Two days in Glasgow

 

Caught the local bus from Dunoon that crossed the Clyde by ferry before heading to Glasgow, arriving in the early afternoon. Offloading the bags at the hotel before heading out for a walk in Merchant City area.

We had always stayed over in the West, so this was an interesting venture into the unknown. It was not a disappointment, especially the volume and diversity of eateries.

 George Square was festooned with festive lights and home to the annual Christmas market, pubs and restaurants with their live entertainment. Mainly  young ladies blasting out modern popular songs.Competing with the cacophony of youthful banter of officer partygoers. As well as the usual stalls vying for the lucrative Christmas buyer and the elusive pound.

 

The first night we dined in the heart of Merchant City, in one of many restaurants that encircle the indoor market. Once again Judith had found an offer on Itison. Two course dinner with a bottle of wine for two, for very little money. £24 .

After witch we headed to the tallest cinema in the world ( or so they say) and watched the new Murder on the Orient Express. Great filming, but l couldn’t get to grip with Kenneth Branagh as Poiret.

On the second day we shopped till we dropped, although most of it was window shopping from the inside, having frequent breaks for he odd snack and refuelling.

In the early evening we ate at a restaurant across from the library, One Up, another offer, but main and cocktail this time.

It was ok, but nothing special, yet the visual entertainment provided by other partygoers was fascinating. Especially the private Karaoke located to one side of the bar/restaurant in a separate soundproofed room. Music bellowed every time a person entered or exited the cube.  A massive window gave a voyeurs view into the steamy gyrating  performances of the alcohol induced would be artists. What it is to be young, immune to the structured constraints and formalities of later life.

 After our fill, both via the mouth and eyes, we adjourned to our favourite pub, The Horseshoe Bar on Drury Street. Busy vibrant, stunning bar, attentive staff. Great beers and wine. 

On the last day we walked to the Peoples Palace for a view into Glasgow's social history, followed by a walk over the road to the old carpet factory, that now houses a brewery and restaurant.