shylustig

A New Year’s Day walk and Street Festival in Perthshire Highland

We started our journey from central Pitlochry once again, passing by the beautiful bowling green in the centre.

And then made our way to the quaint village of Moulin, just about a kilometre or so north of the town (I’ve blogged about this before).

This time we decided to explore the cemetery. It proved to be quite fascinating, with its different graves and rich history. There was also a lingering fog which added an eerie atmosphere.

Continuing on a familiar route, we passed an old castle, although not much of it remains today.

We traversed up and down several times until we reached the Black Spout.

I recently read about a tragic incident where someone fell 70 feet to their death in North Scotland a couple of weeks ago. Trust me; it’s easier to do than people realize, especially when distracted by taking photos in the middle of nowhere with their mobile phones.

Fortunately, we navigated the area safely and proceeded towards Athol Palace hotel, capturing shots of the small 9-hole golf course that surrounds the hotel.

Perhaps one day, I’ll write an article about the numerous 9-hole courses I’ve encountered in Scotland. It seems like every old hotel in the Highlands of Scotland has one. It would be interesting to discover who plays on them and who designs them.

Afterwards, we continued to central Pitlochry, as there was a street fest on New Year’s Day.

It was quite enjoyable and bustling. While the event had the obligatory hot chocolate and a mulled wine place, I think they could have offered more food choices and beverage options. Nonetheless, it was a pleasant experience. My partner and I decided to partake in a Gay Gordon or Canadian Barn dance, which turned out to be quite enjoyable. Despite the cold weather, the absence of rain added to the overall atmospheric charm.

The Cateran Trail – Part 4 – Bridge of Cally to Blairgowrie – 2 years after the last post!

It’s been some time for us to post here about this walk, and we STILL have a couple of stages to do.

This was a very much shorter version of the trail and we did NOT travel from Kirkmichael, but from Bridge of Cally. So as as of now, there are only two parts remaining; Bridge of Cally to Kirkton of Glenisla & then onwards to Lair.

The first part, to be honest, was a mess of detours, gravel and confusing signposting; but we got onto the moor in the end. Just follow the fence for a few miles!

In total, it was just under seven (easy) miles on foot, with brilliant weather and all in a southerly direction. The terrain was also quite easy but with outstanding views.

It was actually a very easy walk, and the weather was outstanding.

Once on the “high” plateau, it was more or less downhill, with not much in between.

As I remember, there was only one, very small settlement on the way, that offered eggs for sale!

And there were still enough signs to encourage you that you were on the right track.

From here, it was more or less downhill to Blairgowrie (forgive the simply awful website!)

It was interesting, that Blairgowrie calls itself the Raspberry Capital of Scotland, and coming down from above, no doubt it being in a valley, contributes to its “warmer” Scottish temperature. You can see the raspberry plantings / farms below.

Before we arrived, we noticed an abundance of garlic under many trees, but believe that it is not edible? We didn’t try it!

The town itself was very clean and looked exactly as I thought it should. We decided to catch a reliable bus service, back to Bridge of Cally (it was very easy to do this), and have our tea there, at the Bridge of Cally hotel where we were staying.

I believe there are only a few stages left; which I hope to finish in 2024.

Craigower Hill – Another small walk in Perthshire Highlands

What a shot! And a “castle” in the background, but it’s not a castle, it’s Athol Palace Hotel.

And yes, that IS a golf course there, Pitlochry Golf Club. Excellent cafe by the way.

We tried a very minor walk, from Pitlochry, that darling Victorian town in Perthshire Highlands, to a small National Trust owned hill, Craigower.

What an easy, interesting and surprisingly steep walk / hike. It started in the town, or at least close by to the aforementioned golf club, and then after passing by it, you walk straight up (below).

At one point, it’s necessary to cross directly in front of the club house and 18th hole if you wish, we did a slight detour around the course via an easier road, and could look back at the course and Pitlochry.

After this, it was straight up the hill track.

I imagine it’s impressive on the “summit”, but we found another person, no doubt a little crazy, who was in the midst of a wild blueberry / blaeberry patch, collecting these for later use.

We decided to do the same, and to take in the views from the top. From here, it’s possible to hike down to the next settlement, a metropolis called Killercrankie, which has an excellent cafe / National Trust property.

