the week and predicted weather patterns.
We are staying in the West End, close to the museums, the university, the parks. To get to the commercial heart, you have to cross the railroad tracks, so to speak. Glasgow has a cool vibe these days, but there are many neighborhoods that are struggling. Still, it is a fascinating city to visit and a great place to navigate on foot.
We eat lunch at a place called Bread Meats Bread. Good sandwiches, pleasant, relaxed atmosphere. And hot. The tables by the window take in the noon sun. Normally, this is a blessing in Scotland. Sun! Warmth! Wonderful! But northern Europe has been engulfed in a heat wave this week. It's in the 70sF (20sC) in Glasgow. So unusual! I think we'll all remember the lunch as being exceptionally and excessively sun drenched.
We do some shopping then. Pick up an item or two for people back home.
(no, not this, even though I do love the association of Scotland with sheep!)
And we pick up some items for the kids. Nothing ambitious, just joining in on what appears to be a very popular Sunday activity.
Later, when Sparrow naps, Snowdrop and her dad hightail it over to the park. The girl has been waiting patiently all morning for this. The two of them find not only a playground, but also an event, or, as she would describe it -- a fair.
It is, in fact a big deal -- termed MELA in Glasgow, it is a celebration of multiculturalism, with a special focus this year on the Scottish-Asian experience. Here's one quote describing what's at the park, just two blocks from us:
"As well as the performances across the three stages, there will be a huge selection of world food, clothing and goods stalls and entertainment as Glasgow celebrates its rich cultural heritage and all its communities."
What Snowdrop is drawn to are the "fair rides" -- a mini ferris wheel, for example.
Cotton candy. Unicorn balloons. (You know perhaps that the unicorn is the national symbol of Scotland, or, some would say -- of Scottish national pride.)
I visit the "fair" briefly when I step out to the grocery store. (having appointed myself as the mother hen that looks after the essentials. We need some more fruits, some household supplies -- the usual stuff of daily life). I only meander at MELA for a few minutes, but I find the scene to be really special, in the way that I always find positive statements about multiculturalism to be special.
And in the evening, we're out for dinner again, this time at the Ox and Finch. It's just down the block and it is spectacular! I truly think Glasgow offers some of the best moderately priced eating in the UK.
The Ox and Finch does small plates and that's just so good for us: everyone gets to taste a little of a dish (we order the recommended amount -- seven plates). I think we have unanimity among the adults as to which plate scored top marks: the venison carpaccio with juniper was outstanding. But the kids had their favorites as well. After downing a whole bowl of parmesan pasta, Snowdrop gobbled up all our lightly battered squid. And Sparrow? The wee laddie really loved his crowdie -- that's a Scottish cow's milk curd cheese that came alongside the carpaccio.
Both kids were a delight today. Still, Snowdrop is shouldering a hefty load of activity. Predictably, the lassie is quite tired by the end of the day.
The laddie? Two good naps and he's ready to take on art. Or anything else that we might offer.
Goodnight little ones. Sleep peacefully tonight. Tomorrow is another beautiful day.
It's to be a warmer day today. The cab driver warned us -- if it goes above 20C (68F) in Glasgow, all cabbies are allowed to drive naked (it's that rare an event). I am expecting a lot of au naturel drivers by mid afternoon.
Let's get back to breakfast: I volunteer to go seek out the baked goods. In the past, innkeepers and AirBnB hosts used to leave literature with information for you. These days, they know you have better information on your portable device. My son-in-law is the information chief and he directs me to a bakery just around the corner. Snowdrop begs to come along on my morning adventure and so she becomes my photo prop for this morning walk. (Still a little wet, from her morning bath!)
(standing by the door to our flat)
We pass a grocery store called Whole Foods. No relation. It's in fact a small organics place and I go in just to pick up some tea bags, but end up carrying out additionally fruits and croissants. I blame Snowdrop.
Across the street is the wee bakery called Seb and Mili. Muffins, more croissants and for Snowdrop -- a slice of lemon pound cake.
(waiting for our turn)
You have very sophisticated taste! -- the shop keeper tells her. On the way home, we discuss the meaning of "sophisticated."
Sparrow is down for his morning nap. The four of us sit down to our breakfast. Again, Snowdrop is a girl who does not mind being my photo anchor. In the morning, I usually get at least some push back from any adults when I point a camera their way. Yes, even Ed.
Sparrow's up!
(Are we going out now?)
Our plan for the morning? We walk over to the main shopping drag of Glasgow. It's an unusual way to begin our city rambles, but it's keyed into such important considerations as days of the week and predicted weather patterns.
We are staying in the West End, close to the museums, the university, the parks. To get to the commercial heart, you have to cross the railroad tracks, so to speak. Glasgow has a cool vibe these days, but there are many neighborhoods that are struggling. Still, it is a fascinating city to visit and a great place to navigate on foot.
We eat lunch at a place called Bread Meats Bread. Good sandwiches, pleasant, relaxed atmosphere. And hot. The tables by the window take in the noon sun. Normally, this is a blessing in Scotland. Sun! Warmth! Wonderful! But northern Europe has been engulfed in a heat wave this week. It's in the 70sF (20sC) in Glasgow. So unusual! I think we'll all remember the lunch as being exceptionally and excessively sun drenched.
We do some shopping then. Pick up an item or two for people back home.
(no, not this, even though I do love the association of Scotland with sheep!)
And we pick up some items for the kids. Nothing ambitious, just joining in on what appears to be a very popular Sunday activity.
Later, when Sparrow naps, Snowdrop and her dad hightail it over to the park. The girl has been waiting patiently all morning for this. The two of them find not only a playground, but also an event, or, as she would describe it -- a fair.
It is, in fact a big deal -- termed MELA in Glasgow, it is a celebration of multiculturalism, with a special focus this year on the Scottish-Asian experience. Here's one quote describing what's at the park, just two blocks from us:
"As well as the performances across the three stages, there will be a huge selection of world food, clothing and goods stalls and entertainment as Glasgow celebrates its rich cultural heritage and all its communities."
What Snowdrop is drawn to are the "fair rides" -- a mini ferris wheel, for example.
Cotton candy. Unicorn balloons. (You know perhaps that the unicorn is the national symbol of Scotland, or, some would say -- of Scottish national pride.)
I visit the "fair" briefly when I step out to the grocery store. (having appointed myself as the mother hen that looks after the essentials. We need some more fruits, some household supplies -- the usual stuff of daily life). I only meander at MELA for a few minutes, but I find the scene to be really special, in the way that I always find positive statements about multiculturalism to be special.
And in the evening, we're out for dinner again, this time at the Ox and Finch. It's just down the block and it is spectacular! I truly think Glasgow offers some of the best moderately priced eating in the UK.
The Ox and Finch does small plates and that's just so good for us: everyone gets to taste a little of a dish (we order the recommended amount -- seven plates). I think we have unanimity among the adults as to which plate scored top marks: the venison carpaccio with juniper was outstanding. But the kids had their favorites as well. After downing a whole bowl of parmesan pasta, Snowdrop gobbled up all our lightly battered squid. And Sparrow? The wee laddie really loved his crowdie -- that's a Scottish cow's milk curd cheese that came alongside the carpaccio.
Both kids were a delight today. Still, Snowdrop is shouldering a hefty load of activity. Predictably, the lassie is quite tired by the end of the day.
The laddie? Two good naps and he's ready to take on art. Or anything else that we might offer.
Goodnight little ones. Sleep peacefully tonight. Tomorrow is another beautiful day.
