I do understand that for some the title of this may seem a bit (or even a lot) off character, as Glasgow has had the misfortune of being labelled one of the more undesirable Scottish cities to visit. However, last February I fell in love, and since I was on a solo holiday I decided I needed to visit again to explore a bit more. It was every bit as charming this visit -- if not even more so with the amazing blossoms everywhere -- that I know this is a city I will visit over and over.
Such blossoms,they were so enormous and vibrant!
The Punk Glam King took the Punk Glam Princess to Florida to do the whole Disney/ Universal thing, and since I wilt in the heat I was seeking more temperate climes, especially after our recent heat wave in NY. I wasn't disappointed, and even seemed to have brought some NY sunshine which made for a lovely visit.
First order of business after the warm welcome back to the luxurious Blythswood Square Hotel and Spa (full follow up review to follow, they deserve a post of their own), was a joyful reunion with Queen Michelle. After catching up, we hit the beautiful ancient streets of Glasgow for a lovely wander about and of course just a wee bit of shopping had to be fit in!
One of Glasgow's old buildings with a fantastic metal peacock sculpture atop.
A close up of the peacock sculpture.
Later that evening Prince B met us at the hotel bar for drinks, where I enjoyed great conversation with both Prince B and Queen Michelle. I don't think I really wanted the night to end between the lovely bar and the good company!
Spooky iPhone photo of Prince B and Queen Michelle!
Queen Michelle and I at the lovely Rally bar at the Blythswood Square.
The next day was my reunion with Queen Marie, and all three of us Queens hit the town running! So much fun was had wandering the markets, stopping for a tea (or in my case coffee) breaks and just laughing and enjoying each others company. My prize for the day was two large pieces of 50s barkcloth for a mere £3! There's enough for me to redo all my patio cushions as well as my front porch love seat if I use a coordinating solid for one side. I know it sounds rather dull, but here this would have cost me $50 at the very least!
Three happy shopping Queens in front of one of the markets!
Tea and coffee break for the weary shoppers!
Goofy iPhone shots, as you can see the time difference and my refusal to slow down is catching up with me!
Gosh I really treasure these silly candid shots so much, they reflect all the fun we were having!
The remainder of my stay the Queens were ever so gracious and drove me around the city to all their favourite vintage haunts. Of course we fit in a wee splurge at Primark which is the only place on earth where I can purchase a pair of jeans off the rack, without trying them on and have them fit perfectly. I have an extremely hard time finding jeans due to my very small waist and hate that bloody waist gap I find in brands both inexpensive and high-end. How do they do it?? It has never failed to amaze me!
Shot from a parking garage of the city.
The city of Glasgow has such charm, I feel its sad that most decide to forgo visiting for other cities. There has been so much urban renewal, with lovely pedestrian malls that house beautiful old buildings where you'll find all sorts of shops with various price ranges. Wandering the streets alone on my last evening (after practically causing a scandal at the hotel, as apparently this is something a single woman shouldn't do -- um, I'm a New Yorker, lived in some pretty rough neighborhoods, and since I believe I can handle myself anywhere, I can!) I was quite melancholy, thinking of the next time I get to visit this lovely city.
I know my wonderful return visit to Glasgow has to do with the amazing Queens. They are two of the most creative, talented, gracious, fun, and beautiful women I'm proud to call my friends. It sounds trite but I feel so blessed to have them come into my life and treasure their friendship the same as those of friends I've had for many more years!
In a few days I'll write more about my second leg of my journey to my second home, London.
Cheers!
I'm jealous that you got to meet the Queens! I want to meet them!
ReplyDeleteI hope you do get to! We need to get them to NY so we can rip the city apart with fun times!
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S.
you've met the queens! swoon! how cool is that? ^_^
ReplyDeletelove how you documented it... thanks for making this post!
oxx from http://www.sweetfancytreat.com/
Yes, and they're every bit as lovely as they seem on their blog! Thanks for coming by and commenting! XXX S.
ReplyDeletewoooah! it seems like you had fun ladies!!
ReplyDeleteEven more than I can relate with words! Thanks for stopping by and commenting! XXX S.
ReplyDeleteThanks for writing such a wonderful review of Glasgow. It gets a bad name, but I've lived here for over 10 years now and there's city on earth that I love more. And I don't hink twice about wandering about on my own at any time of the day or night. Hope you can come back some day.
ReplyDeleteMadame G x
Thanks for writing such a wonderful review of Glasgow. The city gets has such a bad reputation. I've lived here for over 10 years and there's no other city on earth that I love more. And I never think twice about wandering about on my own. I hope you get the chance to come back some day.
ReplyDeleteMadame G x
You're very welcome Madame G! I've known of it's bad rep for years after living in London and knowing people who were from there. Unfortunately they were the worst ambassadors for the city! I truly love Glasgow and know I'll return many times over the years to come! Thank you so much for coming by and commenting! XXX S. PS wandering around on my own any time of day was perfectly fine, so phooey on those naysayers!
ReplyDeleteAh what fun!! You look fab and I'm loving the Primark jean tip, I too have this problem. So glad you got the right royal welcome xx
ReplyDeletePrimark's dressing room lines always make me insane so vie risked buying without trying on, and been amazed every single time! After emailing a pic to my husband he said to go get more, which of course made perfect sense! I highly suggest if you have a small waist to check them out! They seem to last quite well too, which again baffles me at those prices! Another tip is if you're petite to check out the girls section, I got the cutest dresses - very All Saints-ish for a tenner each. They've been worn and through the laundry twice and still look great! I try to keep away from disposable fashion, but I've been very lucky with Primark so far. Thank you for the compliment and for stopping by and commenting!
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Suzanne
Hiya PGQ, Your blog is gorgeous! Thanks so much for your comment on the Madonna music clip - what a fantastic anecdote - I really appreciate you sharing your experience:). Good to see that you too aim to grow old disgracefully - can't see any better way to do it! It's so good to hear some positive travel tales coming out of Glasgow - I've never been so I can't comment but believe the best adventures are had in spots away from the tourist trail. I'll be back and I'm following! xo
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by! You'll have to one day visit this fantastic city, I'm sure you'd just love the fashion and all the markets. Be sure to look for my next post the 5* hotel, swoon.... thanks so much for stopping by, and keep growing old disgracefully, its the only way to go!
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Suzanne