We went back the same way, this time through the course.

Where we did lunch.

Glasgow – A West End development

Glasgow has a history of demolishing and rebuilding, a cycle that repeated during the 1960s, 70s, and 80s.

It is rumoured that the Glasgow City Council, or the City of Glasgow District Council as it was known back then, may have demolished upwards of 38,000 to 40,000 tenement blocks. I’m uncertain if these numbers refer to entire tenement blocks or individual flats within them. The exact count remains elusive, but the consensus is that this approach was a disaster.

Instead of demolishing, they could have refurbished them, preserving their charm and the character of the areas involved. Unfortunately, the mass exodus to new areas, not only decimated community spirit but also led these residents to move into unpleasant, grey high-rises. Approximately, only 75% of THESE structures still stand, as the remaining 25% have ALSO been demolished.

In recent years, particularly in the West End of Glasgow, there have been plans to revamp Byres Road. The COVID pandemic may have caused delays, but there’s a concerted effort to make the area more cyclist and pedestrian-friendly, while reducing car accessibility. Plans were presented to the local community for voting through a website or at a community library in the West End (I believe); btw, I did not vote..

Judging from the photos (before the completed work), it doesn’t align with my vision of something positive. It appears monotonously grey, reminiscent of the old, grey, high-rises that replaced the tenements?

Although there is a smattering of red, the cycle of demolish, build, demolish, build – seems to be replaced with putting up something grey with a touch of red.

Several issues will arise, especially concerning the bike lanes. Pedestrians are already walking in them, and it’s unclear how they will function once completed. Additionally, the angles could pose challenges, making it difficult for moving cars to navigate, especially when encountering parked cars. Already, buses are experiencing delays due to these cars parked almost in the traffic lanes; creating significant traffic jams until the opposing traffic moves.

The effectiveness of this scheme will depend on how well it is policed. Monitoring and enforcement will likely be the key to the success of this initiative.

I’m not holding my breath.

Was für a Christmas Market – Edinburgh 2023

Hello! We recently visited Edinburgh to explore its Christmas markets, and it was of course, delightful with a fantastic atmosphere. What’s interesting is that there were so many tourists. We weren’t exactly sure that there would be such a large crowd, but there was. It was also interesting to hear all the different accents – German, French, Italian, along with English and American ones – thoroughly cosmopolitan. Unlike Glasgow, it wasn’t raining, or at least not too much!

What’s also intriguing is how Edinburgh easily lends itself to the experience, much more so than Glasgow. Once again, there’s a certain rivalry between the two cities, but Edinburgh boasts that castle, the huge mound, and the deep-ravine so close to Waverly train station. It’s a natural amphitheatre, and is just so much better than anything Glasgow could offer, at least in terms of atmosphere and natural topography.

We chose to stay in a nearby hotel because, from past experiences, coming back to Glasgow on the same night simply never worked out before. In this case, we could stay as late as possible and then make our way back, even if the hotel was completed overpriced (Editor: Aren’t they all!?).

I won’t disclose the exact amount because I can’t count that high, but it was a treat from someone I know.

However, after a walk of about 1 km, with a light show, you could finally get into the market, and spend a lot of money whilst in. One instance was £5.80 for gluhwein, or in this case, a Kirschwein (cherry wine). What irritated us was that some booths had a tip box for this overpriced stuff. Come on! This is utterly ridiculous. I shouldn’t need to pay a non-service tip.

If I want to tip someone, it should be for a service, such as serving my table with food, and NOT just for the point of sale. You can stick it up your ass!

As usual, there’s the atmosphere, the prices, and the fact that it was overly crowded. Where we went to, was the East Princes Street Garden market, which was the main one, but in reality it was part of the Edinburgh’s Christmas, with (see the Map above) several other places nearby.

Some “rose coloured” cafés to have lunch in – When did this trend start?

Interesting. The other day, I decided to explore the trendy Finnieston scene in Glasgow with my partner in crime. Over the last decade, this part of the city has witnessed an explosion of nightlife spots and a diverse range of places to eat, catering largely to a middle-class crowd.

