On Scottish Soil

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I've arrived safely! What a long journey....interspersed with little interesting moments like having my carry-on bag searched at AUckland, being frisked for explosive substances in Melbourne and long, long hours of sitting still ...aaaaargh! Not much sleep...seats very uncomfortable, sleeping tablet didn't work ..awake after 2 hours!! A means to an end...it is so nice to be here with Maia and David 😊

Arrived at 1pm (UKtime) and went out walking in the afternoon to see a little bit of the immediate area around where Maia lives. Crashed at 9.30pm and woke at 8.10am today!

Trained (underground) to town, walked (yes, lots of steps Jane!) to various historic sites in the city, including the Cathedral, the Necropolis, the oldest house in Glasglow and St Mungo (religious museum). We were even lucky enough to be treated to a display of bagpipe playing. Stopped for lunch at EnTrading (yummy eco-friendly fare) and then a trip around some of the shops ....lots and lots of people with lots and lots of merchandise to choose from. No purchases made today.

Maia is busy making some lovely home-made soup for our dinner. I feel another early night coming on!

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Photos

Travel Companion
Does the excitement show?! My travel companion at Auckland airport waiting to go through to the Departure Lounge

There, I did it!
As promised, for those of you who thought I wouldn't! Me, wearing the delightful glasses lent to me by Lou. Thanks Lou!

Six minutes to go..
Almost too good to be true....six minutes til we land in Scotland.

Noise oh noise!
There we were, up the hill admiring the headstones at the Necropolis (as you do on a Sunday afternoon) and hark, what did we hear....yes, the drone of the bagpipes. We hurtled at some speed down that hill and discovered a group of bagpipers just waiting for us! When we were treated to a march of the bagpipes ...beautiful and much appreciated.

Scottish diggers
Would you believe it, what should I see in downtown Glasgow but three diggers! For Peter to appreciate (grin)

Comments

[Robyn Dodd]

What a long way to go
but you got there! looks like you are doing a lot!! Hope its warmer there than over here - lucky you we are getting some cooler weather now. Have fun. Robyn

[Nicola]

Wow! Can't believe your in Scotland!!! How was the flight? Those glasses are LOVELY, did you get any comments on the plane? Have fun, will keep checking the blog xx

[Amy King]

Airport Hazards
Yes well.... *ahem* if i was on border patrol i would definately search and frisk any suspicious looking lady who had a monkey in her handbag and some odd looking novelty glasses!!! I think they are trained to watch out for the weird looking passengers arent they? Surprised the sniffer dogs didnt get you, oh hang on, wait, its normally the luggage carosell that causes you the most problems isnt it? How did you go with that? Knock many unsuspecting passengers over?? LOL

[Amy King]

Seriously though,
Im glad you made it safely :) It looks like you are having a lot of fun!! Very jealous of you, keep the lovely pictures coming so i can see what you're up to. Missing you heaps xoxox love amy, mike and all the fur-babies (xxxx kitten kisses)

[carrie]

welcome
to the UK. Its a long time in the air, but as you say, a means to an end. Fancy them laying on a bagpipe parade for you, could be Waipu!!! enjoy yourself, and keep blogging. x x x

[jeanette]

wish you were here
Great to hear you are having fun and not missing us all Loved the glasses photo :-)) j

[Sue Obrien]

Enjoy
Hi Cousin Tineke, I am glad you arrived safely, enjoy your travels. Cousin Sue