From JKF to Circus Drive

Thursday July 4, 2019

Due to our missed connection, we were given exit row seats on the flight from JFK to Glasgow - a gift. We left New York at 11:30 pm and landed in Glasgow at 11 am. Very smooth flight with some sleep. As we were coming into the airport, the beautiful, lush green fields were a taste of things to come. We were thrilled that our suitcases were actually there to pick up. We wondered how that would all work out.

When we arrived at the car rental place, they once again tried to get us to upgrade, but we learned our lesson the last time. Our lovely little, red Astra would do just fine! Dave quickly adapted to the stick shift on the left and driving from the right hand side of the car. Flo, our GPS, lead us on a wild goose chase, but we eventually got to our B&B - Craigpark Guest House - on Circus Drive. A huge house from the 1850s. The ceilings were 12’ with metal crown molding. Thomas was our host and everything was perfect.

We dropped our bags in the room and headed off to the city center - walking. It was a bit chilly (60 or so) which kept us moving. Once again I failed to pack the right clothes. Sigh.... It took us about 25 minutes to get to the city center where we were less than impressed. There were a few old buildings, but it wasn’t what we were expecting. Almost all of the buildings in the area looked like beige concrete boxes.

We did find a lovely place to have supper - The Counting House. At 4:30, the place was packed with people laughing and talking. The atmosphere was terrific. Being tourists, we had to ask what to do. “Find a table. Order at the bar. They’ll bring you the food.” When in Scotland try Scottish food! I had a steak pie and Dave had haggis. Haggis is ground up sheep organs. Sounds great doesn’t it? Dave thought so, after adding the whiskey sauce. He said it tasted like the barn. Enough said. I tried it and don’t need to do that again!

After supper we headed back to the B&B. A few groceries were needed so we stopped at Lidl’s. Very similar to Aldi. Food is so inexpensive here! We got lots of bread items, a bit of fruit, and chocolate. The essentials. :)

We were back in the room by 7 and my goal was to make it to 8. Dave only made it until 7:30. He woke up at 10 (pm) and it was still broad daylight. Fortunately he was able to get back to sleep. So ended our first day in Scotland.

One thing I learned today: If you knock on the door of your B&B’s neighbor, they will not come to the door. (We went to the wrong door.)
One new thing I experienced today: How easy it is to go through customs. It was just a matter of scanning our passports. We didn’t even have to talk to a border agent. So fast and easy, but we didn’t get a “Scotland” stamp which was most disappointing.
Most powerful moment of the day: Deciding to read a book about a Scottish queen from the 1070s. A quirky thing, but neat for me to do while I’m here. Hopefully we’ll visit some of the historic places mentioned in the book.
One pleasurable experience: Being able to get the lovely hard cider I can only get in Europe.