We had the nicest, albeit rainy day, wandering the streets of downtown Glasgow in "the Style Mile". First stop was the apple store on Buchanan Street, just 2 blocks from the tube station. The iconic store is located in a very old sandstone building. The only modern touch on the exterior is the well known Steve Jobs symbol. One of the talented apple geeks quickly got this techno dunce back online and happy for just a cost of 5pounds.
Although we are doing very little shopping the walk in the elements, the browsing and people watching was most enjoyable. Glasgow is a shopper's heaven with high end department stores, trendy boutiques, incredible jewelry shops, cafes, bars, bistros and entertainment venues. Many of the shopping experiences have subtle, somewhat discreet entrances which belie the immensity once inside. One such department store called Frasers had a double glass door opening. As we entered we realized this behemoth stretched a full city block in width and depth, offering no less than 4 floors of displays and merchandise, complete with ballroom staircases, crystal chandeliers and a wrought iron cage lift. WOW!!! The jumper, I meanswester I loved for 275pounds.
We were in search of restrooms and discovered "Princes Square", again four floors of shops and restaurants all encompassed by glass dome and featuring a center court stage complete with grand piano. I have seen nothing in North America that compares.
The prices are dear, the fashion is high and everywhere there are people happy to help one spend the pounds. We wandered along what seemed to be an alley called Argyle Arcade. Tell me, when you think arcade do diamonds come to mind? This arcade was one diamond store after another, all with secured entrances the requirement that everyone remove headgear and sunglasses. The security guard was outfitted in top hat and tails (see below). The ring RP wanted to buy me was priced at 26,000 pounds but I felt it would break the budget and graciously declined.
We enjoyed lunch in a grand old building which once served as a counting house. The place was huge and packed with customers enjoying delicious, reasonably priced meals. The feature of the day was a 25ml taste of whiskey sample for 2pounds, which we sipped before our lunch arrived. RP had trouble choosing from the 18 single malts but finally opted for the Dalwhinnie. We enjoyed a hearty lunch of chili stiffed jackets potatoes.
I mentioned the high fashion, high priced goods. I am not quite sure who would buy shoes such as these or pay 169 pounds for the privilege but Soul Mates had many to offer. Spikes have taken on a whole new meaning for me. Please note that anything silver in the photo is a spike.
Oh, and the people watching I also mentioned. Notice this young lass with hair to match the leggings and the tourists having the time of their lives cycling in circular unison in George's Square.
We thought Skye was relaxing but today was the most laid back we have had now half way into our trip of a lifetime. We finished the day's adventures with dinner in a church. Right across the street from out hotel is a magnificent, very old church converted into a bar, a pub, a dinner theater, a private function venue and a restaurant. Yes, all that in one stately building.
We enjoyed yet another delicious meal and finished off the evening chatting with folks from home who are staying also at the Georgian House. Mark is a miner from Kamloops who is taking his almost 80 year old, spry and youthful mother from Parksville on a visit to her ancestral lands. They are heading in the direction from which we came so we shared tips and information with them. Small world it is. Seems to me I may have mentioned that before. By the way, I finally had fish and chips and mushy peas - yum, yum.
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