During our exploration, we came across Derby Lane, a pub that doubles as a bar, café, and primarily a restaurant. Intrigued, we decided to have brunch there.

What caught our attention was the ambiance here, reminiscent of what I’ve seen years ago in London, particularly in Chelsea, when I walked by a place adorned with pink roses everywhere – on the outside, on tables, and on the walls. After an internet search, I’ve discovered that whilst in the process of going to Wimbledon, I believe in 2019, the place we stumbled upon was the Maitre Choux, that has now since closed.

Since then, a simple internet search reveals that these establishments have proliferated. I have no idea where this trend originated, but it’s fascinating how these places, whether classified as flower pubs, rose pubs, or girly pubs, have become widespread.

In fact, I believe they have now morphed into something called, rather horribly, Barbiecore pubs!? Who the hell started that tag?

Our brunch experience at Derby Lane was delightful. Priced at £11.00, the vegan breakfast was excellent (btw, I’m not a Vegan), and the service matched the quality of the food. As we enjoyed our meal, we couldn’t help but notice the diverse, young, crowd – I felt over-the-hill! A gang of three younger females had grabbed the window table, and I overheard that they couldn’t understand the concept of something called a “cd”!

I felt even more ancient. . .

The waiter, who seemed well-versed in all things Glasgow, engaged us in a pleasant conversation about just what to do that evening, as we had mentioned going to a choir concert.

He even shared some insights about a Gaelic choir in Govan, which I found particularly interesting. It turns out it’s located south of the river in Glasgow, contrary to what I initially thought – it’s not in the West End.

Overall, it was a very nice experience.

8 of 10

Equally, after running the dreadful Glasgow Half Marathon in October, the Merchant City part of the city was buzzing, and we managed to find a place at the Sorriso Cafe; yet another “rose” cafe.

This was again, completely middle-class and tolerable. Service was outstanding, considering it was packed, and the food was outstanding.

I had a stereotypical, egg and avo concoction, that was passable and was served incredibly quick.

8.5 of 10

Ryte

National November Writing Month – Been busy recently . . .

For those of you who might have missed me – not that you really did – I’ve been dedicating my last few months (a lot of preparation as well) to writing a book this year (and each year, since 2018). Don’t worry, they’re awful!

I once again decided to “enter” NaNoWriMo, the National November Writing Month, a rather peculiar challenge.

The task at hand? Write 50,000 words within the 30 days of November and proudly call it a “book”. This was the third time of 5 years that I’ve tried, where I’ve manage to breach the 50,000-word mark; alleluia!

What makes NaNoWriMo interesting is that it compels you to accomplish two things.

First, there’s the completion of the novel itself. When you start in November, is your choice, but the finish line is non-negotiable.

Second, it nudges you to establish a writing routine, a commitment of one or two hours every day, or even to wake up very early in your day, in order to write your 1600+ words per day! Surprisingly, I believe anyone can do it. Believe me, if I managed it, anyone can.

Now, here’s the catch: I’m not entirely sure if my book is any good. Furthermore, I doubt if it’ll ever see the light of day of a publisher or even self-publication (Ed; You’re being TOO optimistic!).

But, with over 650 million books sold in the UK in 2022, maybe? Just maybe. . .

However, the process does give you a goal, a tangible target to strive for. It’s undeniably intriguing when you have a daily commitment, a permanent deadline to adhere to. Yes, you can (and I did) fall behind schedule, but it’s possible to catch up. I wrote about 15,000 words the final week.

According to their website, over 400,000 took part around the world in the contest in 2022, with over 50,000 completing their novel. Not a bad ratio.

This year’s venture delved into the realms of historical science fiction blended with a touch of a murder mystery! The narrative revolves around certain urban myths that weave their existence in the fabric of Glasgow, Scotland.

Whether it turns out to be a masterpiece or a literary oddity, only time will tell.

Ha!

Ryte

Halloween is over so soon . . . Vegan Sweets & My Own Private Idaho

This is my first time in writing for some time, I can only say is, don’t buy another house and don’t travel too much, it’s so time consuming you don’t have much time to do blogging!

It’s only been a week since Halloween, but maybe that’s why I’ll start on this subject. And it’s interesting, as I live in a nice area called the West End of Glasgow and was asking someone the past few days, what if one of the brats here would actually ask for vegan sweets?

Vegan candy! And believe it or not, a person near and dear to me recently told me that this has actually happened (below).

Apparently, one of those person’s colleagues has children who were demanding it in a particular area in Glasgow in the West of Scotland; and when they were not provided with it, they proceeded to storm away from the specific house whilst trick-or-treating!

I don’t know if this is true, but good God can’t you file this case under first world problems?

Maybe so, maybe not.

But I digress. Halloween is actually a famous anniversary near and dear to me.

Because it’s 30 years to the day (Halloween 1993) when the late, great, River Phoenix, an actor from the 80s and 90s, actually died. The place of death being the infamous Viper Club in Los Angeles. That was or is now owned or at one time was owned, by Johnny Depp.

So several months ago, on this 30 year anniversary year, I decided to go to a screening of Phoenix’s greatest role, that of a male prostitute in My Own Private Idaho, to see just how good it was. Remembering that I actually saw this classic over 30 years ago in 1991 at the GFT (Glasgow Film Theatre).

I can only say that not only did this not disappoint, but was actually better from what I remember. Between him and Keanu Reeves, they did something that normally young actors don’t do – they didn’t posture during the film.

Anyway, anyone that hasn’t seen the movie should be told that it’s about two hustlers in Portland, Oregon & Italy, both male prostitutes who develop a friendship. One being very rich, the other being a grifter played by Phoenix.

The one part I had a problem with all those years ago, was the theme involving a Shakespearean storyline. I don’t know whether this was King Lear or whatever but I never thought that it worked. On second thought, it works perfectly, and sums up the dilemma that both of them must resolve.

In addition, Reeves was surprisingly outstanding (his character was caught between his lo-life style, and his soon to be rich life), but it was only a few years later, after he had made the dreadful Johnny Mnemonic, that the press and certainly the music press, started referring to him as Olivier. This being an obvious dig at his limited acting ability, which is utter nonsense, as only a few years later he then starred in the Matrix franchise.

The last scene involving Reeves was a fitting ending to the movie by Gus Van Sant. If you can see it, particularly on the big screen, go for it or if not, rent it or whatever on Amazon.

CB.

A Greggs Drive-Thru – A surprise in Clydebank, Scotland

They must be doing something right here, as it seems that Greggs is going from strength to strength.

Right now, there are about 14 of these in the UK, and they no doubt have intentions to open more. They, to me surprisingly, started 80 years ago in Gosforth, near Newcastle; and now have over 2,000 restaurants in the UK.

My partner in crime suggested that it would be new to go here, and so we did. The menu is the same, the shops though, being purpose-built, are more spacious and seem brighter and fresher than those you would find on the High Street.

Not that it was important, but I chose a chicken baguette that was simply fine and at a much cheaper price in a “normal” sit-in restaurant.

And though we parked and sat outside, the number of cars / trucks that used the drive-thru in the 20+minutes that we were there, was astounding.

Tips in Restaurants? Is it out of control now?

I had a recent journey to a mid-level café / restaurant in the West End of Glasgow, and immediately noticed that the prices had increased significantly (above).

It seems like the days of having a lunch for under £10 are simply over with, but it just wasn’t that; they also had a tip added to my bill, whether you liked it or not (as I saw no disclaimer indicating that it was voluntary?). It was ONLY 10%, but it seems that the precedent has now been set and I eagerly await when the 10% becomes 15%, and so on, and so on, etc. Something that has happened across the pond in America the last few decades.

In addition, during a trip to my local gym recently, I came across the video below whilst on the treadmill:

This, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_fMkXHYh6c, was a very fine critique of this phenomena and how some, if not many, are now simply fed up with this tradition. As well they should be(!) with now takeaway workers at a your local drive-in fast-food joint in America, now demanding them!

In addition, it’s not just the above video, but I ask you to go to YouTube and do a search for information on this topic; your results will come up with a myriad of different videos relating to this very theme.

My own opinion that has served me for a long time, is that tips should ONLY be optional, and the new system of adding these to your bill automatically, especially when they have not told you before, is simply outrageous and should be immediately banned by parliament.

I don’t make tips on my online job and neither do I expect them.